Used 1991 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Best car ever made?
If a better all around vehicle has ever been made that is accessible to the average person, tell me about it, ok? I can't remember what the mileage was when purchased, but it was over 200,000 and I wasn't the least bit concerned about it. We had just had some typical Iowa winter weather when I road tested its 4x4 capabilities and bought it then and there. I eventually put in a new radiator, went through the clutch system entirely and had the suspension system bushings replaced. I have put well over the used purchase price into this vehicle without a single regret. With 240,000 miles and nearly 20 years old, it is a trusted daily driver.
Homely but sturdy and amazingly reliable
I bought a '91 Civic 5-speed stick wagon for its reputation for dependability, reliability and fuel economy. It delivered well on all three counts. Also very spacious for people and cargo in the interior. Always ran well and got me where I needed to go without incident. I had it only a few months and only sold it because I desired something more stylish. I learned later never to part with something this dependable. Makes first- rate budget transportation with room.
- DX 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $15,999308 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $23,567414 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $4,9952,392 mi away
What more can I say?
My brother-in-law gave me this car when he bought a newer car, an Accord. He always maintained it per Honda recommendations & had very few problems with it. I have only needed minor repairs since I've owned it. It has the typical rust problem that most hondas in Michigan have. I am impressed with the reliability of this car. It was built to be simple, reliable, & economical. By the way, it has 584,000 miles on it as I write this review & it still runs good but the body will not hold out much longer. What more can I say?
I bought my new 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback with cash way back then...
2012...Perhaps 20 years, 140k miles and $5k total so far over that entire time for non-consumable repairs (CV boots, cracked engine mounts, etc.) The original engine is still running fine. It seems like every other year, I get a note left on my 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback's windshield: "Do you want to sell this as-is? Call me at xxx-xxxx"
ole' reliable
Well first off, I bought the car from an old man for $1500, when I was a senior in high school. I looked at and was in excellent condition inside and out, but I checked the odometer and showed 289,000. I was thinking wow this thing is gonna blow up when I drive it. Soon after talking about it I asked for a test drive and honestly it drove and handled just fine. It is a 5 speed and had a 1.5 L with a new alternator and starter.
I highly recommend Honda's
I bought it from a friend of mine, who only used it for long trips on the east coast. It had no rust and under 100 thousand miles on it. A year later it has 150 thousand miles, and still runs strong. it's fun, sporty, can carry heavy loads and has never broken down on me. I had the oil changed at Walmart, they never put new oil in it. I ran it unwittingly for 2 months before I realized the problem, and it's never suffered or seized. My mother had a 1986 Honda Prelude, spun it, rolled it and still drove it home. that car died out at 300 thousand miles! they're easy to fix, parts are easy to find and they are exceptionally cheap to maintain. I've done most of the work on mine, myself.
14 years later
I can't believe I was smart enough to buy this car! My combined city/highway mileage is still about 33 MPG. My most expensive repair has been under $500. After 14 years of moving large dogs and lots of stuff, she is beginning to show a little wear, but is as solid and peppy as ever. I'm predicting she has another 10-12 good years, which is fortunate, since 1991 was the last year Honda made this little gem.
Easy to tune
Bought this thing after it was beat on to crap. Very easy to fix up and modify. Great entry level auto-x ride. Wishbone suspension by far beats the econo macpherson setup of the newer gen. Stock sohc engine is worthless, but again, easy to replace and swap out. Prone to lots of rust with its age. Very little maintanence needed if it's just transportation that you need. Very light, with an engine swap and an adjustable suspension and you have yourself a good sporty car. Parts are interchangeable with integra's which adds to the availability of parts. A lot can be done to the car despite its age.
Valuable knowledge
Very fun car to drive, has some good get up for 110hp. Tight cornering, has plently of space for such a small car. But i have not seen one of these last past 160000 miles, stock. do not buy if it has close to that...rear suspension gives, tranny starts to slip and scratch, ac/compressor goes out, clutch needs replacement alternator and timing belt as well. this may just be me but i have known 3 other people same year all si's with same problems...
1991 Honda Civic Dx bought 3/2012 for $5900
This is my first car. Bought 3/2012 from dealer for $5900. Driven by older lady just to store and garaged. Had 25,000 miles and everything looked new.No rust as not driven in rain nor snow. Had records to prove it. Everything works and expect to own it for at least 200,000 more miles.Cheap to register and insure .
Rest in peace, Ronda my Honda <3
before you buy this car, be aware that one day, an old man can randomly SMASH into the side of your car, totaling it, and leaving you with nothing but a memory of what used to be.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reaching the age of maturity, finally
I have had a great run with this car as it is approaching 21 years old. Drove it off the dealers lots brand new. It has been through a lot of wear & tear and just keeps performing. Purchased for reliability. (Ironically became car young lads sought after and often approached to sell it....was stolen for this reason & recovered) Accommodated my changing needs over the years. Been another member of family. Now that it is in its twilight year on the road, it will be reborn to race in the ice racing circuit. Retired to the race track. Or not, as may continue on the road under relative's care. Can't keep this car down! 325,000 and counting.......
cheap and reliable
Everything works on it, and that includes even the tape deck! It has no optional equipment, is very stripped down, which I love. In two years, I've replaced the exhaust system, brake calipers, and CV boot. It has almost 150,000 miles and I expect to get 150,000 more. It costs me about $42/month to insure and I spend, even with gas exceeding $2.70/gal $25/week in gas. Everyone who tells me they had one, wishes they still had it, I've never heard anything bad about these cars. Perfect for students or commuters, and very roomy.
Love my Honda
I bought my Civic used in 1992 with 29,000 miles on it. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It is now at 270,000 miles and still going strong. Just regular maintenance needed. The only reason I scored lower on the comfort is because my AC went out 2 years ago,and it was going to cost me $650 to get it fixed. My husband has been through 3 trucks to my one car. Love My Civic si. Looking for another one.
Will run Forever.
Have had this car for years and it's still in good shape. With only a few major repairs (brakes, exhaust) it hasn't missed a beat and it gets great gas mileage too. Coming on 160k miles now and it looks like I'll be able to keep this for years to come.
Great car!!
Very reliable car for young adults just getting out of college or high school. This was the first car I bought out of college and have enjoyed it ever since. There is a lot of storage for the moving days or shopping sprees. If you just change the oil regularly, this car will treat you right. I have 141,000 miles on it and have only had to have the normal maintenance work done on it. If you come across one of these, it would be a great choice for those looking for a great economical car.
This car is AWESOME
For a single person with no children, and someone living in a city where parking is an issue, and for someone who moves a lot, this car is the best. It's fast, it's small, it gets great mileage, and it's totally fun to drive! I drove it up and down from San Francisco to Los Angeles dozens of times in the last 10 years, and I just feel there is no better car. As small as this car is, I can fit 4 large adults very comfortably, and 5 medium-sized adults without too much of a problem. I've lugged tons of stuff, because the hatchback gives you a lot of space to store stuff. Also, the cloth interior after 11 years still looks like new. Finally, I can get up to 30-32 mpg.
One of the best cars
Excellent car, easy to drive. Looks small but has a lot of interior space if you need to move something, just put down the two passenger seats and "voila" Big space. My 80 pounds dog loves the ride. I have taken long trips with my girlfriend and we have plenty of space for our things. Good on gas, I get about 40 mpg. Excellent machine, in 3 years I haven't hade any mechanical problem (regular maintenance like changing battery and radiator fan, but this is regular like changing ACs, faucets, or ceiling fans on your house).
Great piece of work.
122k mi and i still dont have any problems with it. i have no problem getting it started ever... in chicago weather on top of it!
Believe the Honda Hype!
The ad in the paper said, "the most reliable car you'll ever own." Well, they couldn't be more right. This thing just will not die! I don't want it too, but really, I change the oil and that is it. The brakes and clutch are original and I just can't believe how much I've gotten out of this car. I'm at 120k and she's still goin stong.
Never givin' up!!
I luv my civic. Last year my license plate read "CVCMNDD"=CIVIC MINDED. Bought this car used back in '94 with 48,000 miles on it. It now has 161,000. Just had the alternator replaced at 160k and the a/c compressor at about 90k (my mechanic told me it was a dealer installed compressor, not one honda put in). This little baby began my love for Honda vehicles. I currently own a '01 Odyssey as well. Also had a '95 accord wagon ,'98 Odyssey and '00 accord.But through all those other Hondas I just couldn't part with my civic. The accords are real nice but I feel the civic is the perfect little getting around town car.
Peppy sedan at 190k miles
Beloved wife and I have owned our 1991 white Civic "Pegasus" since 1992. Along the way we have had trouble with CV boots, the heater blower and resistor switch, the rear driver side door latch. In the past 4 years we have spent $4000 on repairs to go about 50,000 miles. Not bad. At this point, with 190,000 miles, it isn't 100% reliable, but it is still a zippy little car and very fun to drive. Wish it had a clock and cup holders. We bought a 1996 Accord yesterday to replace it, but we will probably keep it around a while just for old time's sake.
91 Civic - The car that will not die.
I love the car. What can you say about a car that can fit 6 people, or a water heater, or 1/2 a cord of firewood and get 35+ mpg on the highway ? I have owned the car since new and expect the car to last another 10 years plus. I have done all the maintenance to the car and the car is super reliable. I got 192 K on the original clutch ! The engine does not burn any oil and still has plenty of power @ 231,000 miles !
The car that never stops
I have owned this car for 11 years. Never in 11 years has it not started. It just goes and goes! I have 250,000km on it now and it runs as good as the day I bought it. I am convinced it has another 250,000km in it. Incredible.
Are you SURE they're reliable?
In the last year: $600 Brake job, $500 radiator replacement, $400 exhaust, Hood won't open, water leaks short out tailights, $300 blower fan, $200 broken spring, A/C shot ($600 repair job we declined) and we babied this thing! Finally got rid of it at 115K miles, supposedly mid-aged for a Honda, or so we thought. My '94 Mitsubishi Mirage, spartan as it is, 103K miles, hardly any repairs at all. Don't be fooled by all the Honda hype.
Wagon that races
The car still may be old, but the suspension is top-notch! Suspension tuning is easy, and improves the cars stability greatly. The motor runs and puts out a good ammount of power considering it is a 1.5L motor, but runs best with out the air box. Just tape the filter to the top of the intake piping.
Hard To Kill
What can you say about a car with 215 thousand miles on the odometer with working AC and a lot of pep? It's a GOOD car. I drive a well maintained 2002 Celica GTS. Every now and then (*cough* truck tire debris *cough*) the Celica needs to visit the body shop for a little work. Out comes my venerable but exceedingly reliable 1991 Civic Si Hatchback to get me through. This little car has driven desert off road in Lancaster, Highway 10 from Georgia to Los Angels, hauled props, lumber and up to six people at a time. And it still gets around 30 mpg. I was told the transmission was going bad - that's why I bought the Celica. That was about 60 thousand miles ago. Now it's my life boat. Great car.
Great cheap used car
I have used this car strictly as a route vehicle, averaging 170 miles a day. Given its age and miles (219k), this is an amazing car. There are now some leaks that need attending to, but the car is amazingly dependable and the performance is fantastic. I average more than 35 mpg in mixed driving.
Excellent Honda
This car my have simple styling by today's standards, but an excellent example of Honda quality and reliability. Excellent vehicle.
Built to drive
I bought a 1991 Honda Civic 2 door Hatchback with 141000 miles and now have 182000 miles. So far I replaced a rear brake clamp. It is time for a timing belt replacement. This car has consistently given 36-44 miles per gallon with 39 being the average when driven 55mph. It is very reliable and nice to drive. It has a 5 speed standard transmission.
Loved my 91 Civic LX
Grandma bought this $1900 car as a present for my 16th b-day (Oct 04). Had 107k on it. 2 prev owners, last was teen girl also. I was really hard on it 1st 2yr, it was my 1st & I drove it rough & changed the oil about every 6-7k. Then I got smart changed oil every 3k & the tranny fluid every 15k. After HS, took car to GU & made 9.5 trips over Snoq Pass b/t Seattle & Spokane, fair amount of weight in it too. On last trip to Sea, oil light came on 60mi outside Spo, stopped at local repair shop, no eng knocking, so said it was faulty light, light went on and off rest way, then in mid of pass, it died. Oil pump went, blowing the cam shaft. That car was my baby, and when it died, I cried for days.
compact
89 to 91 civic si, are just simply fun. I owned one since 91. No trouble at all, until around 100k miles, i changed the cv joint and alternator. Thats about it. Just last summer, i changed the motor into a B16. 2000 Si motor. Everything fits great. Now i have 160 hp VTEC. 13K miles.
Tough little car
Through years of abuse and neglect it still happily went of 160K mileage. Can't imagine any other vehicle taking the kind of rough riding and neglect and keep on ticking.
Dream Bean
My first car was the STD model of this car, which I drove to 117k miles, sold and then bought the Si version at 108k miles from a good friend of mine. With the exception of two minor (only a few inches across) rust spots by the wheel well, this fourteen year old car still has the orig engine, clutch and tranny. I do NOT baby this car, I actually autocross it now, as well as driving it everyday. It's certainly more reliable than my 99 Volvo (with only 56k miles). Only slight wear to the side of the front seat (where I rub against getting in) otherwise interior is pristine. I haven't even changed all the light bulbs! I will NEVER sell this car.
Car forever!!!
I bought this car as a used. It is a really good car and econ. Cheap on gas, good looking, no extra cost to repair. It work all weather. It cheap on parts too.
I can't believe it still works !!!
WOW, this car is amazing me everday. I have a 91 SE (DX model US) and its has 392,000 km, NOW THATS AMAZING, me and my mechanics plan to bring is over the 1/2 million mark in a couple of years. All i can say is give it regular oil changes and change the shocks and it will never die on you. I owned a 2002 civic si (till i totaled it) and this car (forced to buy cuz of insurance) drives funner and is a kick everyday when i turn on the ignition and it actually works. Best car ever !!!
91 Honda Civic DX Rules!
I have had this one since early 2002, when the car was already old. It has 55,000 miles, but even so has a book value of a paltry $1,770. I would Never trade it in, because any replacement would never cut the mustard.
nice little car
great little car... reliabile and fun to drive... this car will suprize you with its speed!
Great Car
The car is great until my bro flawed it on I-55 and blow up the engine cuz we forgot to add engine oil. NP. We were thinkin about changing motors already. We decided to stick with the budget and put a ZC engine into the Si. Now instead of 108hp I have 130hp! It handles well.
Civic
This is a great car to drive, powerfull to for a 1396cc engine, because of the DOHC and twin carberater.good amount of tourqe to
This civic rules!
My'91 civic hatchback is a blast. It runs perfect and it has 121000 miles. It is a great gas saver and it is fun to drive!
The car that wouldn't Die!
We've owned this car for 13 years now. We've gone through 3 timing belts, cv boots, 2 axles, a gas tank, a radiator, A/C repairs and 3 brake jobs. BUT... My wife has driven back and forth to work (100 miles a day) with absolutely no oil in the car more than once and no water in the radiator with no damage what-so-ever to the engine and although the timing belt has gone 3 times, each time it went the car still got us home (this car has great "timing" on when to decide to breakdown)and again, no damage to the engine! Aren't broken timing belts supposed to bend the pistons or valves? I think this car is our guardian angel!
Small but Fun and Mighty
I have driven my SI for 14 years and loved every minute of it. FUN car to drive, and practical, carries alot of stuff. Mileage is great. Feels like a sports car.
The car that won't die
My 91 Civic has 150k miles on it now. I drove it through college, through grad school, and now it's serving as a wonderful and, most importantly, RELIABLE 2nd car. I had to replace the alternator at 145k miles, but aside from that and scheduled maintenance, this car has demanded nothing of me. We also own a '99 Accord, and before the Civic, I owned an '87 Accord which didn't die until the transmission finally gave out at 257k miles. We're currently looking to trade in the '91 Civic for an Odyssey, but I don't want to betray my baby!!!
this car doesn't mess around
Coming from a person who has been disappointed from previous cars, this is the best purchase you can make if your budget can only afford used cars. It's very responsive in a good way. The steering control is intense. It has started every time without hesitation. The engine bay is so basic, any procedures can be serviced by yourself, time consumingly. I paid $600 and the car had 135k and I've driven it out to165k and it's still going great. That's 30k for $600, a lease for that kinda mileage would be at least triple. This car will amaze you.
It's like a Timex!
I purchased this car with 100K and have put another 50K on it in two years. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Have had to replace the the original exhaust and front brakes. The heater/ac fan will need to be replaced in the near future. The Honda gets 36 to 42 mpg and runs like a sports car. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. I am hoping to get another 100k out of this wonderfully designed vehicle. "It just keeps ticking!"
codename: ISOBEL
I just picked up my 91 DX Hatch, I have owned a 3rd, 5th and 6th generation Civic, this rounds it out with my 4th generation Civic. This car has 245,000 miles on it, original engine, runs strong, and peppy as ever. I will admit though, I did buy it to put in a ZC or B16a.
Great commuter car!
I first bought this car in 2003 to get around school and work. The engine's 1.6 liter had about 130,000 miles, it handled well and even made it to San Diego which is 120 miles away from Los Angeles. The engine lasted me another 4 years until it overheated in the summer of 2007 and it was just a few months later when I swapped a new engine (ZC JDM Engine) which has been running well to this day. I have lowered the vehicle and it handles even better! Went to a local paint shop dealer and got it painted for the price of 3 details at a car wash!
Great
This is a great car with a great fuel efficiency and inner space. I have never seen such a specious car among other brands. I certainly suggest Honda Civic LX to anybody who wants to feel the comfort and luxuary.
The little Honda that could...
I bought my Honda used from a private owner back in 98 for $3,500. This car, (LUCY BLUE)will not die. She just keeps going and going. She now has 260,000 miles on her and I bet she will last another 50,000 easily. I have not had to do anything really major to her, other than replacing CV joints twice, Clutch twice,and a radiator.(By the way, the radiator was my fault- I guess she was not meant to jump sand hills at the beach:) I will definately buy another Honda, matter of fact, thats all Im buying!