Used 1996 Honda Civic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Honda's Best
cvilla, 10/16/2009
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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!
New owner of a seasoned red DX cpe 5-spd
coastie_in_va, 02/17/2015
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'd looked for a reliable gas sipper to give my Tacoma a rest and found a retired nurse selling her car. So, for $1,600 I had my civic with only 89,8XX miles! Yes, I know. So with some small parts from the junkyard, brakes, new tires, a little body work, paint job, and new timing belt/water pump I have my jewel. If I didn't have a car in the garage, I'd keep this one in it and only take it out in good weather, lol. So, great car for running around the DC area. If you can find one in good shape go for it!
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Great Car for young people
Cinnie, 09/24/2003
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 1998, and it has been wonderful. I never had any real problems with it, just upkeep, and gas. Although when I had a baby in 2001, it became very apparent that it wasn't a family vehicle. No room in the back for her now that she is 2, her feet have to rest on the seats, and I have to pull my seat up closer to the steering wheel, so I can't drive comfortably. If you are single, with no children, this is a great car!!!!
The most reliable car
Steve, 02/01/2006
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Car was originally bought as an R-title w 160K. It has been in the family for 5 yrs,now it has 240K. Still gets 33/40 mpg. Haven't changed the timing belt yet. Only changing the oil and an occasional bulb.
Will keep it for life!
monkeybomb, 01/21/2015
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 civic 3 years ago. I've put the work into it that it needed replacing cv axles, ball joints, control arms etc... I attribute these things to previous owner errors. This has been the best car! It's small but not cramped. I have 3 kids and we all fit. Mine is a 5 speed standard transmission and I routinely get 37-39 combined MPG! I HAVE ~240,000 miles on this car with the original transmission, clutch and engine. She's still running strong and is well worth every penny I have into her. If taken care of properly, this car will go forever! Buying seals from auto parts stores will not fix any leakage problem; buy direct from dealer.
Great Car!
cbrcrx, 02/13/2004
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have only 90k miles. I have had no problems at all. The reason I gave it a 10 in every catagory is for the price and the catagory it is absolutly the best. I have had 8 different cars during the time I have had the Civic. I will always have a Civic (my 6th one). Almost eveyone of my friends have Civics. Two of them have over 200k with no problems! One just changed the first CV at 210k miles.
It runs so well, that I may be bored!
martin189, 07/11/2004
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my EX new in '96 and have had no problems -- just usual maintenance -- new battery, oil change and brakes. I just assume that this car is going to run and it does. Now that I'm 50, I feel like I need something more expensive and a bit more comportable --but it's really hard to give this car up. I've even detailed it last year and it looks amazing -- the black paint has held up really well. I keep looking at Mercedes, but when I hear the problems that my friends have with theirs -- I realize that I got a great deal by buying this car. It still looks and acts new.
Forget the Jones'
Fronteeer, 02/27/2009
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Why did they stop making cars like this? Underpowered fuel-sippers with lots of passenger and trunk space. Who cares if you can't take off fast? I'm getting 38mpg. This Honda is 13 years old and it's better than any car I've ever owned. Sure, it's got a few dings and scratches, and there's a little surface rust on the fenders, but that's to be expected when salt is sprayed on the roads all winter. The transmission's still tight and smooth, everything works, and it's the most reliable vehicle in my driveway. On a few occasions this winter it's been used to jumpstart two much newer vehicles on really cold mornings. This is definitely not my last Honda. It has 125,000 miles on it and runs great.
All others don't even come close
Infadel74, 04/02/2002
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The best car I've ever owned. This car has 130,000+ miles on it and it's never needed any work. I've never had anything replaced except a muffler. All's it needs is some regular maintenance and it's ready to go.
Careful!
Juliet, 12/23/2015
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
6 of 13 people found this review helpful
Ok so i was here looking at reviews to purchase my 1996 honda civic and was amazed by all the good reviews. Anyways i bought my honda and turns out to be a total nightmare. First problem door locks broke then the driver door lock broke not opening from the inside or outside. Second i started having inflated water hoses. I changed the radiator and the hoses and the thermostat and water pump. I still continue with pressure in the hoses i have combustion gas going into my coolant system. I took to a mechanic turns out that apparently the timing belt broke and since these cars have an interference engine it caused the piston to bent the exhaust valves. Dont buy a car with interference engine buy with none interference engine this repair cost more then $1000.00 dollars beware there is no oil mixing with coolant nor engine noise or any white smoke and it runs like has no problems when u go buy this car take a combustion tester because i bought this car with bent valves and it seemed perfect also young kids burn out these cars beware. Test hoses for pressure and make sure they are not inflated also open radiator coolant for combustion gas make sure to do this with engine COLD. Check for bubbles in water or if u see weird glitter on radiator Stay away thats a Stop leak head cover or blue could be bluedevil STAY AWAY.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
Byron, 03/18/2004
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In my opinion the Civic is my favorite car in the world. Okay, so it doesn't have the horses or it doesn't have that stylish look compared to the new generation... but performance wise, the Civic can match the rest. Not to mention the great gas mileage it produces. I am very pleased with my Civic.
12 years and still going strong
mark machula , 04/01/2008
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had this car given to me as a gift it had 28,000 kms at the time I have had it 3 years and 50,000 kms later and all I have done is change the oil every 5,000 kms new front brakes and tires. I am impressed it never breaks down. It is fun to drive and it has a lot of pep for an engine and car of it's size I am also impressed with its safety. I was in an accident last year with it. I hit another car head on driving 80 kmh and did not even suffer any injuries and my car was fixable. After that experience I feel very safe in my car. Over all I think Honda has built a great quality vehicle with this car.
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!
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
You could find a better car, Period!
jack , 12/04/2008
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my car for about ten years. It has been from New england to Florida a few times. It's been so reliable that I would recommend this car to anyone who wants very little headaches and does not obsess over transportation. In ten years of ownership It's been in the shop for CV joints, for an electrical malfunction in gas tank and for power window regulators, all 3+ years apart! What more can you say about that? Oh yes, tires and brakes are inexpensive. The car is so simple to work on that you can 80% of the repairs yourself, if handy. Car has 163K on it, bought it with 30K. I've waxed the car, so rust is just now starting on fender.
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.
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.***
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!
Honda 4 life
cw96hcivic, 06/11/2002
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my civic. I've had it for 2 years now. I bought it with 46,000 miles and I just hit 100,000 last week. I always maintain it at Honda dealerships for quality service. Very reliable. This is my second Civic. It's also very friendly to the aftermarket as I have many modifications done to my civic.
First New Honda
HondaOwnerJC, 06/15/2002
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purhcased my 96 Honda Civic LX Oct 95. I use it everyday to commute to work. It is by far the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Runs and looks great. I bought it for the name and so far it has lived up to its name. No major service just regular fluid changes.
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!
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.
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....
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!
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
Why I LOVE My Honda
Cassie Snow, 01/27/2003
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the 6 years I've owned this car, and with 2-3 oil changes a year, I've never had to worry about it starting on cold/hot days or breaking down on side of road. I was recently in accident going 35-40 mph. Was VERY pleased with the lack of damage to front of body. Seat belt didn't hurt me and air-bags did NOT unnecessarily deploy. Very happy.
this car is super cool
Ken4238, 02/18/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this is the best car around, good looking, acceptable price, long lasting engine, i like it.
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.
mcknight's honda civic
Charles Mcknight, 09/13/2003
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hello I love my honda civic I just wish the interior was more of a factor while the design of this car was being made,although the comfirtability is great. In the near future I would like to see better quality as far as the material used when designing these interior products goes . Thanks Honda , Charles MCknight.
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.
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.
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.
Good Reliable Car
Tim J, 03/06/2006
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car - has been pretty reliable, now at 135,000 miles. Have had to fix: Exhaust Manifold Muffler (both rust) Distributor/Rotor (wouldn't start) I would characterize the repairs to this car as minor, vs other cars I have owned or a similar age. From my own experience/other reviews it appears that exhaust rust is the only real fleet-wide problem with the 1996 civic. Fortunately these aren't terribly expensive to replace, vs the repairs I have had on other older cars.
LOVE my Civic
Susan Rowland, 11/20/2006
1996 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Civic is a great little car. Reliable. fuel efficient, well mannered, and likable. I can't rate it highly enough.
1996 Honda Civic LX
JWS, 04/03/2003
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have just gotten my license in the last year and for my first car i bought my Honda Civic. So far ive had to replace an Oxygen sensor which set me back a couple hundred bucks. The power under the hood could be more but it does its job. Other than that i have no complaints. The car runs great and is really fun to drive. I would recomend a Honda to anyone who wants an affordable reliable car........
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.
Someone said you'd got to be brain dead
hlteo, 04/13/2003
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a 157k miles 98 LX from the 2nd owner who doesn't know what car maintenance means. She paid for all the quickie oil changes but the original timing belt is still there after 157k miles. Goes to tell you how amazing the car is built. Anyway, I bought it cheap and spent $800 on a major service including new timing belt, fan belt, water pump, etc... The transmission also did not get a fluid change in the last 135k miles!!! With a little TLC, this car will drive beyond 200k miles.
Great Reliable Car
John, 08/08/2007
1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm the second owner of this car. It has 180K miles on it and is running perfectly. Great gas milage with 30/35 city/highway and a very comfortable commuter vehicle. It is easy to maintain (oil changes, filters, fluids, plugs, etc.) and is very reliable.
Great Value
kerrym1, 12/23/2010
1996 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a few years ago and with regular maintenance, it has been a charm! I have loved having this car for the gas mileage, of which averaged 40mpg (lots of highway driving). I now have 322k miles on it and it seems to have past its prime and the engine is going. It has served me well and will definitely be buying another!!
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.
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.
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!
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
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.