Used 1997 Honda Civic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great Car
A honda owner, 03/18/2016
updated 09/21/2017
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this car almost 20 years ago and I can honestly say it was one of the best purchases I made. It has more than 150,000 miles on it and I changed the tires, battery, brakes, timing belt and front CV joints, but other than that had no major issues. Now my son, who learned to drive with this car, drives this car to and from college over an hours drive away, but so far it is still holding up well. Update Sept 2017: The outside is looking pretty worn but this car is still running good. Just took this car in for a smog test and and with almost 190,000 miles on it this car easily passed. In fact, it passed way below the minimum requirements needed to pass.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
Best car I've ever owned, period.
NWTransplant, 05/30/2004
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've had mine since 3,300 miles and couldn't be happier. No reliability issues whatsoever. Built like a fine Swiss watch. Follow the maintenance schedule according to the owner's manual (as I do) and the car reward you with amazingly trouble-free motoring. If deprived of my Civic, I would immediately seek another one just like it with no hesitation. It's like a premium motorcar in a smaller, less expensive package.
Great commuter car
theron, 04/09/2010
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Besides looking like grandma's car, this is one dependable vehicle. No major problems in 13 years - new brakes, rotors, tires, 3 new mufflers, and 1 new tailpipe. My friends beg me to sell it to them for commuting. Avg 27 mpg. No sports car but re-li-a-ble. I've had 2 Chrysler vans since 03 for my wife and am about to find a 3rd. Switching to a Honda van due to the reliability of this car and the junk from Chrysler!
Honda Civic LX
CivicDriver, 08/04/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I think this car is a good deal because of it's low price. The engine is very rev happy and seems to ask for more. The gas mileage is wonderful. The car is well built and you know when you wake up in the morning the car will be waiting for you to start it up. The car is some what rommy and can fit 4 people nicely when there is 5 people it gets a little crowded. Another thing that could be better would be the accleration because you will need that extra pick up to merge on to the freeways. Besides that this is a great car and I have learned to love this little car.
Had my 1997 civic for 19 yrs, still running strong
Pam in Wisconsin, 11/02/2016
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my 1997 Honda Civic! It has needed only routine maintenance, no problem with anything. There was a recall on some belts early on, Honda repaired everything at no cost to me. I have a five speed, manual transmission with 207,000 miles on it now and it runs great! I'm still using the original clutch and getting 41-43 mpg hwy, 36-38 mpg routine driving. Going to get a Civic EX sedan again!
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- Reliability
- Value
Best car for drivin around
best drive around, 12/10/2009
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got this car a while ago. Still please with it today with 247,000 miles and purr like a cat. I got a good deal with it and decide to use it as a work car since I live 30 miles from work. Guarantee u will never find a better car than this.
Follow up
2nd Timer to Honda, 01/14/2007
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Follow up tp be to my earlier post, 12/28/06. Confirmed that this car has an ABS, another plus point. Came across an exhaust crack issue. That was fixed by the dealer, no charge. I came to know that Honda was aware of this issue and they have extended the warranty to 15 years or 150K for this issue. Please don't be fooled to pay dealer approximately $1000 for this repair. Fixed pulley in the engine and now this car is at a point that I don't need to do any repair. I like driving it. Yes, it would be nice to have a little more horsepower but overall I am happy with this car.
Excellent car
Driver, 05/14/2009
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this car for 12 years and it's still performing with no problems. I've mostly kept up with the maintenance schedule, but not to the T. My goal is to drive it for 10 more years!
mpg's
jb, 04/11/2008
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Now that gas is 3.50 my 2001 suburban that gets 11 mpg sits in the driveway I bought the 97 civic from a dealer with 178,000 on it after I week the MPG were 36/40 all the sudden it ran like crap went to the auto parts store and 65.00 later and 15 minutes it was tuned up. It runs perfect and when I checked the MPG I was shocked. 80 on the highway and city driving hard like it was a v8 90% city 10% on the highway my MPG were averaging 43 mpg (The suburban was costing me 120 a week in gas at 3.00/gal) I am so happy with it we bought my wife a 2002 civic and she loves it.
dissapointed
jg, 03/28/2009
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
After having this car I can not understand how everyone seems to love it. I bought the car with 46,000 miles on it and now have 93,000. The AC blower motor went out, I've replaced the radiator because it was leaking, it has an oil leak, I have had to replace the muffler, then I had a problem where my break lights wouldn't turn off causing the battery to die constantly. The AC is broken AGAIN, the windshield wipers broke and now will turn on if I go over any kind of bump. There are numerous rattles and shakes. The interior is low quality. I will be so happy when I get rid of the car. I wish it was as reliable as everyone else says they are.
1997 Civic 4 Dr. Manual trans
alex89, 01/26/2009
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was my first one and the one I learned to drive on. Even though I bought it when it was 9 years old and had 140,000 miles on it, it worked great and held up even though I learned to drive manual on it, abused the clutch, and drove recklessly. The Honda Civic is a great car for a first time car buyer as it offers both great economy, inexpensive repairs, and a good driving experience.
Reliable, simple, no frills
piercejs4, 12/22/2012
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My car now has 165000 miles on it without having any major difficulties. The car has never left me stranded.
daughter's first car
djm, 06/15/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'd seen this car in the neighborhood. My wife and daughter were looking for Jeeps. This car went on the market in the morning and I knew this was the perfect car. Reliable and low maintenance. Fun but practical. I think I'll drive it around town for the economy
I LOVE MY HONDA!
Jessica, 02/22/2010
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car for 200,000 miles and still love it. This car has been reliable and efficient all the way! And so much fun to drive! None of the extra bells and whistles on the DX means nothing breaks. Solid car all around. Also handles very well in the snow, this car has never left me in a ditch even through years of nasty winters in upstate NY. I have had numerous exhaust pipes/mufflers put in, but that has been it other than the scheduled maintenance. I love my Honda and the fact that it was built in Ohio (how many of the so-called American cars can say that anymore?). Still has another 100K left in her! My 8 rating for comfort was due to the fact that the car doesn't have AC.
Best car I've ever owned
MaeMcDonald, 09/24/2003
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent car, and a great value. I haven't had a SINGLE problem with this car. Granted, I am very good at keeping the regular maintenance schedule.
Still the best...
EX-G, 01/09/2009
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in 2001 @56K. I did 200K since then, had an accident and the car still runs with no problem. My next car will be a Honda Civic as it packs quality and reliability in one package. Go Civic!
Dodee's 1997 Civic EX
dodee, 07/06/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The best car I've ever had (over 40 years of driving). NO problems. LOW maintenance.
This car is honestly my best friend.
Trish Gibson, 07/21/2021
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1997 Honda Civic has kept me safe for almost 25 years. "Sparky" (that's his name) fits me like the perfect glove and allows me full 360 view around my car with his large windows and hardly any blind spots. Not like the cars made today. He is approaching old age with 195k miles but still runs better than most of the crap out there. I know one day I will have to part with my best friend (and there will be tears) but he has been reliable, affordable, a comfort and a joy. I recommend the Honda brand with a full urging heart. There is no better car out there. These cars will keep you safe, safer than those cars with airbags creating blind spots and impeding your vision. Safer than the cars that drive FOR you. The Honda drives WITH YOU. (I'm going to copyright that!)
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The Civic
Mountain Man, 10/13/2005
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have personally owned two Hondas (my family has owned many more) and this overall was a good car while I was going to college. It was recently totaled, and as I looked to buy another Honda I was disillusioned with how much people are asking for their used Hondas. Give me a break! They are good cars, but not gold bricks on wheels! I had some problems with my car, so they are not impervious to damage and are not maitenance free. I think too much of a mystique has been built around Honda reliability to the point of being ridiculous! This is evidenced in how much people were asking for their Hondas with obvious blemishes. I ended up buying a luxury car for less.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
97 honda civic
civic_racer, 05/16/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car from a family member and it was well taken care of. Fun to drive and "cruise" in. A good car for long trips or short drives. Extremely dependable. However, it needs to be because it is expensive to bring to a shop. Easy to modify and parts are everywhere. LOVE THE MOONROOF!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Review
Datalis, 03/18/2002
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall a great reliable car
Phat Ride
Naveed Ashgar, 03/05/2002
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was fun.
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.
Brilliant!
Train2219, 03/26/2005
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 97 Civic LX 5 speed when my 87 Pathfinder died w/170k on it. I purchased it used 83k on it. This car has been everything that I need it to be. Flawless reliability, outstanding fuel economy, and surprisingly fun to drive despite only having 106 horses to work with. The 5 speed manual makes all the difference in this car. Its a total dog with an autotragic transmission. I have just turned 100k and have no doubt that it will run for another 100.
Great First Car
mmgiardina, 01/12/2004
1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first car I bought on my own. I have been really happy with it. The reliability is fantastic, nothing frustrates me more than bringing my car into the shop. When I have my second child I'll have to trade this one in, two kids and a Golden Retriever would not fit comfortably in the back seat. Hey, maybe I'll save it for when my kid can drive. It's got a lot of years left in it!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
little white cloud
mary, 07/19/2002
1997 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only problem is highway noise and ride. If your tires are not new, and the car isn't aligned recently, it will shake at 75 mph. Of course we should all be driving this little white cloud, to save what is left of the environment.
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.