Used 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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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"
- Base WagonMSRP: $23,567255 mi away
- DX 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $15,999481 mi away
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.
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...
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.
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 .
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.
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).
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.
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.......
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.
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.
135,000 miles on it and still great
I got the manual 5-speed new 15 years ago and it's still going strong. I love this car. It's responsive, has excellent road feel, is extremely reliable, it gets great mileage (see below), and visibility out the front and rear windshields is fantastic. There is tons of space in the back for hauling lumber, bookshelves, Newfoundlands, bicycles, etc. etc. Even when I rent new cars for travel, I'm relieved to come home to my DX. They don't make cars like this anymore. What will I eventually replace it with? There isn't a Civic hatch anymore. Maybe I won't have to replace it, given the miles reported by other reviewers... :-)
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!
great
i think its a great car
Reliable Car
I got my 91 civic for 175 bucks CAN with 229,000km (which is low for the year) not too long ago, under 2 months. no problems so far, and doubt there will be any. it has the 1.5 5 speed, car has power for what it is. bought it off an old lady that owned it since new, just needed a timing belt when i got it.
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!
Cool
I love this car, love the way it can turn soo fast, I've rebuilt the frame for the rust had eaten away at it and gave it a cool paint job now it looks like new. It's only an automatic but it's my sweet heart.
the kreeper
I had this car for about a year. and all i did was drive that sucker to the ground. i strickly made it for street racing and the thing still runs.no problems at all.i love it
The red car
This is a very reliable car for us. The performance is quite good and the gas mileage is excellent, especially considering the current price of gas
My little rocket
What a fabulous car...I've had it for 7 months now, and it has been just amazing. I enjoy the manual steering it gives me a good feeling of the road. The car performs amazingly. I gave this car an update in the form of an engine swap with a 93 DX engine, so I have 102HP instead of a small 70HP. Gas mileage is just amazing...I get 42MPG with the engine paired with a 4 Speed Manual Tranny. The paint has held up well. Unfortunately there is no a/c, well what can I expect for paying $4000CDN (about 2300USD at the time) All around an amazing little car
Best Car Ever!!!
I had this car since I was 16 yrs old bought it for about $9,000 out the door. It was only a standard but really love it for the reliability because I never replace the starter yet and all my parts for the most part is lifetime. It finally seized up on my on 03-21-08 now put a ZC in engine from Japan and runs excellent will keep this car forever. This car was worth buying and Honda should make a newer model with the same engine because the price on gas is just going up and if I didn't have this Civic I will be broke. I put si seats from the junkyard and got it upholstered and now it's leather and hugs my body while I am driving so if you want a reliable car this car is the best ever...
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.
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.
Excellent Honda
This car my have simple styling by today's standards, but an excellent example of Honda quality and reliability. Excellent vehicle.
It's the Volkswagen Bug of the 2020s!
I bought my '91 Honda Civic DX Hatchback brand new in October 1990. I still own it and have no plans to replace it b/c there's absolutely no reason to do so. The engine and transmission are the originals with over 372,000 miles on them. My car runs as well as it did the first time that I drove it off of the lot. The keys to its longevity are: (1) engineering design, (2) respect for my car, (3) luck, and (4) oil and oil filter changes every 2,000 miles. I get compliments on it all of the time. As of 3-28-2020, I have 384,000 miles on my Honda. It still runs great! The perfect car. As of 4-1-2022, I still have my Honda, drive it daily, it has over 393,000 miles on it, and still runs like a top! It's the perfect car.
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Owned all my life
My dad bought a 1990 civic si when I was not even two years old, I loved the car so much after I owned it and it was involved in an accident I spent a year finding my 1991 civic si. It's not hard to find a fast car, but it's hard to find an exciting car without spending a lot of money, it's reliable but it's the kind of car you will be smiling every time you step out of it. It may not be the fastest car, the sense of accomplishment you get driving the car to the edge is amazing. The springs are wound perfectly for the 14in tires and the sewing maching engine buzzing with all it's got is a sensation I wouldn't trade for the world.
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.
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.
1991 Nonda Civic Hatch
Im 55, and out of all the cars ive bought in my life, new and classics, this has been the cheapest and easiest, maintenance of a car ive ever had. Ide never sell it for under 6000, and the only flaw it has now is the seatlight blinkers; passengers is intermittent. If no one is sitting there, sometimes calls to fasten up. Also my car is only four cylander and though i live in the Sierras, its great on mountain roads, but incline on freeways it does not like. It takes a minute to get up to speed when im on them. For a used vehicle, i got it at a great price. Its flashy, very clean, and its a great get around town car. I love it!
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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.
Perfect car for me
If you find a car this small & reliable with such great 360 degree visibility windows, please let me know! I replaced the transmission at 220k mi & various things (clutch, radiator, alternator, etc.) throughout its life but it's still going strong at 247k mi and age 30. Close to the ground & a manual, I feel engaged when I drive, and it's zippy and fun. My dog could easily step into it, although my 85 year old father had trouble getting out of the bucket seats. Small & with a tight little turning circle, I can create parking spaces & easily make a u-turn in traffic to get into them--and squeeze by other cars in my own extra lane. The hatch is super-convenient but I can also cover the contents of the trunk. This DX has no electronics to go bad and there are no airbags & columns to obstruct the driver's view. Repairs are cheap & straightforward because it's an old Honda. But it's rusting at the roofline (I live in the fog by the Pacific Ocean) & it will have to go. I am not at all impressed with the newer, less reliable, more infotainment-focused cars which define safety as cameras & airbags instead of the ability of the driver to see what's going on around him and skimp on comfort. (Must I really spring for a European car & pay through the nose every time it needs something?) The interior is much classier than the equivalent new cars in its size- and price-range. Surfers love the way they can easily throw a board on the low roof and young guys always want to buy it & soup it up. I used to drive it on freeways (SF to Silicon Valley, and in LA) but now everyone is so big and high, I no longer feel safe in it.
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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
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.
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 !
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!
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 !!!
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.
150k and going strong
I bought this car new, and besides scheduled maintance no major repairs. It was the best car purchase I ever made. Used for commuting to work and around town, this car still looks fine (minor paint fade) and runs good. Recently noticed a slight oil burning problem, but with this many miles on this tiny engine, hey I'm not complaining. I got 10 years of service and with no major problems. And I still commuting 100 miles a day!
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.
OHNDA91
I love my Honda I have a 1991 Honda Civic hatchback. She's an old lady and you have to treat her as such, kindness, care and respect. She's a great around the town kind of car. She's never blauked or spit or backfire ever. About the freeways. She prefers to drive around town old ladies dont like freewaysbut she'll do it. She'll even do the ones to Tahoe though it's pretty slow she's only a 4-speed. After 28 years my car is pretty sound or should I say soundless when it's driving. All the electricals been done air conditioning up to specs and all the hoses have been replaced but when it comes to the engine and the clutch after 300,000 miles it still runs like new and I haven't done anything to them except oil changes in maintenance. Respiratory was bad. failed twice emissions were pretty bad,but after the third time she passed. she just needed a good engine clean up. It's not her fault but whoever built her, they didn't care much of the relay system part of the car, I mean all of them, ive rebuilt myself and I'm a girl. Save money I had my brother-in-law solder relay wires. Since then my car starts whether it's hot or cold perfectly. Then I started having problems with the turn signals and the horn and I thought okay that's it the car is worthless. Heck no. Re-soldered all those wires to. Now all my blinkers and my horn and everything else that beeps and rings does it when it's supposed to not when it just wants to itself LOL. When I bought her she had a facelift Interiors beautiful. She looks brand-new inside and out for that matter. You think by now she would have driving problems steering problems heck no. She drives and turns on a dime. Like I mentioned she doesn't really like freeways at huge incliens but Mountain Roads around town she likes and handles them great. I live in Auburn California there is no straight roads. Here they're all up and down and she has no fear. She keeps up with them all. I had one of these when i was in my 30ties. Just bought my second one!
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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.
Best car ever
The 91 civics as well as the crx are the best cars EVER! They go well beyond 250000 miles, easy and cheap to fix. I have traveled all over the country in this little car and it's never let me down. Great gas mileage too!!
An ok car
I Have had a 91 civic dx (with a d16z6 engine) and It drove well. They are nice little eco cars but they get stolen alot because of it. mine was a canadian model and stolen twice before 2000 when it came to the US and then it was stolen another three times. But I also have had a 91 CRX hf and they both ran well and lasted 300k+ miles. The worst part about this car this whole car is... No cup holders, but other than that and being stolen alot it was a great cheap car that got 30-40 mpg (hb) and 40-50 mpg (CRX)
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.
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!"
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.
91 Civic hatch back - base model
bought it used in 2007 & It still drives great after 17 Years !!! love it . lowered it years ago , with a set of 16 in. Alessio wheels .