What Are The Best & Worst Years For The Honda Civic? [My Honest Review]

Since 1972, Honda Civic has earned a solid reputation as a manufacturer of automobiles.

Eleven Honda Civics have been produced, ranging from hatchback to sedan variations. The Honda Civic has been a popular and well-established vehicle for 50 years.

Honda Civic SI, a brand-new vehicle in its eleventh generation, has hit the market.

Now with that being said, here is the list of the best and worst years for Honda Civic that you should learn about.

Worst Years for Honda Civic:

1. 2001
2. 2003
3. 2009
4. 2016
5. 2008

Best Years for Honda Civic:

1. 1995
2. 2013
3. 2015
4. 2016
5. 2017

Now that you have learned about these years, it will be best for you to read them in full detail so you can have a clear idea and make the best decision based on them.

So without further ado, let’s get into the article.

What Are The Worst Years For The Honda Civic? Which Years To Avoid

To begin this article, let’s talk about some of the worst Honda Civic cars out there. These car models were considered the worst by many buyers.

1. 2001 Honda Civic

Coming to the first model, we have the 2001 Honda Civic model, rated among this car model’s worst years.

One of the major reasons why this is rated worst is because people presented their concerns regarding the airbags.

You might not know this, but the 2001 Civic year model received the most complaints regarding the transmission.

These issues started to worsen as people experienced transmission slippage, converter failure, and extremely poor headlights and reflectors which affected people’s driving journey.

Not just that, but this model also had trouble with the seat belts, leaving people feeling uncomfortable and unpleasant during their car ride.

2. 2003 Honda Civic

The next worst car model, or Honda Civic, is the 2003 one which ultimately gained its title due to the immense damage and hassles it created.

One of the major reasons this car model is rated worst is its relatively high cost of repairing it.

The process of replacing a battery may cause a couple of hundred bucks, making it extremely inefficient and unreasonable.

Moreover, the 2003 Honda Civic model has reported many issues since its release, including airbag problems, fuel pump failures, CVT failures, and so much more.

Many people have stated that in case of an accident, the airbag would not open, making it unsafe and dangerous for all the passengers in the car.

In other cases, people have said that instead of the airbag opening, it would burst with metal pieces hitting the driver and other passengers.

3. 2009 Honda Civic

The third car model of Honda Civic that I have is the 2009 version which, surprisingly, was rated amongst the worst models ever.

There are many reasons why many people who have driven the car gave such bad reviews.

One of the common problems with this car model is that it has a comparatively unattractive look, which makes the car look rather old and hideous.

People often talked about this car in regards to how awkward the exterior of this car model looks.

Not just that, but people did not hesitate at all to mention how terrible the car wheels looked.

In addition, people have said that this car model’s battery life was simply a concern for the passenger and the driver as it would run out quickly and often, creating enormous troubles and hassles.

4. 2016 Honda Civic

The fourth worst car model I have to offer is the 2016 Honda Civic model, which came with many problems and concerns for the driver.

For starters, many people who have driven the car complained about electrical problems such as transmission failures, Air conditioner failures, and heater issues.

The thing about this car model is that it does not end there, as the car also had issues with brakes, fuel system malfunction, and even steering problems.

In addition, the car was even presented with problems such as USB port failures, malfunctioning radio systems, and speaker issues, which made people quite uncomfortable.

5. 2008 Honda Civic

The fifth and last worst Honda Civic model that I have for you is the 2008 model.

Many people do not know this, but this Honda civic car model has more than 1400 complaints which go to show just how problematic this car model of Honda civic was.

People often said that the engine block would crack automatically without warning. It does not stop there; once this happens, the car starts to heat up, and the engine leaks coolant.

Not just that but another problem associated with this car model is that it has multiple airbag issues.

What Are The Best Years For The Honda Civic? Which Years To Buy

Now that the worst car models are out, it is time to talk about the best year for a Honda civic.

All of these models that I will mention are externally safe and have enormous benefits that help the drivers in the front seat have a pleasant and safe journey.

1. 1995 Honda Civic

Coming to the first best car model of Honda Civic car model that we have is 1995.

Many people do not know about the 1995 generation Honda Civic and its features, making it among the best car models out there.

This car is perfect as it is lightweight and can be safely driven by teenagers and new drivers with little experience in driving cars.

Besides this, it is also relatively cheaper to repair the car parts, which means it is affordable.

2. 2013 Honda Civic

The next model of Honda Civic is 2013. There are many reasons why this car model is regarded as one of the best.

From its adult, sleek look to the huge sunroof, the 2013 Honda Civic is surely the best model.

The great thing about this model is that all the features are advanced and designed to fit the needs and comfort of passengers.

For instance, the car comes with park sensors, a beautiful large sunroof, upgraded suspension, and even driving assistance to help the driver navigate the journey on the road.

3. 2015 Honda Civic

The third model of the Honda Civic, which was a huge success, is the 2015 model, and there are many reasons behind it.

Although this model had slight changes in the exterior, the car improved drastically in terms of its performance of fuel and engine.

Huge problem like airbags, fuel system, and transmission slipping was carefully dealt with and improved, thus making this model of car ideal for long distances and traveling.

Not just this, but the gas mileage was also improved in this 2015 year model.

4. 2016 Honda Civic

The best year of the Honda Civic is the 2016 version, which shocked many people due to its outstanding qualities and performance capabilities.

In this car, various changes were made to the exterior body to make it look more appealing and chic.

There were fewer complaints with this year of Honda Civic as compared to others as the gas mileage was upgraded and tires were of higher quality, ensuring every passenger had a safe and pleasant trip.

5. 2017 Honda Civic

If you are someone who loves modern and elegant look cars, then this next model of car is just the thing for you.

The 2017 model of Honda Civic comes with an electronic brake, multi-angled cameras, and electric parking brake but also has temperature controls and heated front seats.

All these features make the 2017 model the ideal car for use.

How Reliable Is A Honda Civic?

Honda cars are known for their outstanding as well as long-lasting reliability. If you are planning to purchase a Honda Civic, that is one of the best choices.

It is one of those vehicles with the most reliability ratings. According to the repair pal website, the Honda Civic has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Moreover, it is also said to be ranked third out of 36 compact vehicles in the market.

Another great thing about this vehicle is that it is ranked 1st place for having the best resale value and reliability, according to ikehonda.com.

How Long Do Honda Civics Last?

When used responsibly and maintained, the Honda Civic is known to be a sturdy car that can survive for roughly 20 years or so.

This indicates that if you own a Honda Civic, it will likely have between 200,000 miles and 300,000 miles of benefit before it fails.

However, maintenance is the key to keeping the car running for a long period.

Next, I will be discussing how you can lengthen the life of your Honda Civic and what things you should avoid doing so the car runs smoothly and for a long period.

What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Honda Civic

Most Honda Civics are known for lasting for a long time. But this is only possible with advanced care as well as proper attention.

If you want to achieve it, here are some great tips you can apply to see big changes.

• Make sure that you change the oil consistently, do it every 5000 km to 8000 km. However, it will be best to check the owner’s manual so you can have a better idea.
• Make sure that you change the parts whenever there is an issue. It is advised that you shouldn’t ignore even the smallest of problems in vehicles as they can grow bigger and create more serious issues.
• Make sure not to drive on unpaved roads because your air filters have the chance of lasting longer that way.
• Make sure you change the transmission fluid level, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant so the vehicle can run longer.
• Always check the tire pressure before and after driving, and if you notice they are uneven, then the best thing to do is to fill in the proper pressure. Make sure the tires have around 5 PSI.

Well, there you have it. With these tips alone, you can see a drastic change, and I assure you if you do this regularly, your vehicle will run smoothly and last for a long period.

Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Honda Civic

Here I will talk about the factors that can shorten the life of your Honda Civic, so if you want to avoid it from happening, this section will be worth a read for you.

• It is best not to ride on rugged and bumpy roads because they can damage the tires more quickly.
• If you fail to provide regular maintenance to your vehicle, it can get damaged more easily, affecting its lifespan.
• Make sure not to do any over-the-top transformations on your Honda Civic.
• You are highly advised to use the most high-quality components for the Honda Civic. This is because poor-quality products can damage the way the vehicle runs and eventually makes it lose its power quickly.
• If you fail to change the fluid level, the components will not be able to deliver the performance you expect or desire on the road.

If you want the best for your Honda Civic, then make sure that you follow all the pointers I have listed above.

3 Most Honda Civic Common Problems You Should Know

For you to have a thorough grasp of the Honda Civic and be prepared to handle problems should they arise in your car, I will be talking about the Honda Civics troubles here.

1. Emission Issues

A problem with the emission system warning appearing on dashboards has been reported by 2019 Honda Civic owners.

Numerous of these holders have just had their vehicles for a couple of weeks to a month on average.

Although several owners had their automobiles evaluated for potential emissions problems that might be turning on the indicator, mechanics had not discovered any.

If you have experienced the issue, check if the software has been updated by Honda because they released a software update that should resolve it.

2. A/C Issues And Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

Although it may appear to be a minor problem, many 2016 Civic owners have complained about how aggravating it is to have their car’s Bluetooth not function.

The owner’s phone may not be able to connect to the Civics Bluetooth, or the connections may keep breaking.

According to several owners, the USB in the 2016 model doesn’t function.

The 2016 Honda Civics faulty A/C system or complete failure is an even extra potentially annoying problem. The car can start blowing up hot air because of a leak in the A/C compressor.

You may have to pay an additional $200 to $300 for labor when replacing your air conditioning compressor.

3. Parking Brake Issues

The electric parking brake is another issue that has been reported for the Honda Civics tenth generation.

The tachometer display could show the warning “Electric Parking Brake Problem” out of the blue, and the owner might also see other warnings like the parking brake not releasing and blocked brakes.

Although some owners have been able to cure the problem by replacing the battery, it is still recommended to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle if you drive the tenth-generation model and have experienced this crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Honda Civic A Good Car?

According to the information, it is known that Honda Civic is a good and compact car.

Talking about the 11th model specifically, the 2022 Civic has the finest combination of features and magnificence.

Its high-quality production has made this vehicle number one among other cars. Moreover, as per a survey, this vehicle holds great reliability scores.

Q2: Do Honda Civics Hold Their Value?

This car has immense value around the globe. The strength of its sleek interior, lively performance and welcoming seating makes it pleasant to look at and appealing to put money into.

The 2022 Honda Civic ranking is based on its scores within the category of compact cars as well as hatchbacks and small cars. It holds an overall rating of 8.7 out of 10.

The 2022 Civic contains a fresh and modern cabin, plenty of technology, spry handling, and last but not least, it is fully redesigned.

Q3: How Many Honda Civics Have Been Sold?

Honda Civic is, without any doubt, one of the all-time best-selling automobiles around the globe.

With a maximum of 27 million units sold from 1972 till 2021. The average number of selling Honda Civic per year is 250000 to 320000.

Adding on, for the past five decades, Honda Civic has been one of the top three best-selling cars in America.

Q4: Which Honda Civic Engine Is The Most Reliable?

Honda Civic always comes up with great fuel economy estimates, which ultimately makes us realize that Honda Civic is a car always with good engines.

But the best and most reliable among them are F20C and Honda’s L engine LFA1.

Especially LFA1 engine was listed as the world’s ten best engines for the year 2019 as well as for 2020

Q5: Is Honda Civic Expensive To Maintain?

Speaking of Hondas, Civic maintenance cost is on the list of cheapest-to-maintain vehicles. The spare parts are easy to come by with low prices.

A Honda Civic will cost approximately $5,245 for maintenance in the period of the first ten years of service.

Referring to RepairPal, Honda owners pay around $428 per annum and realize the fact that this is much cheaper than the industry average of $652 per year.

Conclusion

This concludes our discussion of the best and worst years for Honda Civic. If you have read this far, I sincerely hope it has helped guide your decision-making process.

The greatest models of the Honda Civic, if you do decide to purchase one, are unquestionably from the 2013 through 2017 models.

I would also highly recommend you avoid the worst years of Honda Civic that are specifically mentioned in the article as it might be clear to you by now what problems they have and what makes them the worst years.

So always make thorough as well as safe decisions for your betterment.

References:
https://www.ranker.com/list/best-honda-civics/ranker-cars
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3-general-automotive-discussion/209524-7th-generation-reliability.html
https://www.surecritic.com/vehicles/reviews/honda/civic/1999