Used 1997 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Car Ever Owned
Honda Fan, 08/19/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just turned my car over the 100,000 mile mark yesterday and it still runs like it has only 10 miles. I purchased this car new and have not had one major problem with it. In fact, this is the best Honda I've ever owned (after having 3 Accords prior to this purchase). I was only buying this car to keep for a short time, but just can't seem to part with it.
Great investment, I love my car
Elizabeth, 12/19/2005
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been wonderful. I'm at 104k miles and hardly any problems so far. Just had some minor things fixed last week (scheduled maintenance, brakes, water pump, timing belt), but before that only the muffler replaced (around 60k probably) and a motor mount (around 90K). Very reliable car, still running very well. I've driven it thousands of miles on the interstate and never had to worry. I love it and plan to keep driving it until it dies.
2nd Timer to Honda
2nd Timer to Honda, 12/28/2006
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought Honda 97 LX with 114.5K miles from a private party as a 2nd car, well kept. My initial reposne is good, stable drive, engine looks to be in good condition. Previously, I had Accord 2000 EX and have now Altima 06. Good to know this comes with keyless entry and auto-theft. Still checking for ABS. Not sure if that comes standard, i think it does but please don't take my word for it. Will be updating this board in about 6 months. If looking for 2nd car, go for it, check with the seller about the timing belts, water pumps and brakes service info (at least).
Love my Honda!
Steve, 01/24/2007
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Civic Ex since it was new & have been very pleased overall with it. It has been extremely reliable. The drive train, body & hardware have held up nicely. Only a couple of flaws: the SRS failed under extended warranty, but has failed again out of warranty--cost approx $500 to repair: Ouch! Fob doesn't work any longer--it is 10 yrs old, maybe I'm expecting too much. Had to replace driver's window regulator, also replaced master & slave cylinders for the clutch. I consider these to be normal wear & tear items on a car of this age & mileage. Will sell this car soon as I have been given a company car. I'll miss my Honda!
EXCELLENT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew N., 03/27/2003
1997 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 67000 miles on it for 45000, and i really got my money's worth. I loved it to death. I got in a major wreck at 72000 miles. I only drove 5000 and can testify that it was yet the greatest car i ever owned. It is even extremly safe in collisions. I walked away with a seat belt wound after an RV pulled out in front of me. Crumpled the exterior into tin foil yet left the interior untouched. Awesome, safe and dependable. If you see one, do not pass the opprotunity up! By it!
Phat Ride
Naveed Ashgar, 03/05/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was fun.
More Bang for your Buck
1BADCIVIC, 04/08/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With 140 horsepower stock, you can easily upgrade to over 200, and not have to worry about gas prices, or wether or not it's going to start every time.
My Civic is pretty G
Thug Life, 03/28/2007
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this car for about nine months. I have to say it is quite premium. It looks very nice, is easy to work on, and is fun to drive. Like other reviewers, I really like the lack of power steering and the driving feel it brings. The car is easy to work on and has a lot of tuning potential. Also I get well above 35 MPG in the city.
Honda Civic EX coupe
JMP, 03/06/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car.
Still chuggin' along
Will C, 04/28/2007
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new back in February 1997. It's now over 10 years old. What can I say about this car? It's been through 2 accidents, 2 AC systems (compressor locked and then a rock flew right into it), 5 windshields, blown head gasket, but it's still running along. The car still looks new, since I take care of my car, except the front. I drive A LOT! The paint is peeling on the front bumper and the hood, but the rest of the car looks new. It's getting time to buy another car. But I want to see the odometer roll to over 200K, and then I'm selling it off. I can't believe a lot of people are still interested in this car. I'm movin' on up. I'm looking into buying either a TSX or Accord
Great car
jb, 07/25/2007
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car, great on gas, I love it. It's safe and reliable. I would recommend it for anyone with a family or not. It's very reliable
A good buy
986man, 07/09/2007
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car late 2000 as my first car. It had about 69,000 miles and I have since run that up to almost 127,000. The cost of planned maintenance is low, tires are inexpensive, and oil changes at 4,000 mile intervals don't seem to matter. I have only had two unplanned maintenance issues: the ignition coil failed and the car shutdown. This was due to old spark plugs that I had not changed at the needed interval (my fault). Second, a CV joint cracked, although this was probably from normal wear and tear. Bottom line, very few unplanned issues over a LONG life :). Good reliabilty! The car (127 hp, auto trans) is not fast, but it handles well.
Very reliable car
opunty, 04/29/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with this car and it is a 1997. I have only performed the roitine maintenance and I drive the car very hard at time. I can't even bring myself to sell it because it is rated one of the best used cars and I have had nothing wrong with it. 81,000 miles and still runs as well as it did with 10,000 miles.
Great around-town Car
jacobwallace, 04/30/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since it was brand new, and I still love it! I've never had a major problem with it - totally reliable, although Honda had to replace the alternator, moonroof motor, and one headlight at various times early in life (ALL done under warranty, and on routine visits, not after any serious failures). Honda service is wonderful, if pricey - if having your car start every morning is worth your money, Honda is the way to go.
I am VERY DISAPPOINTED
Lisa1536, 05/14/2003
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Honda anomaly. I am shocked at what is happening to my CVT transmission. It is going out on my 6- year-old car with 78,000 miles. I bought a Honda to avoid problems like this, but unfortunately things are not going like I thought they would. Except for window regulators, I have had no problem with this car, except this $4500 one. I know this is unusual, but understand, it does happen.
Best car I ever had
SMHuskie, 03/26/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
7th year with this car. I bought it new in 97 and have put 160000 miles on it. It has never had a major problem and still runs like it has 30,000 miles on it. Still no creeks, rattles or clunks and the car is still more firm feeling than any American car I ever owned. I made it 90,000 miles on the original tires, 150,000 miles on the original brakes (and still had some left to go). I'm itching for a new car but this one acts like it can go another 100,000 without breaking a sweat. Couldn't ask for a better mode of transportation- cheap on gas, insurance, tires and I've put 10' lumber in a 2 door coupe (thanks to the 60/40 fold down). Just awesome!
Honda cant be stopppppped!!!!
Joe/ HondaHottness, 01/19/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My civic is the first car i bought, the aftermarket for this car is crazy. There is so much to do with this car. The vtec is great to i wish a had the cash for the SiR though. My car gets good gas mileage, (better than any american performance car).
Great small car, just a few small gripes
Mik, 02/19/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, should have gotten the fivespeed though. (test drove both) Performance is a little sluggish when the car is full. But its very quick when im by myself. A supercharged/turboed version would fix that wouldnt it? ;)
Bippy is the best!!
Bippy, 05/21/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my Bippy four years ago and absolutely love it! I have driven it cross-country many times and have never had a problem going anywhere. The gas mileage is great, and it runs just as well today as it did when I bought it used four years ago.
Honda civic DX
Prettyboy, 05/27/2003
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving my civic for close to four years now and have had very little problems with it. It has been the best car I have ever owned. Even though it is the base model it still gets looks when i drive it around town. I plan to keep me civic for a few more years to come.
Keeps on ticking
moz52, 06/04/2003
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, with about 30,000 miles on it, and now it has over 120,000. I have done nothing but regular tune ups, new tires, and oil changes. Although I would love to have something a little more sporty, I will most likely purchase a new Civic sometime this year. You just can't beat the reliability.
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.
Great small car, just a few small gripes
mIK, 02/19/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, should have gotten the fivespeed though. (test drove both) Performance is a little sluggish when the car is full. But its very quick when im by myself. A supercharged/turboed version would fix that wouldnt it? ;)
Ex coupe
knight, 06/17/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good car, nice to drive, easy to own, economic but fast, with lots of accessories on the market
Very Nice
jofaile, 06/26/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good performance (I have bumped mine up to 141 hp), nice styling (mine is black /w pearl coat), and awesome reliabilty (haven't had a problem with it yet).
Great car
Zipsfb, 07/04/2003
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got rid of my 1998 Mustang for a 1997 Civic HX for mainly fuel economy. Lots of road trips and it hasn't let me down. Easy to work on and parts are cheap for engine upgrades. Also relatively simple to install car audio components into. Overall a little slow, but making it fast is all part of the fun. Great car.
Great Car for The Price
SSS, 03/14/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gets fantastic mileage averaging 32 miles per gallon in city driving. The hatchback offers a lot of space considering its compact size (always easy to find parking)! Great performance without a high price tag.
Review
Datalis, 03/18/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall a great reliable car
Pimp Ride
Special K, 03/21/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is so cool! There are so many modifications you can do to the Civic! The car is very comfortable. It's very fun to drive too, it has some get up and go! If you have not driven one get down to the dealer! What are you Waiting For. . . GO!
Love This Car!!!
RGP0922, 03/29/2018
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had numerous requests to sell this car whenever I take it in for repair. This car is obviously in high demand.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Underpowered but dependable car.
RobertGB, 07/20/2022
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I actually bought this brand-new in 1997, and it died in 2018 after 200000 miles. It was a bit underpowered and not the best for freeway travel, but it was great for driving around town.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Oldie but a goodie
Jewels, 06/10/2024
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since 1997. Most dependable car I have ever owned. Has 224k and still running strong. The peeling paint is the negative thing about it. Needs a paint job.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Blemish on Honda's Record
NoMoreHonda, 02/24/2004
1997 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 97 Honda Civic CX hatchback with only 37,000 miles on it. Within the first week, a sensor and ignition coil both failed and the car left me sit. The engine is terribly underpowered. I spent $600 on new shocks/struts only to find that the terrible ride quality had not improved. The doors rattled and interior noise was plentiful. NO extras, not even lights in the glove box or rear hatch. There are Hyundais out there which look, feel, and run better than that car did! I sold it within a year and bought an 86 Subaru which actually feels BETTER!
Great Car
HondaLover, 01/31/2009
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car almost 10 years ago. Its a 5 speed manual and it has been very reliable. I have had no major problems in the 100k plus miles I have put on. It is relegated to a kids car now and it gets much more abuse than when my wife and I drove it, but it is still hanging in there. A few years ago I purchased a 2005 EX 4 dr, so I guess its says a lot of about how much we liked this one.
Excellent
angelo, 04/13/2009
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like the car because it's economy and a small car that I can park anywhere it will fit; also very economic.
uscbrownie's civic
uscbrownie, 06/18/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wonderful vehicle, I love it! Only negative comment is the paint on the red models wears out fast, but that's the color's fault, not the car!
An excellent automobile, but not perfect
Joseph Kotran, 11/08/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Honda Civics are often well reviewed by the automotive media and consumers. I think that the praise is deserved, but somewhat exaggerated. I have owned my '97 Civic LX for five years now. I am happy with it, I have had no mechanical problems, and I still like the way it looks. However, I think that the Civic is very much lacking in comfort. My chief complaint regards excessive cabin noise. The engine and road noise are far too loud for long distance trips. Even a short commute to work can frustrate as I often have to play radio at a loud volume to drown out the noise.
Got my money's worth
can't believe, 04/24/2008
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in '97 with a mere 7 miles on it. It now has 135+K miles and has overall been a great car. Its never had any major problems except that its almost been stolen twice. I am having the problem that (2nd time around) my drivers side window in not working and the passenger side is slow. And there is something rattling whenever I turn. It has taken me everywhere & has been extremely reliable even when I wasn't so nice to it on the road. My older brother wants this car to tool around in & my soon to be 16 y/o wants it, so they'll have to duel it out when its time to retire it for a 4 door which is going to be soon.