Skip to main content

Used 1997 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
146 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Very Reliable!

Honda Lover, 04/29/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had one less thing to worry about! I never had any problems with the car; just it's average maintenance. It was very fun to modify - there are so many new things you can to do to personalize it. I am now a Civic enthusiast!

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Honda Hatchback is #1

JohnJay, 10/18/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got this car and i have never had any problems with it. And I beat this car EVERYDAY :) Hiting 110+mph. This car gets good gas mileage and is very reliable. And there are so many aftermarkets parts for it. I am in to fixing up cars for racing and this car is idel for the tack because of it light body. And it is so easy to put in a bigger engine. :)

Report Abuse
1997 Honda Civic for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
See all 9 listings

4.75 out of 5 stars

1997 Silver Honda Civic HX

Nathan Geib, 06/13/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have really enjoyed my 97 Civic HX. It is super reliable and is alot of fun to drive. Love going around corners at high speeds. Really holds the road with the double wishbone suspension. Engine very smooth and rev happy even with 140000 miles on the car. Reaches 74 mph in second gear at 7200 rpm before fuel cuts out. Doesn't use a lick of oil. I am amazed how Honda's last. My parents last one had a 236000 on it when they traded it in. I am sold on Honda.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Great

allison007, 03/06/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved this car and really only want to get rid of it for the pure fact that I want to try a newer Honda!!

Report Abuse

4.25 out of 5 stars

I bought it used and it's running great

civic97, 05/05/2006
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I spent $4000 on my 97 civic hatchback 6 months ago when it has 155,000 miles on it. It's been 6 months and it running great and the average of 320 miles per tank of gas. It does not have any problem on it. All I did is oil change. Engine is still running strong. I just love it.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Great car Great value

Frost, 04/03/2002
1997 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An overall great car. It is somewhat expensive for a compact car, but it makes up for it with reliability.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

great family car

Diego, 03/28/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

reliable, durable, perfect car for commuting

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Mourning my little Civic

I miss my little car, 08/29/2005
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently totalled my little hatch. I blew a front tire going downhill on the freeway and hit a concrete retaining wall doing about 65 mph. My passenger and I walked away shaken, but unscathed. I'm so sad! That car was my little buddy! It may not have been a fancy car, but it was reliable, fun, and above all, safe. I'm buying another Civic with the money I get for my car...but I really just want the one I had. It was great!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun car

got frank?, 07/12/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have fallen in love with this car. I put a lot of stuff additionally to this car because I love it so much. Now it has HID headlights and green parking headlights, a talking alarm system, mesh grill for the front, radar detector, 4 inch exhaust, tinted windows, etc.... i'm still planning to add more things. Well, it's a 1997 Honda Civic LX, Automatic transmission. I wish it was a manual, but I can still drive it somewhat like a manual (if you know how). Lovely car, reliable, nice-looking. I wish it had more horsepower and torque on the engine.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Civic was great purchase

kimmee, 04/06/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this car with 63,000 miles. Excellent car. Have had no problems whatsoever with it! No costs other than regular maintenance. Highly recommend to those looking for fuel economy and reliability with a car that still looks good- despite its age.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Great little car!

oregon girl, 08/03/2009
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very reliable little car! Excellent gas mileage, too. Oh, and it's cute! We love it.

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

HX Transmission Problems

jim paige, 06/17/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

CVT Transmission develops problems at idle ($4500 to replace)- RPM's race up and down- started at 40,000 miles- Honda knows about this "problem". Found out it is common problem- we are trying to get Honda to replace at no charge- because it is $4500 for new transmission (cannot rebuild or repair CVT) and car is worth $7000

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

gas mileage!!!

amanda=), 09/04/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car strictly for the gas mileage. I commute quite a bit and this was important to me. The Idea that $10 will pretty much fill your tank, and I can almost all week on that tank. that really does alot for me. I can pretty much whatever I want in it. my civic is very versitile!!!! I didn't even like it when I bought it. but I think it's growing on me.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

As Good as Any Honda

FinalHeven, 04/11/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is just what you'd expect in a Honda. It gets great gas mileage and plenty of power. There have been some minor annoyances with sounds and accessories, but nothing major. When I drove my car after a very cold night the thermostat broke and caused the car to overheat, but there was no damage besides the broken piece. I had the side panels repaired after someone hit me in a parking lot and now it looks better than it did before it was hit, though the doors creak a little. Overall a really good used car and one that is well worth the $4800 I paid for it.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

this has been a GREAT car

earmenta, 07/25/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been perfect for me. It is now going on 6 years old, and so far I have had absolutely NO PROBLEMS with it, not even minor ones! And I just passed 80,000 miles! Often times I will drive this car 1,000 miles in one weekend, and it's held up just fine and I never worry about it. If you want a dependable, low-maintenance car, get a Honda. They will last forever and are a great investment.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great little car

freudy, 02/10/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my car for 7 years now, and I'm just looking to sell it and get a new honda. The only recall this car has ever had was with the floor mats - seriously. I still manage to get 30-34 MPG. Still handles very well, and I'm only now starting to hear some rattles - mostly in the driver's door - and that is because i've had issues with my windows. my cousin, and my best friend also have similiar style honda civics and have experienced the same problem - the windows fall off track or get stuck. you can fix it yourself pretty easily, but i had my mechanic do it for $50 and the window works great now. thats my only complaint.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Solid Zippy Car

KLynn, 09/08/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this solid, zippy car when it was already 2 years old at a peak used car value! It hasn't disappointed me. Guests enjoy the roomy backseat. I like the space-making features in front for coins, maps, sunglasses, etc. Honda's modern exterior tricks some to think my car is new. However, my brother bought an identical '98 which has a few more ergonomic features worth considering. I am trading it in because *my* needs changed; I'm getting rid of the 2- door, 5-speed. But the value has remained. It will be a perfect twice- used car for someone else!

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Love this car

Hondalover, 01/23/2006
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 89k miles a year and a half ago after totaling my 2004 Sunfire and I must say that this is probably the best car I've ever owned. Sleek styling, smooth ride, excellent gas mileage, and very reliable. It now has 136k miles and the only thing I've had to replace was a faulty starter at 119k miles, and a front bumper and fender after a collision at 125k. Repairs are rare but costly when needed. Car still looks and drives like new (no squeaks or rattles and everything still works) even after 136k miles and being wrecked, which says a lot about Honda products. If this car ever quits on me, which I doubt will be any time soon, I will definitely own another Honda.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Very Good Car

punt, 06/13/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car. I have run this car very hard and it keeps on going and going and going. I have had no problems at all in 5 years.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Superb

gunner19, 03/07/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've just passed the 100,000 mile marker and she's still as strong as ever. I've never had a problem with this car.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Good fun

austin_engr, 02/03/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had a 97 Civic EX coupe for about three weeks now, and I've been generally happy with it so far. The build quality is excellent, and even at high speeds on the freeway the car feels quite solid. Road noise is a tad high. Last week I replaced the OEM Firestone tires with new Michelins, and the road noise dropped to half. My car has a stickshift, which is fun to drive, and has cruise control too. Unfortunately, there is no ABS option with the stickshift models. Except for these minor gotchas, the Civic is a great buy overall.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

CVT Transmission Problems

Klaus21, 05/04/2004
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

CVT transmission developed serious problems at 60,000 miles and cost $2500 to fix, at the only shop or dealer which was willing to touch it. Now, at 65000 miles, it is going out again. Very disappointing for a car bought because one of its main features was supposed to be reliablity.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Still Going!

luvmyhonda, 03/04/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At 185,000 miles....only thing needed was the routine maintenance, am now needing to replace my timing belt for the 2nd time. Still going strong. Can't imagine having to replace the motor??!!! I had brake pads put on, and besides that, routine maintenance at 50,000, 100,000 (replaces the timing belt), plus oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. I asked a Honda mechanic how far did he think my Honda would go and he said, "400,000" after confirming that I get oil changes regularly. I bought this new in 1997 but my next vehicle will probably be a used Honda after this experience. Wouldn't trust anything else. Runs great! I'm shooting for 300,000.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

love it!

jevans, 06/14/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first new car and I love it! I agree with the other review about road noise... but that's about the only flaw. My next purchase will probably be an Accord or Acura. So durable, I drive it like a pickup. And for such a "small" car, it has a ton of cargo space... moved to and from college in it. love it, love it, love it!!!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

97 Civic

Sergio, 01/17/2005
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a good reliable car that is really fun to drive the handling is excellent and it's pretty fast you can feel the power right away its a 5 speed cluch transsmission and it peels in first three gears once you hit 4th it stops.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Review

Twilightx, 04/18/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For 1st time buyer, this car is the one. The DX model is not fast, but it holds its own straight off the line if you have a manual transmission.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Car of the times!

markerickson, 07/02/2004
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Better real world gas mileage than the the other four seat hybrid competitors: 37 in the city and 44 on the Highway. I get closer to 40/45 because I overinflate the tires slightly and I'm easy on the throttle. With Honda's reliability, its like driving for free! Great car in these $2-3 per gallon times.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

205K and still running strong!

autox17, 07/29/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There isn't much that I haven't done to my civic...I've driven cross country, drag raced, auto-x'd, used and abused it and it still gets me back and forth to work with ease. I replace the motor at 175,000 miles b/c I found a great deal on a low mileage used one, but it surely could have made it another 50K miles with no problems. Only issues I have had with it are the window motors and a cracked exhaust manifold. No biggie's though. If you can find one of these used with relatively low miles, get it!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Used Car

GoGators, 07/06/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this car from a high school buddy with 78k miles. Put in some fresh plugs, runs great. 5 spd tranny is essential. I fully expect to get another 100k miles out of this puppy with minor repairs. Drove 300 miles going 75-80mph with the AC blowing and still got 32 mpg (205 size tires!). I'm sure without the AC at a slower speed you could easily get mid 30's.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

everything you expect and more

dattman86, 03/24/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

my '97 civic has been one of the most rewarding product purchases i have ever made and easily the best vehicle purchase. i love my civic and will stick with honda on my next vehicle though i will probably step up to an accord or something larger. my only complaint is the road noise. it is not exactly a quiet ride. the handling makes up for it though.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

One of the best...

MrBusiness TT, 04/05/2004
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There are cars that get better fuel economy (but only a handful that seat four people), and there are more powerful cars, but only the HX delivers 115 HP in 2324 lbs with fuel economy over 40 MPG. The best of efficiency and reliability. A liitle noisy due to lack of sound deadoning material (which saves weight).

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Spectacular Car

HondaLover, 10/10/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first car and i love it! Its been very reliable, and i've only had minor problems.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Don't want to give up

partingsweetsorrow, 04/09/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fell in love with car from moment saw and first drove it.Searched for Hondas due to reliabilty and high fuel ecomony. This car is great for city and/or suburbia. Love having a manual but soon give up sadly to a condition that allows me to drive automatic at maximum. I intend to find another Honda. I had to replace muffler,due to the large amount of erosion caused in Chicago winters, and an unavoidable pothole/debris incident (Chicago streets ;-{ hurt radiator but the new one will outlast the engine YEARS from now if possible. I adore paying so little in comparison once every 2 weeks for gas even for a job that requires me to drive daily!

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

A Lesson In Reliability

heath4braves, 08/22/2003
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I sold my Nissan Xterra, a huge, lumbering hulk of a car when compared to my Civic. I bought a 1997 Honda Civic LX. Can I say WOW?? I understand now why accolades are always tossed to Honda. It is THE BEST car I have ever had (Nissan, Dodge, Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Crysler all included in auto predecessors). It is small, but surprisingly roomy. True to the Honda name, reliability is standard. You can't go wrong.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

The Civic

Weasel661, 04/21/2004
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Civic was the second car I ever bought, and it is really fun to drive, It isn't the fastest car out there, but it sure is not the slowest. I really enjoy my Civic, and am extremely glad that I bought it!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

1997 Honda

PS, 12/13/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best car I've ever owned. It is almost 6 years old, has 134,000 miles on it and I have never had any trouble with. It still runs like a charm.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

good daily driver

islanderfan, 06/17/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have had no trouble with anything except driver side power window comes out of track when lowerted when raining. Other than that, this car has had no problems since the day we bought it.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Basic fun

wrb, 02/09/2003
1997 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

bought base model ( lightest, nothing power but brakes, no options ) for 10800.- Put AEM airintake for better breathing and 10 more hp, sport springs and -shocks ( stiffer and 1.5" lower ), front and rear -swaybars, front strut towerbar, 15" alloys w. 195/55-15 -V rated performance tires, all for much improved handling, race breakpads in front to compensate for weak rear drumbrakes . Total cost for improvements : $ 3000.- Overall result: a small ,light, fast, good handling, cheap car with 40 mls. plus mileage, very reliable and lots of fun !! A 9.5 overall for sure.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

About my Civic

civical, 04/03/2005
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

To be honest, I purchased this car from a private party with 15,000 miles on it. It was 3 years old at the time; and it had a salvage title... At first, I was concerned, but I have had no problems with this car. I am very pleased with my purchase. I paid $7,500. I go to the dealer to get my oil changed regularly, but besides that and brakes, that is all it has needed. I absolutely LOVE it.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Honda = Reliability

Honda_Owner, 08/06/2004
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first major investment and I have no regrets with my purchase. I plan to drive this until it can't go anymore. I have had to do minimal maintenance. I added a Honda spoiler, tint and fog lights and just love the look!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Good car

JMCollins12, 08/05/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My cars like a child, I love my car and it loves me, it's very dependable and I've never had a problem with it, I plan on buying a new honda and hopefully I can get the same quality out of it.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent car

TS3, 08/14/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car since 1997 and am ready to buy a new one but this one keeps going. Great car, I am at 178000 miles and on the original timing belt. Only replacement I have done is the distributor about 10000 miles ago. I drive this car hard everyday mixed city/highway driving. No complaints

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

The most reliable car I've ever owned!

mrjex43, 03/10/2003
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Honda has a long-standing tradition of producing vehicles that are extremely reliable, well-built, and fun to drive. My 97 Civic LX sedan is no exception. Purchased by the original owner in 10/2001, I've only had to replace the battery. The original owner is also a family friend, and with regulary scheduled maintenance, the battery is the only thing that has EVER needed to be replaced. After six years and 85,000 miles, the car still looks and drives like new; no rattles, rust, interior wear - this car was built to last.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

I Love this Car

MARYLANDSBEST, 11/04/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only thing I have to do is an occasional oil change. I'm at 163,000 and it still runs well. I own a Lexus but I drive my Civic almost everyday. Ecept for sundays.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car

HondaLover3, 02/17/2010
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 1997 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6 months ago after my 1994 Honda Accord EX-L Sport Couple was totaled by someone pulling out in front of me. I love this civic it is my 3rd Honda it had 209000 miles on it when I bought it and just rolled over 218000 miles in 6 months. The car had one previous owner, needs a paint job but other than that it has original engine and clutch and transmission still drives as its brand new. get around 320 miles per tank. Just regular maint done since I have bought it, oil changes and brake pads. I LOVE THIS CIVIC! as excellent as my dads 95 Acura integra with original motor and power train (automatic) that has 670,000 on it and still drives like new!

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

97 civic lx

marcelo, 09/06/2003
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car just hit 100000 and has never been in a shop unless for oil change and maintenance.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

HARDY HONDA

John on Long island, 09/09/2003
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So Far I have 148,000 miles on my Civic DX. So far. The only money I spent on it are for Oil Changes, 2 sets of Brakes. and I just changed into my 3rd set of tires. (I could still get 20K more out of them. but always play it safe to make up for the lack of ABS brakes). Other than that.. CANT ASK for a BETTER CAR.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Great car

puffy999, 07/18/2003
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car is great. It handles well, goes as fast as I need it to go, and is great on gas. Has not had one problem since I purchased the car. There is only one difficulty I've found. It does not want to go into reverse very easily with a 5-speed manual transmission. It sometimes takes a bit of work, especially on a slight hill. Also, if you are putting in an aftermarket stereo system with subwoofers, make sure you take a day off to do it. It takes awhile to take the entire interior of the car apart. Remember to connect a couple wires in the stereo plug if you want to use the dome light!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

my buddy Civic

hans, 05/29/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It was a perfect choice for a young couple as a first car to buy. Never have been disappointed with it!

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

175,000 and running

3-69, 07/22/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have put this civic through hell and back. From florida to virginia back down and across the states to california! All while touching the redline at least once daily. Not a single fault till i tripped over 170,000, when i got a new engine ... all my fault(extreme driving). This car is definitely reliable.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50