1997 Honda Civic Review
1997 Honda Civic Review
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Appraise This CarHonda Civic model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fun, affordable, and good looking.
Cons
- Why are anti-lock brakes only offered on models with an automatic transmission?
What’s new
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$140/mo for Civic LX
Civic LX
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Honda Civic.
5 star(70%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
145 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
300,000 mile club or higher
Thomas, 09/02/2018
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
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
5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
A honda owner, 03/18/2016
1997 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Honda convert
HappyHondaOwner, 10/12/2009
1997 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
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...
5 out of 5 stars
Love Honda
syfy, 05/19/2010
1997 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
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
1997 Civic Highlights
Coupe
DX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $140/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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