2004 Honda Civic Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Still a class leader, the 2004 Honda Civic is the most refined, solidly built economy car on the market.

Pros

Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability and quality, impressive crash test scores.

Cons

Top-of-the-line models are pricey, antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.

What's New for 2004

In typical Honda fashion, the Civic receives a number of minor changes this year in order to keep it fresh. For the coupe and sedan, there's new exterior styling, including restyling for the front and rear bumpers, hood, headlights and grille. Inside, the audio speakers have been upgraded, extra sound deadening material has been added and floor mats are now standard in the LX and EX. The LX trim has slightly bigger wheels this year (15 inches) and standard keyless entry. A new value package contains air conditioning, a CD player and a new center console. For the Si hatchback, there are new headlight and taillight designs, larger 16-inch wheels and flashier interior trim. Like the regular sedan, the Civic Hybrid has updated styling, standard floor mats and improved speakers. It also has a new interior console with an armrest, adjustable rear headrests and a manual driver-seat height adjuster. Finally, all 2004 Honda Civic sedans and coupes have a new seatbelt reminder system.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Good overall car

Written by: jpc477 on 10/18/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2004 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is a follow up from my first review. I've had my car for 9 months. The gas mileage is wonderful - on a 2k round trip, I averaged 38-40mpg on the highway even through the mountains of TN! In FL, mpg's were closer to 45! Had a couple of service needs that I didn't quite expect so soon. O2 sensor at 63k & recently replaced the timing belt at 69k (but the car is 5 yrs old). Control arm bushings also need to be replaced. Mechanics said these are all typical for these Civics but overall they're still some of the best cars out there. I wish it had more power. But this is the car to take on a long road trip!

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage - probably the best gas mileage I've had from any car. Steering & suspension is very responsive - gives the car a solid grip on the road, but also has a smooth & quite ride. Interior & exterior give the car an elegant, classy look.

Suggested Improvements

Wish it had more power especially with merging on the highway or passing. I added a cool air intake & a header which helped some. Will probably do a catback exhaust too. Stock stereo is nothing special - I replaced it with an Alpine stereo & speakers.

Report inappropriate post

Very Reliable and Fun to Drive!

Written by: RR1RR on 09/13/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Honda Civic Value Package 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

I bought this car new in 2004, and it is probably the best car I have owned to date. It has been very reliable, as I have only done the usual routine maintenance (wipers, tires, oil changes, etc). I got the VP package with manual locks and crank windows (less to go wrong- not that it probably would). The 5 speed trans. makes it fun to drive. Power seems on par or better than other 4 cyl. economy-minded models. Buying price was maybe a tad higher than some competing models, but the lack of repair costs and the great fuel economy have long since justified the price! MPG of 35-42 is about the usual for me. I do tilt the seat back a bit, as I'm 6'5" and 250 lbs. Great car though!

Styling, zippy power, smooth manual trans., good gas mileage, typical Honda quality, easy maintenance (I do it myself)

more aggressive stock tires, interior a bit cramped for several (bigger) people

Civic 3rd one and happy

Written by: Jose' on 08/31/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

I love the reliability of the engine, and the ride. Fuel consumption is good to great. Plenty of leg room, and stereo is nice. At this time I have 60000 miles on this Civic and hope to catch the other one I had at 210000 miles which did not burn one drop of oil. It was an older model and the timing belt broke on it, or it would still be running. The newer civics don't have that trouble because of clearance in the valves. Keep it up Honda. You're the best.

Gas mileage, comfort, reliability, resell value.

Side air bags on all models, and Anti lock brakes also.

Stage 1 Modified 04 Civic EX 5SP

Written by: Acura Racer on 08/25/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

I purchased my Civic with it's small 127HP 1.7L for my excessive commuting and the need for a gas economy car. After installing a cold-air intake, strut tower brace, stage 1 clutch, lightweight racing flywheel, iridium plugs, and gator belts it flies like a rocket and has an improved gas economy of 30CTY/43HWY. Although the cabin noise is very loud, it is well worth the 400-500 miles per $24 tank of gas. Plus, besides the mods I have only had to change fluids in this car and the periodic check over under the hood. The only exception was an O2 sensor. It is extremely LOW maintenance. Overall, it's modern styling and economy are the best I have experienced between Honda/Acura over the years.

I enjoy that this vehicle can be easily modified with performance parts under the hood. Gas economy too!!!! 40+ MPG is really hard to beat. I researched many newer compact cars that offer a lot less for more money. The 04-05 Civic EX is where you are going to get the most bang for your buck!

Cabin noise is very loud compared to most cars. Especially on the highway. It is like the difference of when you ride on one of those loud commuter planes with propellers (Civic) vs. a large passenger jet (most other cars). A consumer fix might be to install dynamat on the floors and inside the hood

Should have kept the Mazda

Written by: 2004honda on 08/12/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	7

Before buying my 04 Honda ex I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege. The Mazda was much funner to drive, faster, sporty and gas mileage wasn't that different. This Honda is gutless I cant believe how slow it is. I hate the automatic downshift while breaking down hills. There are so many rattles in this car I don't know where to start. Road noise is really loud, same with the engine sounds like its working to hard. I think this is a good commuter car but not much past that. It looks pretty good but the build quality is not up to par for what a Honda should be. I would rate value to cost at a 5-6 with 10 being greatest value.

Gas Mileage

Road noise, engine noise, more power, fix the rattles.

2004 Honda Civic Consumer Ratings & Reviews