More than two decades ago, Honda introduced the Civic. It was a 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 brought us a new generation; certainly improved by not so much so that we'd consider it revolutionary. The 1997 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 was 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 sedans, and coupe models equipped with an automatic transmission. HX coupes carry through with a continuously-variable transmission, making it the most exciting Civic offered.

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.

1997 Highlights

Honda deletes the Civic EX Coupe five-speed with ABS model. DX models receive new wheel covers, all 1997 Honda Civic trims get 14-inch wheels, and the LX Sedan gets air conditioning.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Honda Civic.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.7143 reviews

Write a review See all 143 reviews

5(70%)

4(26%)

3(3%)

2(1%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

The perfect car!

CivicFlyer,04/02/2009

I've had my 97 Civic since 2000 and as long as I keep it tuned up it is getting 40 MPG plus. That is with an hour commute with speeds up to 85 mph. The dealership offered a free warranty tune up once a year. I just had all the bodywork done and a high end paint 2004 Subaru Garnet Black (white and red pearl on black). With a Cold Air Pack you get that piece of junk 70s Honda motorcycle

Amazing Car

guera1904,05/18/2009

I bought this car a little over two years with about 65k miles on it. I've driven this car HARD- I'm now at 110k (mostly highway miles but plenty of city driving as well) with no problems. My AC unit went out, but that's to be expected after 100k miles. I take great care of it, and the mechanics always tell me my car is in great shape mechanically. I wish it had more power on hills and a

A decent car

The Dude,01/27/2010

Not a bad little car. My commute is 100 mi/day, and I bought it for commuting and hauling. I'm familiar with Hondas, so when the 5-spd failed I wasn't surprised. Gets 40-43 MPG consistently. Like the hatch and fold-down seats to haul ladders, furniture, trees, tools, wood, etc. There's a lot of cheapness inside, but not the hollow cheap you get with GM or Ford. Handling isn't

A little red dream

Joe,03/31/2005

My little red civic hatchback (3 door) is a dream to own. with oil changes every 3000 miles, it has run like new since the day i got it. i haven't had any problems with it what so ever. If you are looking for a reliable and stylish used car, this is the one to go with. it won't let you down.

Write a review

See all 143 reviews

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Features & Specs

MPG

28 city / 35 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

106 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG

28 city / 35 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

106 hp @ 6200 rpm

See all Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Acceptable

More about the 1997 Honda Civic

Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback Overview

The Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback is offered in the following styles: CX 2dr Hatchback, and DX 2dr Hatchback.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback?

Price comparisons for Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback trim styles:

The Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX is priced between $2,500 and$2,500 with odometer readings between 117900 and117900 miles.

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 1997 Honda Civic Hatchbacks are available in my area?

Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback Listings and Inventory

There are currently 1 used and CPO 1997 Honda Civic Hatchbacks listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $2,500 and mileage as low as 117900 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a prew-owned vehicle from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a used or CPO vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback for sale near you.

Can't find a used 1997 Honda Civic Civic Hatchback you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Honda Civic for sale - 11 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $24,706.

Find a used Honda for sale - 10 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $18,191.

Find a used certified pre-owned Honda Civic for sale - 4 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $20,327.

Find a used certified pre-owned Honda for sale - 2 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $14,718.

Compare prices on the Used Honda Civic for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

Los Angeles, CA
Great Deals11
Cars for Sale7249
Starting Price$15,826
Philadelphia, PA
Great Deals23
Cars for Sale6876
Starting Price$16,191
San Antonio, TX
Great Deals23
Cars for Sale6093
Starting Price$9,984
San Francisco, CA
Great Deals94
Cars for Sale4622
Starting Price$12,785
Austin, TX
Great Deals66
Cars for Sale1628
Starting Price$17,878
Columbus, OH
Great Deals72
Cars for Sale5321
Starting Price$16,166
Boston, MA
Great Deals51
Cars for Sale8149
Starting Price$14,784
Nashville, TN
Great Deals36
Cars for Sale6251
Starting Price$16,897
Las Vegas, NV
Great Deals46
Cars for Sale7145
Starting Price$16,642
Oklahoma City, OK
Great Deals62
Cars for Sale661
Starting Price$8,672
Tucson, AZ
Great Deals40
Cars for Sale4758
Starting Price$10,306
Mesa, AZ
Great Deals53
Cars for Sale5768
Starting Price$14,188
Kansas City, MO
Great Deals16
Cars for Sale3403
Starting Price$10,575
Oakland, CA
Great Deals51
Cars for Sale2334
Starting Price$13,500
Tulsa, OK
Great Deals5
Cars for Sale1279
Starting Price$16,479
Honolulu, HI
Great Deals19
Cars for Sale2710
Starting Price$10,930

Should I lease or buy a 1997 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.

Used 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback

New

Used