1997 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(113 Total Reviews)
Still chuggin' along
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
I bought the car new back in February 1997. It's now over 10 years old. What can I say about this car? It's been through 2 accidents, 2 AC systems (compressor locked and then a rock flew right into it), 5 windshields, blown head gasket, but it's still running along. The car still looks new, since I take care of my car, except the front. I drive A LOT! The paint is peeling on the front bumper and the hood, but the rest of the car looks new. It's getting time to buy another car. But I want to see the odometer roll to over 200K, and then I'm selling it off. I can't believe a lot of people are still interested in this car. I'm movin' on up. I'm looking into buying either a TSX or Accord
Favorite Features
It still drives great! Gas mileage is ho hum (maybe due to the way I drive). Body is still good.
Suggested Improvements
AC not so strong; better power windows.
My Civic is pretty G
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 2 Dr DX Coupe
Review
I have been driving this car for about nine months. I have to say it is quite premium. It looks very nice, is easy to work on, and is fun to drive. Like other reviewers, I really like the lack of power steering and the driving feel it brings. The car is easy to work on and has a lot of tuning potential. Also I get well above 35 MPG in the city.
Favorite Features
Beautiful red exterior.Tuning potential. Gas mileage. Reliability. Fun to drive with 5 speed.
Suggested Improvements
Not the quickest car on the road. All the interior and exterior pieces are held together with plastic clips.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Love my Honda!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 2 Dr EX Coupe
Review
I've owned my Civic Ex since it was new & have been very pleased overall with it. It has been extremely reliable. The drive train, body & hardware have held up nicely. Only a couple of flaws: the SRS failed under extended warranty, but has failed again out of warranty--cost approx $500 to repair: Ouch! Fob doesn't work any longer--it is 10 yrs old, maybe I'm expecting too much. Had to replace driver's window regulator, also replaced master & slave cylinders for the clutch. I consider these to be normal wear & tear items on a car of this age & mileage. Will sell this car soon as I have been given a company car. I'll miss my Honda!
Favorite Features
From a drive train standpoint, this car still runs as good as the day I drove it off the lot! Its suspension and ride is still excellent--still have original shocks. Purrs like a kitten on the highway at 70-75 mph.
Suggested Improvements
The only thing I am disappointed in with this car is the SRS failure: 2 times already. I think a safety feature like that should be warrantied for the life of the car, regardless of manufacturer.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Follow up
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
Follow up tp be to my earlier post, 12/28/06. Confirmed that this car has an ABS, another plus point. Came across an exhaust crack issue. That was fixed by the dealer, no charge. I came to know that Honda was aware of this issue and they have extended the warranty to 15 years or 150K for this issue. Please don't be fooled to pay dealer approximately $1000 for this repair. Fixed pulley in the engine and now this car is at a point that I don't need to do any repair. I like driving it. Yes, it would be nice to have a little more horsepower but overall I am happy with this car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
2nd Timer to Honda
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
Just bought Honda 97 LX with 114.5K miles from a private party as a 2nd car, well kept. My initial reposne is good, stable drive, engine looks to be in good condition. Previously, I had Accord 2000 EX and have now Altima 06. Good to know this comes with keyless entry and auto-theft. Still checking for ABS. Not sure if that comes standard, i think it does but please don't take my word for it. Will be updating this board in about 6 months. If looking for 2nd car, go for it, check with the seller about the timing belts, water pumps and brakes service info (at least).
Favorite Features
Auto-theft and keyless as standard.
Suggested Improvements
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
I bought it used and it's running great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 2 Dr DX Hatchback
Review
I spent $4000 on my 97 civic hatchback 6 months ago when it has 155,000 miles on it. It's been 6 months and it running great and the average of 320 miles per tank of gas. It does not have any problem on it. All I did is oil change. Engine is still running strong. I just love it.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Love this car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
I bought this car used with 89k miles a year and a half ago after totaling my 2004 Sunfire and I must say that this is probably the best car I've ever owned. Sleek styling, smooth ride, excellent gas mileage, and very reliable. It now has 136k miles and the only thing I've had to replace was a faulty starter at 119k miles, and a front bumper and fender after a collision at 125k. Repairs are rare but costly when needed. Car still looks and drives like new (no squeaks or rattles and everything still works) even after 136k miles and being wrecked, which says a lot about Honda products. If this car ever quits on me, which I doubt will be any time soon, I will definitely own another Honda.
Favorite Features
Suprisingly smooth ride for such a small car, outstanding fuel economy, styling still looks good after 8 years, very dependable, feels like a brand new car, lots of standard features for relatively low price(pw, pl, pm, ac, cruise control, 6 disc Alpine CD changer)
Suggested Improvements
Could use a bit more horsepower....um....that's about it.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
188,000 and time to retire
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 2 Dr EX Coupe
Review
I bought this car used with 125k mi. in 2001. I immediately recognized the potential for how fun this car would be with some modifications. I put 17" wheels on (best performance mod, BTW) and a 1.5" lower suspension. This car handles like it's on rails. Every time I drive this car it's like I'm racing on Mazda Speedway. Much fun! Mileage is great with average 30mpg considering my driving habits. I grenaded the motor at 150k mi and the transmission is now in need of replacement, but I bear full responsibility for these things because of my driving style. The rest of the car is tip-top and would probably last another 200k mi. My only ongoing complaint has been effectiveness of A/C.
Favorite Features
Fun car, very reliable, great MPG.
Suggested Improvements
I live in Phoenix. On days over 115, the A/C is worthless in stop-and go driving or highway trips under 20 miles. I did have a problem with the drivers side power window just after I bought the car, but fixed it myself with a $50 part from the dealer.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
civic ex
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 2 Dr EX Coupe
Review
seems to be a well put together car. handles very well, has better than average gas mileage, a bit hard to get in and out of (due to the fact that I'm 6 ft tall).
Favorite Features
power sunroof,
Suggested Improvements
make the seats more adjustable, especially in the leg lumbar area.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great investment, I love my car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Honda Civic 4 Dr DX Sedan
Review
This car has been wonderful. I'm at 104k miles and hardly any problems so far. Just had some minor things fixed last week (scheduled maintenance, brakes, water pump, timing belt), but before that only the muffler replaced (around 60k probably) and a motor mount (around 90K). Very reliable car, still running very well. I've driven it thousands of miles on the interstate and never had to worry. I love it and plan to keep driving it until it dies.
Favorite Features
good gas mileage, solid feel even though it's a small car, doesn't feel cramped at all even though it's small
Suggested Improvements
can't think of any.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
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