A review of every Honda Civic from 2001 until this year’s latest model has been compiled in this guide, categorizing the best and worst models.
The purpose of this guide is to explain the best Honda Civic generations to buy, and the worst Honda Civic generations to avoid, in the most recent Honda Civic generations.
The evolution, performance, and reliability of various Civic generations will be examined using authoritative sources like NHTSA , Consumer Reports, and J.D Power.
Your Honda Civic will be rated based on which year it is best to buy, which Honda Civic years have AC issues, and which Civic years have the greatest reliability.
Let’s dive right in.
Honda Civic Generations
A compact car that proves to be both iconic and bestselling is the Honda Civic , which made its debut in 1972. During an era of energy crisis, Honda Civic provided affordable and fuel-efficient transportation through its first generation.
An overview of Honda Civic generations from 2001 to the present can be found in the table below:
| Generation | Years |
| 7th generation (ES/EN) | 2001-2005 |
| 8th generation (FA1) | 2006-2011 |
| 9th generation (FB) | 2012-2015 |
| 10th generation (FC1/FC2/FC5) | 2016-2021 |
| 11th generation (FE) | 2022-Present |
As a result of recognising the generational shifts, it can be easier to compare the differences between model years, especially since many prospective Civic buyers may be concerned about specific upgrades or changes.
Honda Civic Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
We carefully evaluate the best, neutral, and worst Honda Civic years by taking into consideration a wide range of factors, including but not limited to:
An overview of ratings from the platforms above will be displayed in the upcoming graph.
The table below categorizes Honda Civic model years into three categories: best, neutral, and worst.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 7th generation (ES/EN) | 2004 2005 | N/A | 2001 2002 2003 |
| 8th generation (FA1) | 2009 2010 2011 | N/A | 2006 2007 2008 |
| 9th generation (FB) | 2013 2014 2015 | N/A | 2012 |
| 10th generation (FC1/FC2/FC5) | 2019 2020 2021 | 2017 2018 | 2016 |
| 11th generation (FE) | 2023 | N/A | 2022 |
“Neutral Years” refer to models that didn’t perform strongly in either direction – they weren’t hailed as the best but weren’t criticized heavily either.
Our evaluations are negatively impacted by certain factors, especially NHTSA recalls. The reliability score of a car is generally lower when there are more complaints and recalls.
Our next step is to examine which Honda Civic year has the best, neutral, and worst specifications.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Civic 7th Generation (2001-2005)
With the launch of the 7th generation of the Honda Civic in 2000, it was deemed a pivotal moment for the line-up, with detailed changes in both design and engineering that made it stand out from the others.
A Honda Civic is considered the best model year for this generation – 2004 and 2005 – while 2001, 2002, and 2003 might need extra caution, so they are considered the Honda Civic years to stay away from in this generation.
The Best Years: 2004, 2005
The 2004 and 2005 Honda Civic are undeniably the best years of this generation based on their fuel economy figures of 21 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
These vehicles were powered by a variety of engines, with the 1.7L SOHC VTEC engine being the most popular. They were equipped with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, which provided balanced performance.
No matter what budget and desire consumers may have, the car offers a trim that matches their needs, including the budget-friendly DX and sporty Si trims.
There was a lot of technological advancement in these years, including improved audio systems, power locks, and improved air conditioners.
In terms of safety, the EX trim offered side airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags.
Even though they have experienced great success, these years have not been without their fair share of difficulties. There have been reports of electronic glitches, primarily with the radio and the power windows, among owners.
The Worst Years: 2001, 2002, 2003
You should avoid Honda Civic years 2001, 2002, and 2003 due to transmission problems and expensive repairs.
Several owners reported experiencing slipping transmissions, gear changes that were delayed, and even complete transmission failure in severe cases.
There were also recalls to worry about in these early years. A recall involving the 2001 model, for instance, was conducted regarding exterior lighting and fuel pumps – problems that could result in sudden engine stalls.
Despite Honda’s efforts to fix these problems, there were still problems with CVT transmissions and sporadic electrical problems in the Silverado and Civic models from 2002 and 2003.
Furthermore, their compact, agile design and good fuel efficiency were among their advantages.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Civic 8th Generation (2006-2011)
As part of the 8th generation of the Honda Civic, introduced in 2006, the body lines of the automobile became more aggressive and the dashboard featured a two-tier design.
In comparison to 2009, 2010, and 2011, the 8th-generation Honda Civic did its best during its early years – 2006, 2007, and 2008.
The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2011
The 2011 Honda Civic is primarily the best model of this generation because of its improved fuel economy. A Honda Civic 8th-generation from 2009 or 2010 is also one of the most reliable options.
There were two models available, one with a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine and one with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. These models provided optimal fuel efficiency and impressive horsepower.
In addition to the standard DX and LX trim levels, the EX and Si trims were available as well as the well-equipped version.
The GX model, one of the cleanest internal combustion vehicles, was also available in these years, featuring a natural-gas-powered hybrid powertrain.
Further improvements were made to the fuel efficiency, which went from 19 to 45 mpg for city driving.
It became more common for mid-tier models to feature advanced navigation systems, USB audio interfaces, and stability control.
The Worst Years: 2006, 2007, 2008
You should “avoid like the plague” Honda Civic years 2006, 2007, and 2008 due to infamous engine cracks that cause coolant leakage and other serious problems.
Honda didn’t officially recall cars affected by this issue, but they did settle a class-action lawsuit, which resulted in many affected owners having their engines replaced.
These years also saw suspension problems, with owners often reporting excessive rear tire wear due to rear control arm problems.
As well as recalls, there were other problems. In addition to critical components such as the engine and suspension, there were also problems with exterior lighting.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)
The 9th generation Honda Civic introduced in 2012 underwent a significant evolution, gaining more technology at the same time as refining its aesthetics.
Based on reliability and affordability, the Honda Civic 9th generation might be one of the best Civic generations. It is only the Honda Civic year of 2012 that should be avoided in this generation, whereas the best Civic years are 2013, 2014, and 2015.
The Best Years: 2013, 2014, 2015
In the generation of Honda Civics, 2013 through 2015 are undeniably the best with high scores from Consumer Reports, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com.
There were mainly 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines featured in these years, paired with manual or CVT transmissions that balanced fuel efficiency and performance.
A range of trim levels was offered, including the base LX, a more feature-rich EX, the sporty Si, a fuel-efficient HF, and the top-tier EX-L model.
In 2013, the Civic was given an exterior facelift that addressed the bland aesthetics criticism that the 2012 Civic garnered.
A new infotainment system, enhanced ergonomics, and superior materials also made the interiors more enticing.
Originally released in 2014 and dubbed ” HondaLink “, this infotainment system is compatible with a smartphone, enabling features such as navigation and streaming audio.
In 2014, Honda introduced the “Honda LaneWatch” blind-spot display to emphasize driver safety.
Although the CVT transmission received great reviews, there were a few minor complaints, particularly regarding its responsiveness.
The Worst Years: 2012
There are some teething problems with the 2012 Honda Civic, as with many introductory models. The following are some problems with the 2012 Honda Civic:
In terms of aesthetics, the 2012 model’s design has often been deemed uninspired by critics. Even though the 1.8L engine performed well, the ride quality and noise isolation in the cabin could have been better.
There have been complaints of power steering loss, transmission glitches, and unexpected electrical problems among owners.
It was notable that a recall was issued regarding a left driveshaft prone to separation and loss of motive power in rare cases.
Some ratings, such as those from J.D. Power, showed the 2012 Honda Civic did well, but there was still room for improvement.
Best, Neutral & Worst Years for Honda Civic 10th Generation (2016-2021)
The 10th generation Civic was unveiled in 2016, displaying a dramatic redesign that was bold, innovative, and futuristic.
It is the best year for Honda Civics to be produced in 2019 and 2020, and the worst year for Honda Civics to be produced in 2016.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2021
On platforms such as Consumer Reports , VehicleHistory , Cars.com , and Kelley Blue Book , 2019, 2020, and 2021 were the best years for the 10th generation Honda Civic.
It was powered primarily by one of two engine options: a 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivering good performance and fuel economy, or a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that provided a spirited drive but was remarkably fuel efficient.
In addition to these engines, there are automatic transmissions and manual transmissions, depending on the trim level and preference.
There was a wide range of trims, including the base LX, the sporty Sport, the feature-rich EX, the fuel-efficient EX-L, and the top-of-the-line Touring.
There have been numerous improvements to the Honda Sensing Suite in these years, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
There has been a significant upgrade to the infotainment system, including an enhanced voice recognition system and a larger touchscreen with intuitive controls. Apple CarPlay has also been added along with Android Auto .
The Neutral Years: 2017, 2018
The 2017 and 2018 Civics were transitional years, resolving kinks from the 2016 models and laying the foundation for future success.
In response to user feedback, we refined the CVT’s responsiveness slightly in order to keep options broadly consistent.
In addition to investing in safety, Honda also gradually integrated Honda Sensing into different trim levels.
As a result of these years, Honda also introduced the Hatchback variant, which offers European flair and versatility.
The Worst Years: 2016
In this generation of Honda Civics, the 2016 model is the most problematic. The 2016 Honda Civic is a terrible choice for a number of reasons.
Steering wheels that are sticky or jerky are commonly reported by owners as uncomfortable driving conditions.
Many users reported malfunctioning AC systems and Freon leaks consistent with all 10th-generation Civic models.
Nonetheless, Honda took proactive measures by extending the condenser warranty on the Civic.
There was also a drawback in the infotainment system, which, while advanced, often lags or experiences unexpected glitches.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Civic 11th Generation (2022-2023)
There was a sense of maturity and refinement about the new 11th generation of the Honda Civic, which marked a departure from the more aggressive and bold design features of the 10th generation and brought it into an era of maturity and refinement.
Based on owner complaints, 2022 is marked as the Honda Civic year to avoid because of the high number of 11th-generation Civics on the market.
The Best Years: 2023
The Honda Civic continued to lead its class in 2023. It featured a restyled exterior with crisper lines, giving it a more sophisticated and sophisticated appearance.
There was also a minimalist design aesthetic, better ergonomics, and tactile feedback in the interiors.
Civics are available in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, and Touring. While the Civic Hatchback’s trim levels are LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring, most of them are the same.
There are two types of four-cylinder engines, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor in the LX and Sport models, and the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor in the EX and Touring.
In both sedans and liftbacks, CVTs come standard. There is, however, an option to have the liftback equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission if you have a Sport or Sport Touring model.
Despite its impressive fuel efficiency, this model only managed 23 mpg for city driving and 44 mpg for highway travel.
The Worst Years: 2022
Since the 2022 Honda Civic represented the introduction of the 11th generation, there were specific teething troubles.
In terms of overall drivability and overall experience, the most pressing concern was the continuation of the sticky steering wheel issue seen in the previous generation.
There have also been reports of system glitches, primarily related to the Collision Mitigation System and the Adaptive Cruise Control, which lead to intermittent activation when not necessary.
Honda Civic Common Issues (by Year)
It’s important to avoid certain Honda Civic years when shopping for preowned cars simply because they came with a long list of problems. Below is a list of some of the most common issues you may encounter per year, which may help you avoid them.
2001
There will never be a better Honda Civic than the 2001 model. The vehicles had a number of recalls and transmission problems, all of which cost an average of $2300 each.
2004
There was a heating issue with the fuses this year, which made it seem like the brand was having problems with fuses. There have been cases in which HVAC systems have needed to be replaced entirely, with costs as high as $200.
2005
The Civic models of 2005 were reportedly plagued with airbag problems. There were also many cases of warning lights that wouldn’t turn off. As a result, the airbags on this year’s model were recalled, which contributed to some damage.
2006
There were several issues related to the engine block cracks in 2006 Civics, including coolant leaks and engine failures. Drivers would have to pay for everything out of pocket even though the warranty did cover the engine block.
Common Honda Civic Problems
In the study conducted by RepairPal, the Honda Civic has been rated 4.5 out of 5.0 on the reliability scale, which places it third out of 36 compact cars rated for reliability. There are a few things you need to be aware of even though the Civic has a reputation for reliability:
Transmission issues
The transmission is a reliability issue to watch out for if you plan to purchase an older Civic. In Civics older than 2001, the transmission system was susceptible to slipping or failing completely. It costs an average of $2,300 to rebuild or replace a transmission.
Defective airbags
In the early 2000s, Honda Civics had Takata airbags, which were recalled in large numbers. There is a risk of explosion when these airbags are deployed. It is important to make sure that this issue has been resolved before purchasing an early 2000 Civic.
Body integrity issues
There are issues with the body integrity of the 2009 and 2010 Civics, such as peeling paint and cracked sun visors. Since there is no recall, owners are baffled by the widespread peeling paint.
Faulty A/C systems
Most Civic models manufactured between 2001 and 2004 have problematic climate control systems. The blower often stops working because of a bad thermal fuse.
Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years (Problems To Avoid)
FAQs
Are Honda Civics typically reliable?
Many people searching for dependable transportation choose the Honda Civic due to its reputation for reliability. A combination of Civics, Accords, and CR-Vs have helped Honda establish itself as a global automobile powerhouse. There are, however, some Civics that are not perfect (even Hondas make mistakes).
How much does a used Honda Civic typically cost?
Because Honda Civics are known for their reliability, they command a high premium on the used market. Due to tight supplies of used cars, this problem is exacerbated. There will be a significant variation in price depending on the model year and other factors.
In 2008, the average selling price of a Honda Civic sedan was $8,187, according to CoPilot Price Pulse. Because of current selling conditions, a 2019 costs $22,862, which comprises a 36% market premium.
Is the Honda Civic a good car to purchase?
Yes, of course. You should buy a Civic if you can afford it. As evidenced by the millions of Civics Honda has sold throughout its 50-year history. The important thing to note is that some Civic model years should be skipped.
Conclusion
The Honda Civic has had a long history, and over the years it has evolved into one of the most successful models on the market, and we can conclude that 2011, 2013-2015, and 2017-2023 are among the best Honda Civic years to buy.
Are there any experiences you can share that align with our results from the most recent Honda Civic generation?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
