1996 Honda Civic Review
1996 Honda Civic Review

Used Civic for sale
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1996 Honda Civic appraisal values can range from $367 - $1,539.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Honda engineers have created a more powerful and more contemporary car with the 1996 Honda Civic.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$186/mo
Civic CX
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
More than two decades ago, Honda introduced the Civic, It was an small, anonymous, unassuming car, competing in a market saturated by mammoth sedans sporting ornate chrome, garish styling treatments, and acres of sheetmetal. The producers of these defunct dinosaurs didn't bat an eye at Honda's fuel sipping entry, despite the fuel crisis of 1973. Big mistake.
Since then, Americans have seen four generations of the Civic come and go, each much improved over the previous model, and each becoming immensely popular with consumers. 1996 brings a new generation; certainly improved by not so much so that we'd consider it revolutionary. The 1996 Civic isn't much smaller than an Accord. Available in hatchback, sedan and coupe body styles, Honda has heeded customers who claimed the 1992-1995 Civic was too sporty looking. A grille has been tacked on up front, sheetmetal contours provide a squarish profile, and larger rear taillamps give the Civic a more conservative look. Sedans, coupes and hatchbacks have been given more individualistic styling themes, with the hatchback retaining honors as most odd among the trio.
Dual airbags are part of the package, with antilock brakes standard on EX models and available on LX sedans. Our press kit says the Civic is equipped with "variable diameter tubular door reinforcing beams." We take this to mean that the Civic passes next year's tough side impact standards. HX coupes are available with a new continuously variable transmission. Hatchbacks ditch the two-piece clamshell hatch from last year in favor of a more conventional one-piece arrangement.
The Civic has few shortcomings, aside from its anonymous personality. Hondas tend to be on the expensive end of the scale when new, but over time, they are a far better value than most of their contemporaries. The Civic is no exception to the rule. It is a car for people who don't enjoy repair garage waiting rooms. It is a car that holds its resale value better than most of the cars it competes with. It is a car that easily endears itself to its owner.
We think the Civic is a solid buy. For those who like a bit of spice in their commute, try the EX version of the coupe. Want a fuel miser? The HX coupe is your car. Strict budgets demand a look at the CX, while sedans are aimed more at the creature comfort side of the scale. Style-conscious buyers will go for the svelte coupe, or the suave EX sedan. Whatever your needs, Honda offers a Civic that will meet them.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Honda Civic.
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
1996 Honda Civic EX coupe
nickaxisa,09/07/2011
EX 2dr Coupe
I've had my 96 Honda Civic EX coupe for about a year now, it came out of the abusive driving conditions of NYC, and i can't believe how reliable this car is! I bought my civic from a small dealership for only $2200 with 150k and I don't regret buying this car at all. I'm a college student and I commute everyday with this car. I never had any mechanical problems with the car until I had … my friend who is a mechanic look at it. He did find some problems, like it was leaking brake fluid and oil and the desperately needed a tune up, an oil change and new brake pads. Even when the car needed all that work it running and driving fine, but now that i fixed all that the car is running beautifully.
4.88 out of 5 stars
the best
jim cat,02/27/2002
DX 2dr Coupe
without a doubt, the most reliable car I've ever owned.....moving up to an Accord, and passing this gem to my son....he should get another 100,000 miles of carefree driving from it.
4.38 out of 5 stars
96 Civic EX just won't die!
tareseb1,07/31/2012
EX 2dr Coupe
I bought my '96 Civic EX in '04 with 60k miles on it, and have been driving it ever since.
It now has 160k miles and they have been really hard miles.
I will admit that I was young when I bought it and did not take care of this car the way I should have.
10k miles between oil changes, and really no regular maintenance.
I have horses and I use this little car like a truck.
It has never … let me down.
Besides tires, the only things I have had to replace on it are tie rods, belts and a starter. I really can't believe I didn't kill this car!
4.13 out of 5 stars
Honda's Best
cvilla,10/16/2009
DX 4dr Sedan
I love this car! I bought it in 1999 used with over 60K miles. People laughed and thought I got ripped off! $8000 for a car with high mileage then. The years of gas at $3.75 came and those same people could not afford to go to the beach like I could because their BIG trucks used too much gas. Now 2009, the car has 221000 miles and still shows no signs of quitting. I didn't do all those … scheduled maintenance. I haven't even changed the timing chain/belt. Just oil/ air filters, breaks and fluids! Oh and I had to replace CV boots. That's all. BEST car I've owned, and I've owned plenty. Audi,BMW, Mustang, Chevys, VW, Renault, Bronco etc. Honda could take a lesson from its past and redo it!
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestAcceptable
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More about the 1996 Honda Civic
Used 1996 Honda Civic Overview
The Used 1996 Honda Civic is offered in the following submodels: Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic Hatchback. Available styles include CX 2dr Hatchback, DX 4dr Sedan, EX 2dr Coupe, DX 2dr Coupe, DX 2dr Hatchback, HX 2dr Coupe, LX 4dr Sedan, and EX 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Honda Civic models are available with a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 127 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Honda Civic comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1996 Honda Civic?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1996 Honda Civics are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Honda Civic for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Honda Civic.
Can't find a used 1996 Honda Civics you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Honda Civic for sale.
Find a used Honda for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Honda Civic for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Honda for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 1996 Honda Civic?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Honda lease specials
Check out Honda Civic lease specials
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