Used 1990 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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1990 civic hatch
LOVE this car!! ive had it for 4 years, and have loved every bit of it. this has been a great car for me, ive put 80k on it, and it now has 270xxx on it. i put the 5 speed trans in it, rear disc brakes, si seats, hx gold wheels, and tons of other little stuff here and there. over all this is a great little car, and is more fun to drive than you would think for 70 hp.
Best Honda ever in the world
Bought my Civic new, still love it after 252K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance and replacement of parts you would expect after that much mileage! Mostly city and highway driving.
This little car won't die
I have driven this car since September 1989 and have had only minor problems: 1) Something I found out later was common to Civics of this age -- a faulty relay that caused it to not re- start on hot days after I had driven it a short time. Cost of repair: Less than $200. 2) A warped light panel in the rear of the car that affected the lighting in the rear when it rained. This was a bit more substantial but less than $400 to repair. I have done regular servicing -- not necessarily with the dealer and am craving a new car. Can't manage to do it yet as I'm still getting 40 mpg and it purrs along with no problems....
Best value for money
Purchased the car 6 1/2 years ago hoping it would last 2 or 3 years. The thing is amazing--it does what it was designed to do. Provides reliable, economic transportation and offers more comfort than expected. This one has standard transmission adding to the feel of control over one's driving. Great in our Colorado winters though I had to change to tires with a higher profile than stock. We've newer cars but this is my wife's favorite.
Tons of Reliability!
I purchased this little car in February of 2004, with only 98,000 miles on it! Only fix needed was a new muffler, surprisingly. This car is very warm in the winter (inside heats up fast!) and ice cold a/c in the summer. Excellent fuel economy! I get very close to 35-mpg on highway and easily 30mpg in city! The advantages are super easy to park, gas mileage and most of all, bullet-proof, long-lasting engines. Disadvantages are they say the smaller the car, the un-safer you are! True, but with the excellent reputations these cars have, I'll take the risk and keep her until the wheels fall off! I highly recommended this cute car for anyone seeking reliability and who is on a budget.
Over 400,00k and still kicking strong
This is my 3rd civic this generation and I have to tell you they are one of the best Honda's come out with. The body and paint are in excellent shape, nothing's wrong with it, pass smog all day long. You can beat the hell out of them and they still keep coming back for some more miles.
Solid
Simply put, this is a very solid car. 12 years old, 140,000+ miles, starts right up and just keeps going. Very responsive (though not powerful), great handling (especially in bad weather), extremely reliable.
Back to the Future
The roomy 1990 Honda Civic Wagon had dimensions nearly identical to the current 2011 Honda Fit, except the roomy 2011 Honda Fit is much more generous in height at 60" tall. The 1990 Honda Civic Wagon weighs a bit less than the 2011 Honda Fit, but the 2011 Honda Fit achieves more power with better fuel economy.
It's a workhorse
This car has been great for us. I'm sorry to be giving it up as we bought a minivan. It's great for getting around town. But, in the land of the mondo-sized SUV, I don't feel that it's safe driving this car with the kids in it. But, I'm thinking I'll keep driving it to work as it still gets 30+mpg even after all these years.
Old Faithful
We've owned this car since it had 15 miles on it and still love it. We have had a string of ignition system failures (burned distributors), but I think this is behind us. We also had a vexing clutch chatter problem that Honda couldn't fix, but our local garage finally figured out. Found that if the sun roof leaks, getting the drains cleaned fixes the problem. We've had Bridgestones, Goodyears and Michelins on the car. Michelins are best.
You can't complain with 267,000 miles
I had this car as a gift from my Uncle. He had been using this to drive to work 120 miles a day until I had it 10 years ago where I drove 110 miles a day. Never had any major problems. Engine is phenomenal - never been repaired since we got it. On top of that, the engine still sounds like brand new, very quiet. Only bad experience with this car was when I had to push it from a freeway to an exit for a gas, it was my fault though - I ran out of gas. However, at an average of 38 miles per gallon with today's gas prices - you'll definitely will try looking for this COLLECTIBLE piece of treasure. I love this car!
My View
This is bar-none, one of the best cars I've ever owned. Nothing major has gone wrong with it that I didn't do, and yes, this car has been through a lot, but it keeps going and going. I must also say, for as old as the body design is, it still looks competitive on the street. It gets great gas mileage, considering todays gas prices. Rust? What rust? Even the smallest amount of maintainence will prevent any of that from happening on this car, and we are talking about an all minnesota car here, where rust is commonplace. I would recommend anyone to buy a civic, its one of the most reliable cars out there.
Keeps going, and going, and going...
Bought a 1990 Civic to save gas. this car has 170,000 miles on it and still runs great! I'm very pleased with the durability. It has survived many years of northern Minnesota weather but continues to run like a new car.
Great Car; Some Frills
This car was exactly what I expected, and more. My disappointment lies only with the engine. It's 92HP engine makes me hesitate before passing (the car is very responsive, but weak). The car has great handling, and seats very the front passengers very well. Other than the engine, however, I have to complain about the height. The car sits so low that not only his an interesting experience getting out of the car, but it tends to scrape across the bottom when traveling over speed bumps. Don't get me wrong, though, after seeing friends with other compact cars (even newer cavaliers seem less luxurious), this car simply blows them all away
Today is a sad day....
I have been driving my civic since it was brand new on the dealers lot 13years ago. It has been the best and most reliable car I've ever owned. I see new vehicles on the side of the road with car trouble all the time and my civic drives on. Excellent in all weather conditions including below zero temps.. she starts up every morning and keeps going and going. Today I sold my beautiful civic for $1700 in order to upgrade to a 4door. I sure hope my new 4door CRV can give me 13 years..
Endurance is Key
The car is now 12 years old with 140,000 miles on it. It still looks great (repainted in '98)inside and out, and it's NEVER failed to start for me. I get the oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles, but I'm not otherwise too careful with service.
Why can,'t they all be '90 Civics?
I bought this car from my brother-in-law with 75,000 miles. It has been a great car. In summer I get 40+ mpg although I do mostly highway miles. No gizmos just basic transportation. The mileage is comparable to hybrids but this vehicle was built 18 years ago. I wish Honda would offer an updated version of the '90 Civic with simplicity, convenience, and quality in mind. This is probably the best car I ever owned.
Poor man's prius
I bought this car because I live in California, the state with the highest gas prices in the continental U.S. I would recommend this car for gas mileage only. No appreciable luxury. Dated styling, unless you put a body kit on it. O.K. performance if you are willing to push the motor to the max, which is very unwise if you want an old car to last!
The Best Car Ever Made
I love my hatchback!!!!!!!!!! She is the best car ever made. I would never sell her!! She is realiable, She looks SEXY!!!!!!!!!! Perfect for the shorter people....
My Second Skin
Except for a couple of years during which I traveled long distance between LA and Chicago, I mainly drive around in circles on a little island. This car behaves like it's a part of me -- just point it and go! Unfortunately, after seeing an increasing number of truck and SUV tires breathing down my face at stoplights, I'm also beginning to imagine one of these automotive Neanderthals losing control and squashing me and my SI like a bug.
Best car ever!!!!
This car is so much fun to drive. You feel as if you are connected to the road. The motor is strong and with 134,000 miles it has no problems. The car feels tight and shifts great. I love the styling, people are always staring at the car. Deffiently a recomended purchase.
1990 Civic SI
Bought this unit from my Mom when I was 19 years old and drove for 8 years with few problems. Great car to get through college as it looked good for its time, could get up and go and was still cheap to run and had good fuel economy. Finally sold with 209,000 miles as it was going to need its third clutch and possibly new valve guides and still got $2300 for it and upgraded to a 1998 Prelude. These cars are very popular to tuners and fetch strong money consider new it was around $10,000 new 11 years earlier.
Awesome Honda
I am so very happy wth my honda civic, I have had it for 12 years and I definitely have gotten my money's worth. I am so happy with honda that I am off to buy another one..wish me luck!
Surprising
I went from an 88 Iroc-Z, to this 90 Si, and surprisingly, I still had fun. I bought it because I wanted something more reliable, with better gas mileage that was still fun to drive. The handling was wonderful. The combination of double-wishbone suspension and the lack of power steering made you feel like you were connected with the road. And because it was so light, it really didn't need power steering all that badly. But then she bent a rod... I lost respect for my Si, along with some money, but no hard feelings. Pay attention to the belts and you won't have any problems.
!!!!!AWESOME!!!!!
I absolutely love this car. Anyone who complains about the 92bhp obviously either doesnt know how to shift correctly, or is using an auto tranny (ewwwwww). The handling in this car cannot be beat, and it is 13.5 years old! My dad bought this car july 1990 with 11 miles on it (probably a test drive and driving it onto the lot). Now it has 238,000+ miles, and almost no problems at all! around 180,000 miles, the exhaust had to be replaced due to rust, and at about 220,000 miles the tranny had to be rebuilt. Other than that, no problems. was given to me 6months ago for my 16th b-day.
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
While there are good to great things about this car, unfortunately it has had enough problems that I wonder whether I got a lemon. Many repairs needed, including a front axle replacement (under extended warranty, good thing I purchased it), a front windshield which cracked on its own from a defect, CV boot issues and the rear windshield when it shattered while parked, no outside cause found, an oil- burning issue never properly explained. It's also one of the most "user-surly" cars to service that I have seen so far. I still think enough of the overall design that I would purchase another one, just to see if my problems were unique.
Loopy
Extremely well made car
Wonderful Little Car
My husband and I bought our Honda Civic brand new in 1990 when our kids were small. It was great to drive around town and I loved the way that I could squeeze into small spaces. We took trips from Georgia to Ohio in it and never had no problems. We have had to have minor repairs on the car, but nothing real serious. Even though the inside of the car doesn't look so good anymore, it stills runs great. My husband drives it to work as it is so good on gas mileage. My daughter which is now 16 years old would love to have and drive it, but unfortunately she does not know how to drive a stick shift yet. Who knows, she may get it when she learns.
the reliable honda
it just keeps on going!handling unmatched to ANY car i have driven. this car still has a perfect alignment,take your hands off the wheel,and theres no pulling ANYWHERE,iv never had the alignment done either,very fun to drive. main repairs are faulty relay switch,brake job,muffler.starts every time!180,000 miles and still runs pretty smooth,auto tranny can be rough tho,and it slips under hard acceleration
Best Honda in the World
I think is the best car i have ever got nice strong engine. Fule economy. its just the best
422,000 km and still running
Bought my Civic Si brand new in 1990, added A/C in 92 when the new gen came out and dealer installed unit for half price. I went to Ziebart for rustproofing and undercoating in the first month, the car is only showing small rust spot on the left rear fender. Very reliable and surprisingly roomy
Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend
My favorite car. Took dozens of long trips and never had problems on the road. Rustiness caused probs w/ wiring, h20 leaking onto front passengers feet, rusty brakes, and rusty exhaust system. If this car is rust free it's problem free. Mine had inexplicable probs w/ transmission, so I recently had to say good-bye. :(
My car
Well I bought my car last year and I have to agree that the engine needs just a WHOLE lot of work. Well it deos act on time and quickly but not enough torque, yeah know? I added a new muffler suppose to increase horsepower but i need more. Its my first car, so I don't want to spend too much. I hope they can improve .
Great Car
I purchased this car with 120,000 miles and one and a half years later it is still going strong at 170,000. Very trouble free, my Civic just gets up and goes every day no matter what punishment I throw at it.
best car ever made
I love my Ruby Reliable. She now has 240,000 miles, is going strong, has almost no rust, and burns no oil. I'm still passing most cars even going up hills. I had to write a review, because she deserves all the praise a car can receive.
Best car ever built?
90 si still drives like a car with 60,000 miles. One thing it needs for sure is wheel alignments. The suspensions on these arn't the best (due to weak components), but considering this car does not have power steering it handles really well. I am 23 years old and i drive this car always revving to redline before shifting, driving at 120mph and it still drives awesome. Other than oil changes every 5000km's and wheel alignments every 40000km's I haven't done much on this vehicle. And i have owned it since it had 66,000 miles, it's at 245,000miles. Timing belt, and normal tune up needs to be done every 60000miles. USE 185 65 14'
I love my car
this car has great gas mileage. about 30 - 35 MPG. plus it has a lot of get up and go!
MY CIVIC
i just got the car a little bit ago but i like it. for having limited hp its got some go, not to mention you can find anything performace for it in the future mines getting a ground effect kit and a system
180,000 and Still Going Strong
180,000 miles and still going strong with no problems except for poor radio reception.
300,000 and going
My civic has 300,000 and its still running. Doesn't burn a single drop of oil. AC works yes I am ready for summer. Just changed the brakes will need a paint job soon. Muffler has cracked but still passed CA emissions :). I love this thing I am sure It will be a classic soon. The sunroof is nice. Put some rims and lower the car with better shocks and you got urself a very good car. Keeping it gangstar. Hella room for everything. I have the 89 civic si red like the picture. No rust so I am luckly. Its a great little car..I love it couldn't have asked for another car did I say it has 300,000 miles and still running..:)..
1990 Honda Hatch Civic
Ive had my Civic for at least mths and I love it. I have modded it some, far has halo projector headlight, smoked turn signals, fog lights, intake n such. I have maintained it extremely well. I love it, the car is fun to drive, easy to park, the carb will play with ya sometimes far as power but overall the car is wonderful. I will prob keep it long as it runs and then get a small rebuild kit and drive it some more!
damn good cars
I've owned my civic for almost 8 years now and have had few problems. I do all the work myself and its very easy to maintain and parts availability is good. the only weakness I've experienced up to date is cv axles, upon which I've replaced both sides the one side twice. I also did my head gasket and brakes. I don't know what causes head gaskets to blow but it was an easy repiar. By doing it myself I saved over $800.00. She runs as good as when I purchased it about 130,000 kms ago. I would recommend this car for anybody looking for a cheap reliable car.
a great fun small car
We bought this car new oh some 13 years ago and still love it. Its extremely nimble (saved me from an accident at the last second), simple design (utilitarian), and just looks great. I realized how great the looks were on Hondas/Acuras in the early 90s and how the looks deteriored later on in the 90s... but its starting to get its spunk back.
Honda worksmanship
Had this car for 13 years. Never sat on the side of the road. Start up everyday in Minnesota winter. No major problems. Just purchased a new 2002 civic coupe. Another 13 years? Sure hope so...
Great Little Car
I bought my Civic from a family friend almost 2 years ago. At that time, the car had about 180,000 miles. She was the original owner and took the car to Honda for all services, repairs, etc. As soon as I test drove it, I decided it was well worth the $1500 they were asking. Two years later, the thing still runs like a clock and doesn't miss a beat. It's become my commuter car for work as the mileage can't be beat... I get no less than 30mpg anywhere I go and it usually averages 35-40 mpg on the freeway. It is a pretty simple, barebones car... but its VERY reliable, efficient and cost effective. Especially since gas is now over $3 a gallon!
Honda is good
Has gone through mom, sister, and me for 13 years. I've seen other reviews of LX owners complaining about the lack of horsepower. With 108 on the EX, it is adequate but still lacking. On a brighter note, this car's engine sounds like the day we bought it and it looks to last another 10 years without a hitch. It has even gone through 4 pretty severe accidents but it's still going. If you want reliability, don't pass this up.
Excellent
I totally loved my car, enjoyed it for over 13 years. The car currently has over 222K transmission is starting to give up.. otherwise, the car never gave me any problems. It was totally reliable, I Maintained it properly. I will miss my car terribly. I have a new car, and was still using my Honda Civic DX Sedan because it was my favorite.
Hate to sell it!
When I bought this Honda from a private party two years ago, it had 183,000 miles. He had taken excellent care of it and I took the chance. Now it has 217,000 and is still going strong. I have had to replace the brakes, radiator, master cylinder, the AC and tires but I don't consider those major expenses, just regular wear and tear. I put it up for sale for $2000 today and so far people who have called seem interested in paying that price for it. Overall, I love my Honda and I hate to see it go. I'll get another though, definitely!
go cart on steroids
The car is excellent it was bought completely bare bones, there is no A/C, p/s p/w p/door locks, pass side mirror, etc. The car was just poorly cared for since day one. When I took delivery on the car it had no oil was a gallon low on coolant and the lack of attention was evident all over the car. Well i get in the car turn the key and boom it starts right up. I have driven it almost 500 miles since owning it and absolutely no motor problems. It is an absolute BLAST to drive and hopefully it will aid in getting me through the next 3 years of college.
LOVE MY CAR
We bought this car new. That means I've been driving this car for 17 years now and I'm not ready to give it up. Other than needing a new muffler every couple years or so it hasn't need major money output to maintain. I am only just now having the brakes done for the second time. Mileage is wonderful, I still get between 32 and 36 mpg. The head gasket has a tiny crack but leak is all but unnoticeable. I just check my oil level and keep it up. It's a manual and I live in Michigan, I have never had major problems driving in winter conditions. The road clearance is very low so I do have to be careful about bottoming out in some situations (it usually gets the muffler.)