Used 1997 Honda Civic Coupe Consumer Reviews
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300,000 mile club or higher
Thomas, 09/02/2018
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Really reliable car mine has 270,000 miles on it and same transmission and engine and still runs good it's automatic one and was state trooper own for most of time
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Honda convert
HappyHondaOwner, 10/12/2009
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchased this civic at 10 y/o (in 2007) with 145,000 miles. I replaced a Ford coupe, at first I was skeptical about the transition to Honda nameplate. Very easy and fun to adjust to the civic, easy to love. The car was very clean, good engine (evrything original). The only repairs needed so far: a radiator replacement (just over $100), brake service overhaul (ouch: $400), alternator replacement (about $100). Routine servicing has included a new set of tires ($245), new battery ($55) and the usual periodic oil changes (at around 5k miles; $23ea), and a autotrans flush ($85). I am currently clocked at 192k (happy) miles! Cant wait to break 200k I know it will...
Love Honda
syfy, 05/19/2010
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I think buying a honda you will never go wrong. I bought mine in 1998 and trade it in 2005 just because i wanted something bigger living in the north. I wish I would have kept my civic ex
Great first car!
KY Civic, 03/12/2010
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I got this car for my 16th birthday three years ago with 88k miles, and nearly 30k miles later it's still running great. Had to have the axle replaced a while back, for a cost of $800, but that's really been the only problem I've had. Gas mileage is decent, but could be a little better. Acceleration can be a tad sluggish, but overall okay for a 4 cyl. Couldn't have asked for a better first car.
good ole reliable
Eric, 12/13/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What can I say about the civic. Light, nimble, with a quick feel. The only expenses other than fluids, filters, batteries, and tires was the timing belt at 90,000. The car runs effortlessly and still gets 37mpg combined. Honda did a great job making a very economical car sporty and fun. The only problem with mine is a slow passenger side window motor. Now the 2006 civic looks to do it all over again. Get in line to get the Si.
Awesome car
buckeyedrifter86, 03/21/2016
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This was my first car. I bought it when I was 16 and kept for 9 years and simply needed a change. This is a car for anyone, be it your first car, a project car, or a commuter car. By no means was the car fast, but it took corners like it was on rails and it was very lively; especially compared to V6/V8 Toyota/Lexus that my parents own. My only grip was the placement of the cup holders. To access them, you would have to open a flap which in turn covered the slot to the CD/tape player. Great car to blast around a track and the best part was I still got solid gas mileage regardless of how aggressively I drove. Very easy/cheap to repair, own, and soup up. Very sad that Honda doesn't make their cars like this anymore.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Amazing Car!!
DguyGp, 06/05/2008
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I received this car in early 08' and am extremely happy with it. Have added multiple after market performance parts to it recently. But even before that it ran incredibly for having 133,000+ miles on it. Excellent suspension and reliability! Gas never an issue, but i have dropped it with the addition of vtec motor. Clutch was first thing to go, but not a problem for a car of this age. Super clean and excellent body work. Over all, this was a great choice in car. Easily modified, a car to be proud of!
97' Honda Civic
aeriellele, 03/20/2013
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as my first car from a private seller for $1400 with 146K on it only 3 months ago. When I first bought it, it needed a new oil distributor and radiator. I replaced them both thinking I had gotten away with an awesome deal. Then one of my tires went flat, spent a pretty penny on that too. Shortly after, on a long trip to my favorite state park, the transmission gives out in the middle of the road when I was almost at my destination. I had invested too much money on repairing this car for it not to last and I would never buy it used again. For the short while it lasted though, gas mileage was AMAZING.
Greatness
bcw04, 08/07/2004
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
wow this car is great
1997 CIVIC EX
Peter Tancula, 03/03/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1997 Civic ex has 124,000 miles on it and the engine stil runs like new; ). I never had problems with it, NEVER. Great car.
My First and only
beavetm, 09/08/2004
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have driving my car for over seven years and have only had it in the shop for a major repair one time. I must say that this car has got me through high school, college and beyond. It is a wonderful first car for young drivers because it looks sharp and is relatively inexpensive. I will never buy another car except a Honda in the future, but I plan to keep my Civic forever.
Love my Civic
Jake, 10/12/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Civic for 8 years now, and I love it - I even bought my wife an Accord after such a great experience with Honda so far. It feels very stable on the highway, but is manueverable and fun when you downshift and take it around curvy country roads. Great long trip car - I've had it get 40 mpg before on a flat highway, no A/C on, going through a whole tank of gas at a time. Otherwise, it averages about 32-34 mpg in normal commuting. Great car, great company - my next car will have 4 doors though - I didn't really care at the time (college) but now I need 'em (baby).
best car ever
mackel, 03/05/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car drives perfectly and is a joy on every commute
Money well spent!
Steven D.., 02/20/2004
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned 2 new civic. The first civic lasted for 221,000 miles in 10 years. My second civic has 160,000 miles on it in 7 years and does not show any signs of slowing down. They are and were worth more to me than the sticker price I paid for them. Reliability is the best feature of the civic. They are not the fanciest vehicle out there but they cover every base very well for the everyday person or the traveling type.
Does not live up to its name
slowcar, 06/25/2010
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this Honda to replace my Turbo Eclipse because i needed a daily driver car for my commute to Nashville. Car has been riddled with problems. 139k transmission went out, spark plugs were seized in head. Now my electrical system is malfunctioning. The headlights Dim i am throwing codes for oxygen sensor, speed sensor, and ELD. cannot figure out what is wrong with it. I will never buy a Honda again, i must have been one of the few that purchased a true lemon. i have had the car for 6 months drove it 6000 miles and have had to invest 3500 on top of the 3000 cost. Horrible design why did i get such a lemon?
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.
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.
Great Car
Jessica Smith, 02/16/2004
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy my car. I am a teenager and loved the look of the car. I have been driving it for over 2 years and love it. I like the look so much better than the newer one, and the gas mileage is great. Its a great car.
honda mixer
j.p., 02/19/2004
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only problem I had, was the radio & CD player. The CD player is a 6-CD changer in trunk. The connecting cable becomes loose at the radio & makes the CD player fade in & out. This has been repaired 4 times & is now starting to act up again. The rest of the car has been great.I realy like the fuel economy, it averages 42-HWY. 33-CTY. Also the AC will freeze even the hottest person.
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
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
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!!
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!
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.
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.
I Love it!
Ashley D, 08/10/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a Honda Civic EX, and its Milano Red. I absolutely love my car! It's so quick, I havent had any problems with it, and the paint just shines :)
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.
Can't Ask for More
Andie, 08/28/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Civic EX brand new in 97 and I still love it. It's about time to move on to something with a bit more comfort - been trying and make it to the Acura dealership to look but somehow I just don't want to part with my Honda. It has given me almost no problems in 6 years (driver's side window got stuck once about 3 years ago; replaced the alternator 2 years ago) - otherwise it's been a very reliable car. Love the exterior styling and the interior layout. The 5- speed is fun to drive except in stop & go traffic - next car will definitely be an automatic for this reason only!
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.
a good car to buy even used
rocky1318, 02/06/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this car from a private seller and it runs great. no wear and tear except for maybe as couple scratches on the outside. a good car to buy new or used.
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.
188,000 and time to retire
DaveInPhoenix, 01/22/2006
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 125k mi. in 2001. I immediately recognized the potential for how fun this car would be with some modifications. I put 17" wheels on (best performance mod, BTW) and a 1.5" lower suspension. This car handles like it's on rails. Every time I drive this car it's like I'm racing on Mazda Speedway. Much fun! Mileage is great with average 30mpg considering my driving habits. I grenaded the motor at 150k mi and the transmission is now in need of replacement, but I bear full responsibility for these things because of my driving style. The rest of the car is tip-top and would probably last another 200k mi. My only ongoing complaint has been effectiveness of A/C.
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.
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!
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!
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).
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
97 Civic EX coupe
alotawatts, 01/06/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased mine used with aprox 76000 miles. I get lousy milage in town with the automatic transmission but good on the hiway. 1996 - 2000 6th generation Civic's are outstanding !
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.
Overall a excellent vehicle to drive
Big Phill, 09/03/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'v done all type's of custom work to the vehicle. Very fun to drive!!!
reliable econo-car
rh&sw, 11/03/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this car for over 6 years now. Bought it new. The car is very reliable. It get's decent mileage. Avg about 27MPG in mixed city/hwy. The only problem was the battery failed at about 5 years. This is normal I suppose.
Outstanding
j8h9, 12/03/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm writing this review if only to get through my mourning of the loss of my 1997 Honda Civic EX... I was hit and the car was totaled and I'm thinking of suing for emotional distress. Gawd I loved that car.
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!
My Civic is the bomb!
Kellylicious, 01/31/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Civic when it was a year old and have loved it every day sense. I moved to Hawaii and could not part with it, so it took a cruise over and made it fine. I've never had a problem with it, outside of the driver's side window getting stuck last year (although this may have to do with after-factory tint I had put on at that time) and this was easily fixed. I wish it had more power going up mountains, but it is worth it to have the awesome gas mileage (30 - 34 mpg even with city driving). I love my car and have not once regretted this purchase. It has never let me down.
Civic HX Review
myst, 04/19/2002
1997 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been a honda buyer and driver for years. I am really impressed with the 1997 civic and how well it has held up. I still get compliments on it today for such a nice vehicle! A well designed, built and executed car in all areas. The complaints I have about the car are so minor, that they are not even worth mentioning.
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