Let's Review the Honda Civic
The One and Only Honda Civic
Brief History
Ahhh the Honda Civic. This is truly one of those beloved vehicles. It’s been cheap and reliable for over 40 years and that makes it an icon in many eyes. 🚗 👀
The first Civic was introduced back in the early 70s as a subcompact car. For anybody who remembers, there was a bit of an energy (oil) crisis back then. In response to the petroleum shortages, Honda took advantage and marketed fuel efficiency. The first gen Honda Civic had a small 1.2 liter engine, weighed less than a ton, and could hit 40 miles per gallon on the freeway!
It sold very well in Britain and in the U.S. initially costing less than $4,000! For a brand-new car. That’s about $24,000 in 2024. 💰And since fuel efficiency and carbon footprint was becoming more important in California in the 70s, the Civic’s arrival was perfectly timed.
The Honda Civic has maintained those defining characteristics of small, lightweight, fuel efficient, affordability, and reliability down through the decades. A sportier version came out in the 80s, and in the 90s, the Civic’s performance gained notoriety, along with a more modern design. In addition to the hatchback, a coupe and sedan were offered. The two-seater convertible, the Civic del Sol, also arrived on the scene.
By the early 2000s, the Honda Civic was already on its 7th generation, featuring more powerful engines, better safety and tech.
Visit the Express auto auction inventory and filter on the left for make, model, and more!
In this review, we’ll take a look at:
- Best Honda Civic years 👌
- Honda Civic Problems 😠
- Honda Civic Price 💰
- Where to find a Honda Civic near me at auction, particularly here at Express Auto Auction in San Diego 🛻
🏆 The Best Honda Civic Years:
The new 11th generation Honda Civic has rave reviews but not the longevity to prove its metal like the older Civic’s. You’ll likely find older cars at an auction lot, anyway.
The ninth generation, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Honda Civic have been praised by experts and consumers alike. Experts will talk about the performance, entertainment, and safety, while consumers will praise the miles these cars eat up day and night, hot or cold, flat or hill.
Other reliable years that are recommended are the 2011 Honda Civic, as well as the 2004 and 2005 Honda Civic (though the hybrids have problems). There’s also a lot of love for the fifth generation Civic’s, 1991-1995.
The 2011 Honda Civic, in particular, has very few complaints and the 2004-2005 Civic’s are comparable and even cheaper.
Check out our overview of the best used cars you can buy for under $5,000.
⚠️ The Worst Honda Civic:
The 2001 Honda Civic racked up a ton of complaints about the transmission, as well as airbag malfunctions. Think twice about this one.
The 2006, 2007, and 2008 Honda Civic were in some ways even worse. Engine trouble, cooling, visibility problems (particularly frightening), airbag, and suspension top the list when examining car complaints. And the list is pretty long. 🤢
The 8th generation was also plagued by body and paint problems, interior accessory issues, and wheel trouble.
Hybrids in the past, like the 2006-2011 second generation hybrids, and the earlier 2003-2005 hybrids had reliability issues, and expensive maintenance. 🔧
There’s a general rule that you don’t buy the first year of a redesigned car. The 2016 Honda Civic, which kicked off the 10th generation, is exhibit A. 😬
Electrical issues were a consistent nuisance, as well as steering trouble (you wouldn’t want a stuck steering wheel on the road 😰), bad brakes, and equipment failure, like a malfunctioning AC.
💲Price
If you’re looking for a reliable Honda Civic, then look no further than Express Auto Auction. We almost always have one of these on the lot.
The average price you pay for a Civic here is $1,700! 🤯
At a dealer, a 2005 Honda Civic with 147,000 miles will probably cost you $5,000. But at Express Auto Auction, you can expect to pay HALF of that!
👍 Honda Civic for Sale at an Auction Near Me
Express Auto Auction is located in San Diego on Paseo De La Fuente Norte.
We have online auctions open to the public every Saturday and Wednesday at 9am. Once you have a car in mind, set a budget, do your homework, and browse the inventory. We recommend you come by and inspect the car too so you know exactly what you’re buying! 👌