Used 1996 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Honda Civic
brettF, 12/07/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second honda civic. I would state that this is a very reliable vehicle. I have never had mechanical problems in 10 years of driving these Civics!
civic ex
Swinga7, 03/24/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
unbelievable reliability. I have 110k miles on my ex an it still runs like it did when it was new. the only time its ever been in the shop is for a new muffler and thats only because I live in New England and the winter road salt caused the stock muffler to rust through.
1996 Honda Civic for sale near you
Showing 3 of 5 listings
- LX SedanMSRP: $2,900504 mi away
- DX 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,100863 mi away
- EX CoupeMSRP: $8,999905 mi away
See all 5 listings
Best Coupe under $14000
asic designer, 03/25/2002
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own this car about 6 years by now, just love it. Very high reliability (so far less than $150 to fix a trivia problem), fun to drive, over 37 mpg average on hwy/local (5spd manual).
DRIVE ME HARD
roadwarrior, 03/28/2002
1996 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st owner. 80K mi. I push the car to the red line nearly every shift to get the power that I like, and the car seems to like the abuse. Oil changes and one a/c fix have been the extent of the repairs. Avg mpg=36. Predictable and fun to drive when the snow flies, as long as you put better tires on it. Stable and purring at 100mph, but engine unlikely to go over 105. Be ready to rev on uphill climbs.
96 civic
nick, 05/07/2008
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a 2nd owner at 67,000 miles in 1999. As of 2008, It's at 161,000. It's only not started once because of a dead battery. I have changed oil 3500 - 4000 miles, timing belt/water pump at 90k. The power windows have been on and off because of a corroded connection between the drivers door and the body of car. Radio sometimes gets loud probably because of dirty volume knob assembly. I have an exhaust leak that I smell when I start the car. In summary, 9 years excellence service with constant 30+ mpg at a reasonable price.
Good reliable car
bnguy15, 01/23/2009
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the midori green hatchback dx model. The car isn't fast by any means but it's really reliable. I like the storage capacity of the hatchback. It's a simple car and because of that simple maintenance will keep this car running for a very long time.
To keep Or Not To Keep Is The Question.
Kuma, 08/01/2002
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutely great. I have had no problems ever! My mom bought the car in 96 and I took it over in 98. It is so reliable. Gas mileage is great. I don't take care of the car to the best of my ability but I've never totally neglected it. If you want an affordable dependable mode of transportation Civic is the one.
Greatest Little Secret (Not so Secret)
HappyHonda, 12/27/2005
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car ! Long commute (175 miles round trip) Great 38 - 40 mpg. Super reliable. Original everything except required maintenance parts. Original clutch, no mechanical work. Interior still like new. Exterior finally showing a little fade. Steering tight and precise. Few rattles. Only three minor draws... had to replace windshield due to sand blast effect pocketing, due to low ride height, had to replace driver side rubber around window - gets stiff with age and snags to the point window fell off track, and needs just a little more pep, but if you need a great reliable sturdy car this is the one.
My 1996 Honda Civic Ex "Baby"
jenny30, 04/27/2011
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All i can say is i have never been happier than owning my Honda Cv. I'm a proud owner of it. I got it when it had 90,000 miles purchased as is 3500 no warranty from a friend. My baby is still going strong. It's been in two wrecks not my fault. And it's still going. I fixed it though got it a new body kit. It needs a newer one. I really have nothing bad to say about this, i maintain my vehicle very well. Happy to say i've treated is as i would want to be treated and it's giving me favor in return. I've fixed minor things like water pump that would go bad for a 96 or air filter stuff like that. Nothing major. My baby is now at over 200,000 miles and still going strong. Long live HONDA!
Owned Dozens, A SAVER and a KEEPER
JeremyW, 02/14/2006
1996 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned dozens of cars. With 40+ miles to the gallon and perfect reliability for almost 40,000 of the roughest miles an avid driver can put on it. THIS CAR IS A KEEPER!! If you purchase this car for a kid, the commute, or the environment, I am willing to bet you will never regret the decision. Bought for 5,500. 35+ thousand miles later sold for 4,500 WOW.
Amazing Car
DavidAndreww, 05/05/2009
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my little honda civic in 2002 as a sophomore in high school. I bought it with 145,000 miles. Currently it's at 214,000. It still runs like a champ after the 7 years and 70,000 miles I've put on it. Unfortunately I have to sell it because it failed inspection, but only for cosmetic reasons. Didn't take care of a bit of rust in one of the wheel wells and it's taken its toll, and at this point it is smarter to get a new car than drop $2000 to repair. Also would like to mention that I've been in 3 fender benders with this thing, and I've had to do nothing to it. Just routine oil changes. Buy a Honda.
Made it to 183 K
TDole, 11/14/2006
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
And it was still running strong though there was an ominous noise emanating from deep in the engine. Also the tires were low on tread. Otherwise everything was fine, original clutch, no rust, good suspension, working AC, shiny paint. It was a great car and I miss it already. Would have bought a new civic but I needed a sturdy roof to carry sea kayaks. Ended up buying a Subaru Forester.
good car to own
EXrocket, 02/17/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. Not only is it easy to find aftermarket parts for it, but its easy to install and makes a great difference to the car. O bought the car @ 155,000 miles and the engine is still running strong. The person who had it before me took care of it very well. All you got to do is do the usual maintenence such as oil changes and tune ups, and this car will last for a long time. This is my sixth car and by far this is the most reliable car I've had. Simple bolt ons can be put into the car to improve performance and handling such as intake, new shocks & springs, and strut bars.
I might be a Honda man now, for life
fronteeer, 10/14/2008
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought a '96 Civic EX for commuting back and forth to and from work. For a 13-year-old car, I was surprised to find that all of the little extras (power windows, A/C, remote trunk/gas door releases, cruise, etc.) still worked great. I took the car to a friend's place (he's a mechanic by trade) and put it up on his hoist, and for a car that's been subjected to Canadian winters all its life, there's surprisingly little rust. I had a few things to change, such as the gas tank, fuel lines, a shifter assembly bushing and a CV boot, but these are all fairly common things for a car this age in Canada to need. It has no guts whatsoever, but it's comfortable, cheap on gas and looks great
A Lesson in Civics
Randy Mix, 10/23/2017
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a nicely-equipped car for the day and the price, with double-wishbone suspension, a three-speed automatic transmission and Honda's famous high-revving in-line four cylinder engine. The car was eager, roomy (I'm 6' 3") and very light on its feet. I didn't check-off a lot of option boxes; the car had air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, tilt wheel, power steering and brakes and not much else. But the car did exactly what the brochure said it would do, which was to provide reliable, durable and low-cost transportation. The sophisticated engineering was one hell of a bonus. The Japanese are fond of saying age reveals essence, and that holds true for my Civic. Twenty years later, the drive train has functioned perfectly and the car remains as reliable as sunrise. But the paint oxidized way too soon, and curious problems with the signal and wiper stalks and crank window assembly were minor but expensive fixes. But in the end, there's no doubt I'd buy it again.
- Performance
Very well designed
MR, 07/02/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never had a single problem in 2 years. Love the utility, reliability and looks. Plenty of room to haul stuff (if you need to). Not sure why so many people feel they need an SUV.
Nice car...very reliability...
batman, 08/08/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The milage has been great...city over 30 MPG...on the hiway it's close to 40 l have the EX model with 5 sp trans... i have this car for over 6 yrs....
Great potential
KJ, 01/26/2021
1996 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Honda Civics from 1996-2000 are the best! My 1999 DX hatchback was stolen with over 411,000 original miles. I just kept it maintained and replaced parts according to recommendations. The clutch lasted 398,000 miles. I bought a used 1996 CX that had two previous owners. It wasn't as well cared for as mine, but my mechanic is getting me caught up on overdue maintenance. There are lots of these cars still running and available, but they sell quickly. They are also easily stolen--I will need to get theft protection on the new car. I love driving this car. It's fun, it corners well, it's stable, it has good visibility, it has great gas mileage, and it's reliable.
No Car payment
Arthur Harts, 04/06/2007
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, I've owned 3 other Honda civics. Nothing beats the 1996. It's a tank and keeps on going no matter what goes wrong with it.
still works
Mark, 08/23/2024
updated 02/25/2025
1996 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dependable, but 340k miles,manual steering,and has a cracked windshield.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
PSXman80, 08/21/2002
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the first car that I looked at in the lot, it was a sad kind of dirty little car. I took her out for a test-drive and she really delivered a lot more than I thought she would for a 4 cylinder engine. I bought her the next day after not even thinking that much about it. She has only 60,500 miles on it, and she's running perfectly.
The silver lining
lsw, 02/20/2004
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 1998 Chevy Prizm was recently totaled and I found a 1996 Civic EX to 'replace' it. Turns out this car is a vast, vast improvement, and it's the silver lining to having a wreck and having to go car shopping on short notice. Even though it's two years older than my other car, it runs much better, is tighter, and more comfortable for me (at 6'4") to drive. Also after looking at some more recent Civics, I like this older body style better - I think they're getting more generic at time progreses.
happy honda civic ex owner
r b, 09/10/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this car brand new in '96. it has been a joy to drive and very reliable transportation mode. through aaa i landed the best pricing with their no haggles pricing agreement. i've kept consistent with the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual and haven't had a single extra- ordinary problem with this car. what a wonderful car.
Still going
D, 02/03/2006
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just hit the 10 year b-day of my 96 ex civic. I have 150,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully.
Great Lil Car
eb_thatsme, 02/23/2010
1996 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Im in the military, and im a single mother. I got this car during the winter and was surprised as to how well it did on the roads in Italy [im in Pisa]. My daughters car seat actually fits quite well behind me while i drive and i drive comfortably.. [mind u im also 5'6] Its a great lil work car, i get awesome gas mileage [i only put about euro 40 in every two weeks]. This is just an awesome lil car. I do have dash problems, as in the display doesn't work, but all in all, great lil car. And amazing space!
Sweet
bob-o-mac, 05/12/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car it is build just so perfect. Now i am glad that I own one myself. If you have a chance get this kind of car. it is a nice cheap car i only spent 6,000 on it and it has only 85,000 miles on it. Built just right.
10 years still going strong
Smoke_Jaguar4, 03/25/2006
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. Since then I've driven it cross-country 3 times (fully loaded with stuff), through every possible climate and condition you can imagine. 10 years, 115K miles, it has never let me down once. All it needs is oil changes every 3K and regular service every 15K miles. Avg 38 MPG, quick around town, can haul more than some SUVs. The only downside is interior noise is a bit loud and the seats are not the most supportive. Only now am I seriously considering buying an other car (Honda Fit?) since this one has performed admirably.
Best package ever
ObsessedWithCivics, 03/06/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for one year. It has 75k on it now; had 69k when I bought it. There have been ZERO problems, and I've grown to love it more and more. The engine can't be better-- it has a suprising amount of power for the fuel economy that it gets. I now believe if you buy any other subcompact car, you are either really braindead or haven't done your research.
My first and best
shk22, 04/24/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has been my first car since freshman year in college('96) and I haven't had any major problems with it yet. This is absolutely a great car. No more explanation is necessary.
Honda envy
hon-da-man, 07/27/2006
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this one with 60k on it and now has 144k. Gas mileage can go up to 46 mpg if I really baby it, but gets 40 mpg now. No problems, except self induced ones. Wish I had gotten one with power windows and doorlocks, just for convenience.
Wish I could give more than a 10
Lodenk, 05/30/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have loved Honda Civics for years now, and this year I got rid of my 92 LX and bought myself a 96 EX Coupe. I love it, the look the feel the fun. Its a great car, I have had 0 problems with it, the car is really easy to work and and a hell of a lot of fun to play with. I just wish the Edmunds had a better score than a 10.
Thank You, Honda for this great car.
L.Mendes, 10/14/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Bought this car new in April 1996, and so far its been a great car with 58.000 miles. I change the oil every 3.000 miles. In 2002 I've replaced the Battery,Brakes,Tires and Muffler. Now,Married and one child on the way I will buy Honda again and this time a Pilot.
My First and Last Model
Lloyd Banks, 05/22/2004
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
theres a lot to say about this car, i bought this car to make it like 2 fast 2 furious and its beautiful. easy to fix up after market parts are easy to find. exterior styling and beautiful, performance is good but could be better and intererior is great. the car runs great and is reliable and is a beautiful car to drive ladies love it also ;).
THE TRUTH
Jonathon_aaron, 07/24/2002
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok not to make this un-fair to Honda but it is a great car, but there is problems with this year. This car is VERY AND I MEAN VERY EXPENSIVE to fix when problems to to crop up in it. I've had several problems witht he A/C unit, un-dectable problems with Stalling for no reason, and pathetic breaking. Less then a year ago I was involved in a car accident at 10 km, it caused over $5000.00 CND funds to repair well the guy I hit walked away with a cracked back bumper. Overall I love this car, even with the problems!
Listen 6.9 ratings!!!!!
JoAnna, 11/19/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I am disappointed at the others that rated this car low. I am a female and I have never had any problems with this car. It's been wonderful to me and vice-versa. If you take care of your car and research one before you buy it there should not be any problems.Period. So I give Honda a 9.999 rating and the rest of you can kiss my cars butt!!! Everything is wonderful, Thank you Honda!
Great car
Aquafina, 06/01/2004
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Gets great mileage even when I beat on it. Took out the rear interior and ran a 17.4 on bald street tires at Bristol Motor Dragway. Paint was crappy from previous owner but it was repainted after hail damage and looks great.
Honda Civic EX 4 door
Jordan Burrack, 04/10/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
with 70k miles, never ever had any problems. ex ex ex exellent fuel mileage! (32city/ 38 hwy). 1 time we got 42mpg avg. economy on a trip home from Utah!
40 mpg
BPM, Maine, 03/14/2009
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great point A to B car, excellent for city driving. The 96-00 Civics are some of the best used cars around. Inexpensive to own (purchase price, Ins. cost, repair, fuel etc.). ***The SOHC engines can be prone to connecting rod bearing failure at high mileage.***
VERY RELAIABLE CAR
CAR, 12/03/2002
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a very reiable car. Just rides smooth
96 Civic EX
jmr4152, 09/07/2004
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CV joints going bad, muffler rusted out at the axle (seems very common on civics), clutch is wearing out(prior driver possibly). My biggest complaint is that it has hesitated for almost a year with no check engine light. It's been in the shop numerous times with no luck. Not very pleased with the "Honda quality". Will be buying Toyota next round.
Worlds Best Value
sdanville, 12/11/2002
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Needed a car for my daughter. Wanted to spend $5000. With some shopping some 96's can be found at that price. Had already bought one Honda Civic on Ebay and it worked out..took another chance. This one had been hit. Dealer didnt disclose. Out side of that, the car runs as expected. 115,000 miles and the steering is tighter than my $30,000 Oldsmobile with 40,000 miles.
I Love This CAR!
dalaeaka, 09/20/2008
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this from a friend with 80,000 miles on it in 2004, before gas prices went up. Since then, all I've done is do the recommended timing belt/water pump change @ 110,000 mi (they looked brand new. Otherwise, I just drive it (about 20,000 miles per year. In the summer, with the air off, I can get up to 42 mpg. With the air on, I get 36 mpg! I carry two kayaks on top and get 34 mpg! I change the oil every 3,000 miles, that's it. Not the most comfortable car for a long drive, but at 40mpg, I can out up with it. The only problem I've had is with the driver side window falling off the track, which I can fix in about 15 minutes. I love the DX, as has no power anything to break!
Great car!
km, 04/24/2009
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my civic in 1999 with 37,000 miles on it. We're in 2009 and it has 180,000 miles now. I have had no issues with it whatsoever, just the normal maintenance. It has been so reliable and dependable. Gas mileage is great! Honda knows what they're doing!
How to deal with High Gas Prices
therock69, 03/13/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 8/2001. All the servicing I have had done are oil changes and changing the radiator fluid. I use the cheapest gas I can find. It gets 40+ highway miles to the gallon. How can I complain? Its probably one of the smartest purchases I've made in a long time.
Bad Quality
A bad car, 03/09/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
In 2nd month, window got stuck after paying toll on NJ Turnpike, had to drive the next 90 miles in freezing cold with wide open window. Afterwards, there was a big wind noise on the driver side window. The hatchback rattled all the time. Everytime the car went in for an oil change, I had service guy check it out. Every time he claimed it was fixed. It came back again. The AC broke down in the first summer. With skinny tires, the car changed lanes on its own whenever there's strong cross wind. Little power. Dealer ate the new car survey. Sold it after 3 years. Would never buy another Civic.
The Best in its class.
Silvercivic, 09/26/2004
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Over the past 6 months I had this car it drives nearly flawless in every way. Of course since it was used I had to do some minor repairs(New battery, realign rear bumper, swap lightbulbs) To this day I am still very pleased with this car.
Not that so reliable
andrewl98, 07/18/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 96'EX coupe two years ago because of its so called excellent reliability. BUT it's disappointing. Engine is noisy. A/C works, but wind speed adjustment is poor. No wind comes out at all at position 1 and 2. When I use position 3, hurricane start. Accelaration is not smooth. Beacuse of this(start not smoothly), I was subtracted 3 score when I took road test for my driver's licence. When I accelarate on the ramp of highway, I feel I am abusing or torturing this car. It struggled so hard but still make me feel I will be hitted by the car behind me. Thank those cars slow down in time, otherwise I can not seat here to write this.
Another Civic mistake
Elizabeth, 07/20/2008
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Civic both bought from private sellers. First one: 2000 EX coupe, had a mechanic look at it and it just wound up being a piece of crap, not well cared for like I thought and was told. Sold it. This one was 1 owner, always maintained from day 1, all paperwork so I thought it was okay. Stupid me! Costly repairs on things and I still have costly repairs to do. This $3300 is now almost a $5K car! Civics are notorious for window issues, A/C not great, and I find it uncomfortable to get in/out of and sit for a long time in those thin seats. I bought it w/138K miles and I now have 140K. Can't afford to get rid of it now. Hondas are so overpriced and overrated!
its all talk. you gotta represent.
boohiss for civics, 05/13/2003
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought a honda becuase i thought i could reley on it to provide me with good transproation. i bought the highest grade model, and things just started going wroge within two weeks of my car off the lot. my electircal system had to be completely rewired, my head had to be replaced, and my transmission was less than satisfactory. after two montehs with this car, i left my civic crap for a new cavalier, which has been much more reliable, and saved me about 3000 dollars, even after the hondas bills.
Excellent
chuns_chan, 11/06/2002
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
U can't beat the price and quality