Honda Civic Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)
Since its introduction in 1972, the Honda Civic has gone through ten generations, and every year since then, new and exciting models have been introduced.
It is a compact vehicle with various body types, including coupe, sedan, and 4-door hatchback, to appeal to a broad range of customers. In addition, the Civic is available in various high-performance models and configurations.
The Honda Civic appeals to a variety of people. Power, speed, fuel economy, and economy modes via hybrid models are all handled by Honda, which also continues to produce high-quality vehicles that can compete with Toyota and Nissan.
VIDEO: Here Are The Best And Worst Honda Civic Models
Honda Civic Best and Worst Years
According to the information that is accessible, the best years for the Honda Civic are 2006, 2010, and 2013–2021. These versions are renowned for being dependable and effective. The Honda Civic’s worst model years were 2001 through 2005, 2007 through 2009, and 2011 through 2012, all of which had problems with the engine, catalytic converter, and engine water thermostat. The Honda Civic has experienced numerous changes over the years, and various models could have different advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before making a purchase, it is advised to study the particular model year and trim level.
What Years To Buy? List Of The Top Years For The Honda Civic
Honda Civics: Are they excellent cars? Which model years are the most dependable to purchase?
There are many excellent versions of Honda Civics, each with many features and power.
Let’s examine some of the top models:
Honda Civic 2017
The Honda Civic’s most recent version, launched in 2016, is still being updated today.
The fantastic 2017 Civic model was a part of this generation and was well-liked by customers and reviewers. The fact that it had so many unique features and improvements earned it the top position on this list.
The 2017 Honda Civic came standard with cutting-edge safety features and wireless smartphone charging across its four model levels. However, the vehicle’s build quality and style, based on the 2016 model, were distinguishing characteristics.
The car’s interior was cozy and spacious, and the fuel economy and good motor power make it an excellent choice for families and individuals who want to enjoy driving.
Honda Civic 2018
The 2018 Honda Civic gets to be a top-ranking vehicle in the year of its release, despite not measuring up to its Accord rival.
This is because the vehicle managed to have a few issues, which were, at best, minor annoyances and boasted a significant number of positives.
There are ten various trim levels for this five-seater sedan, with the Sport Touring being the best and most expensive. The vehicle also came in coupe and hatchback form types, making it suitable for various customers.
This, along with premium features like LaneWatch Camera and automated emergency braking, made it an excellent model all around.
Honda Civic 2019
Honda continued to produce the Civic lineup, releasing the 2019 model, which had three fewer trims, reducing the number to 7, but with subtle design changes that people quickly noticed. But, again, this was in keeping with the pattern of releasing high-quality automobiles.
The 2019 Honda Civic, available in three different body styles and offers good performance and mileage, provides a smooth and enjoyable driving experience even at lesser trim levels.
When promoting this five-seater, safety was also highlighted because the 2019 Civic would come standard with advanced safety features, which was well accepted by the target market.
Honda Civic 2000
The model 2000 Honda Civic should be ideal if you want an older vehicle or do not mind having one. It is a dependable car that can easily last generations with little to no maintenance.
This model was available in eight distinct trim levels and had a hatchback body style. When this model was introduced, Honda was at the top of its game, and no other car could ever expect to compete with the company in the Civic’s class.
The Civic continued to sell well even though hatchback car designs are rare in America.
Honda Civic 1999
I also bring up the 1999 Honda Civic, released with six distinct trim levels and available in the hatchback body style.
People have reported that they have readily driven this car for 21 years, and it is still going strong. Therefore, this model is known to last quite a while. Despite having a reasonably high output, the engine is smooth and does not vibrate.
The SI trim stood out among the other models because it had superior upgrades to the others and even a 60/40 folding back that was slightly smaller than the majority but significantly increased the cargo storage capacity.
Honda Civic 1995
The 1995 Honda Civic, which is arguably one of the most dependable and trustworthy cars on this list, comes along four more years later. However, even this model has a track record of lasting a very long period with little to no maintenance.
The vehicle has an elegant drive and a comfortable interior despite its age. It also drives very smoothly. When designing this model, longevity was the primary consideration because removing and replacing components is straightforward.
This vehicle is an excellent investment because it still has a lot of value today and is now very simple and inexpensive to find replacement parts for.
Honda Civic 1996
The 1996 Honda Civic, which debuted right after the 1995 model and offered five various trim levels, had many features that made it appealing to various customers.
This car is a wise option if you frequently drive in cities because of its exceptional fuel efficiency. This indicates that it is a fantastic vehicle for the entire family.
The vehicle itself is also a lot of fun to drive, and it comes in three different body types—hatchback, coupe, and sedan—that you can choose from depending on the trim you choose. It has anywhere from 104 to 127 horsepower.
Honda Civic 2021
The 2021 Honda Civic, which debuted on the market with six trims, is your best bet if you’re looking for the latest technological and contemporary advancements.
These trims supported sedan and hatchback body styles and had the best material grade available. In addition, both a manual and automatic gearbox was offered for this model.
The 2021 Civic offers drivers a fun and exciting experience, even at lesser trim levels, similar to many other excellent models.
Overall, this model offered excellent handling and had a strong motor. In addition, the car is a perfect, contemporary car for the family because it has plenty of interior cargo room.
Years To Avoid On The List Of The Honda Civic’s Worst Years
The years for the Honda Civic are blatantly obvious and so awful that you can identify them from a mile away. So it would be best if you avoided them.
Here are the details:
Honda Civic 2001
The 2001 Honda Civic is widely regarded as the worst model in the lineup and a vehicle that you should steer clear of at all costs by the entire automotive community and anyone who has ever purchased one.
This particular Honda Civic model had numerous transmission issues and a hazardous airbag flaw that went unfixed for over ten years.
As a result, this model was the subject of the most recalls ever, with gearboxes and airbags that were several decades old being recalled.
It makes sense why this is a car you should avoid at all costs given that the airbags are capable of hurling metal fragments at the passengers and that transmission failure is incredibly prevalent.
Along with the apparent issues already stated, the car also had suspension and body issues.
Honda Civic 2002
The 2002 Honda Civic, which experienced the same issues as the disastrous 2001 model, became the second most recalled vehicle after the 2001 Civic.
At 100,000 miles, the gearbox would just stop working, and transmission slipping was also frequent. The engine was also full of costly and difficult-to-fix problems.
This vehicle was also affected by the Takata airbag recall, which was a complicated issue because the airbags would launch metal fragments in the direction of the passengers when they were activated.
These airbags would be recalled many years later, further outraging the public.
Honda Civic 2006
While the 7th generation of the Honda Civic was generally unreliable, the 2006 model marked the beginning of another problematic generation of the lineup because the number of problems had surpassed those of the model from 2002, which had gotten very negative reviews.
The 2006 model’s interior, external, and internal components were all riddled with issues and practically falling apart. For example, the paint and clear coat would peel and fracture, and the bumper and sub-visor would come apart.
Premature tire deterioration and engine block cracking would result. The fact that these problems were reasonably typical in the car makes it one of the worst generational entry models.
Honda Civic 2007
The 2007 Honda Civic, carrying on the tragic 8th generation, would fail admirers and buyers by inheriting the same issues that troubled the 2006 model. Then, the clear finish and paint were still flaking and peeling.
Uneven and premature tire wear were both still prevalent, and the former also affected the wheel joints.
The side engine mounting started to fail frequently, and the engine block was still prone to splitting. In addition, the sun visor was still of low interior quality and disintegrating.
Honda must address problems that have been identified and raised for over a year and persist in their more recent models.
Honda Civic 2008
The 2008 Honda Civic’s body experienced one of the worst poor paint quality. The clear finish and the paint were flaking, flaking, and cracking.
The majority of the customers who purchased this model experienced these instances frequently. The 2008 model’s engine also performed poorly because the engine block was still cracking, and poor engine mounts were frequent.
Additionally, the engine would squeak when beginning. The wheels also experienced uneven wear, most of which was early. Failures from cupping and bearings were also frequent.
The 2006 Civic continued the pattern, but Honda was now catching up to them and would attempt to correct their mistakes in subsequent models.
Honda Civic 2009
With the introduction of the 2009 Honda Civic, which had noticeably fewer issues than its three predecessors, Honda began to make headway in resolving the issues that had persisted for three years.
But there was still a long way to go because the paint on the body was still peeling and splitting, and rusting and oxidation were now also becoming issues.
Since the braking system was prone to early wear, more work still needed to be done on it. In addition to being uncomfortable, the chairs also had broken locks.
Honda was unable to address the problems raised previously and still managed to introduce new ones, which is precisely what people feared would happen with this generation.
Honda Civic 2010
Honda had undoubtedly discovered what it was doing incorrectly and had since improved subsequent versions of the failing generation.
The 2010 Honda Civic was the following model in the lineup, and while it still had issues from earlier versions, they were considerably less severe. Unfortunately, the paint scenario, which was still out of control, and the rust issue were worsening.
The sun visor was no longer disintegrating inside but frequently splitting. But, unfortunately, Honda was still unable to stop the premature wear of the brakes.
Although progress was made, it would fully materialize in the 2011 Civic, leaving Honda with a highly disappointing generation.
Honda Civic 2016
Although it didn’t experience the terrible issues of earlier generations, the 2016 Honda Civic still had a number of issues, most of which were related to the engine, interior, and electrical system. Unfortunately, this newest generation of the Honda Civic also got off to an abysmal start with this model.
The dashboard’s display would occasionally stop functioning, and the interior’s Bluetooth connectivity was demanding. On top of the uncomfortable seats, there was a continuous beeping with everything.
The engine would stall during trips, and the AC needed to be in working order. Even though it doesn’t fall apart, this model made a list because it was uncomfortable and difficult to recline in.
How Safe Is Honda Civic?
Available sites state that the Honda Civic is a safe vehicle. The Honda Civic models for 2020 and 2022 earned the highest possible rating of “Good” from IIHS and a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA.
The NHTSA also awarded the 2023 Honda Civic a five-star rating for overall safety, with five stars in the side collision and rollover tests and four stars in the front crash test. The IIHS has also designated the Honda Civic a Top Safety Pick.
However, it’s essential to remember that safety features on different Honda Civic models and trim levels may vary.
Reliability of Honda Civic
According to the sources that are accessible, the Honda Civic is typically regarded as a dependable vehicle. With a reputation for dependability, longevity, and high resale value, the Civic has made a name for itself as a dependable option in the car industry.
Honda Civics from earlier model years can readily go over 100,000 miles; some have even had their odometers pushed past 500,000 miles. However, long-term dependability might be impacted by the contemporary Civic’s growing complexity.
Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have given the Honda Civic models for 2022 and 2023 good reliability ratings. However, it’s crucial to remember that the Honda Civic’s dependability can change based on the specific model year and trim level.
How to find the best deals on a Honda Civic?
You can start by looking for any current offers and incentives on web marketplaces like CarsDirect and Edmunds to find the best deals on a Honda Civic. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for updated Honda Civic discounts and incentives.
You can also bargain with the seller to get the Honda Civic for the lowest price. The Honda Civic is a famous vehicle, so discounts and incentives might not be as generous as those for less well-known models.
2006, 2010, and 2013–2021 model years are the best years for the Honda Civic regarding dependability and safety, according to the study.
Tips for maintaining your Honda Civic
According to the information provided, the following suggestions for maintaining your Honda Civic:
1. Adhere to the Honda-recommended service maintenance plan, which calls for regular fluid changes and inspections of various parts like the brakes, suspension, and steering.
2. The engine oil should be changed every 12 months or 7,500 kilometers.
3. Every 7,500 miles, rotate the tires.
4. Check the airbag supplemental restraint system ten years after manufacturing it.
5. At each gasoline break, check the engine oil and coolant.
6. Maintain routine tune-ups, which can run about $299 and include spark plug replacements.
You can increase the life and dependability of your Honda Civic by paying attention to these suggestions.
Additionally, it’s crucial to deal with any issues or problems as soon as they appear and, if necessary, obtain professional assistance.
How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?
Purchase a vehicle history report.
There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.
The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.
The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.
However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.
Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.
Owner Background
You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.
While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.
You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.
Repair Record
Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.
Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.
Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.
The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.
This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.
Inspection before purchase
Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.
A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.
A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.
Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.
Honda Civic FAQ’s
What year of the Honda Civic is the most dependable?
The Honda Civic performs best from model years 2006, 2010, and 2013 to 2021. The years 2001–2005, 2007–2009, and 2011–2012 should all but be avoided. The majority of issues are engine-related, though earlier Civics occasionally experience issues with the catalytic converter and engine coolant thermostat.
The most dependable Honda Civic motor is which one?
The Honda K20 and K24 motors are among the most dependable ever produced. The Civic, Acord, Acura, and other cars from 2000 to about 2015 contain them. The K20 (i-VTEC) is a 2-liter, inline-4 engine with 150–221 HP and 131–151 lb-ft of torque, based on the other parts.
Why should you stay away from the 2012 Honda Civic?
Others critiqued its exorbitant cost and dearth of features in comparison to other vehicles in its class. Along with numerous other issues, the 2012 Honda Civic also experienced paint chipping, brake failure, and motor stalling.
Can Civic compete with the Corolla?
Compared to the Toyota Corolla, the new 2022 Honda Civic provides more passenger and cargo capacity. In addition, the Honda Civic’s motor is larger and more powerful than the Toyota Corolla’s. The Honda Civic’s larger, more potent engine also achieves better fuel efficiency than the Toyota Corolla, according to EPA estimates.
A 2012 Honda Civic: a reliable vehicle?
The 2012 Honda Civic is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a used compact vehicle. With its smooth ride and secure cornering, the Civic is simple to operate on a daily basis. Additionally, it has an excellent fuel efficiency rating and receives top marks for reliability and crashworthiness.
John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer
Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.