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Used 1998 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
169 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

awesome little car

Archey, 09/13/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 98 civic in 2000 and have never had a problem with it. I commuted over 100 miles on most days to go from home to college to work and then back home. Never one problem. It got great gas milage, a big plus for me. It even did good in the snow, especially with studded snow tires. Even though my car has nearly 100K on it, it's still going strong. My family buys only Hondas and have never had problems with any of them.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car for the money

mark v., 02/26/2006
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Though the 1.6 litre engine is not as good as the newer 35 m.p.g. civics it still delivers a good 25-30 m.p.g. While maintaning enough power to deliver high altitude performance at even 15000 feet above sea level. That said however stay away from cheaper low grade corn based alchohol fuels they can cut fuel efficiency by one-third so you refuel more often and you will spend more hard earned $ in the long run.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I dig my HX

belrod, 02/25/2006
1998 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm the proud 2nd owner of a manual HX, and, overall, I've been very satisfied with the car. With about 65,000 miles on it, this car sees mostly urban roads (especially the Capital Beltway), and is mainly used for shorts trips and commutes. This daily wear and tear has started to affect the starter and clutch a little bit (which hesitate or slip occasionally), but the car is still very reliable. I've only had one major issue with it: the muffler rusted and fell off at about 57,500 miles. Otherwise, she's running strong and still looks great. And, except for newer diesels or hybrids, you can't beat the MPG. Recommended for anyone shopping for the ideal commuter car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Only nice at high speeds.

K Reeves, 09/24/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 98 honda civic was the first new car I purchased. I have not been as satisfied I would have liked. The headliner (around the sunroof) started to squeak around 12,000 and needed 3 visits to the dealership before being fixed. The car has not started on two or three ocassions, according to the dealer the engine was flooded.Also now it is only 4 years old, has been very well maintaned and barely passes smog this year.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Not for the Young at Heart

Ken Beaty, 03/12/2006
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall, I am quite pleased with the auto. The exhaust manifold was replaced at 57,500 miles. Currently, at about 72,000 miles, I am experiencing a slip on the automatic transmission. I have developed a knee problem, and it has become very difficult for me to exit the vehicle. I imagine that would be the case with many seniors and those with arthritic conditions.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

best car for the price level

akuoh, 09/23/2002
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lucky me. Got it as a bday present in '98 and have been driving the hell out of ever since. Installed a CD changer and alarm as the only extras. The interior is pretty noisy. But after renting a Neon for a trip (it only had 3 gears!), I've come to realize how well built and designed everything is on this car. Plus the mileage is great (32-35mpg) and no mechnical troubles at all. Great car all around. Sure, I can always want more things in a car, but I won't need it outside of what my Civic has offered.

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5 out of 5 stars

everyone should have this car!

Atlanta Driver, 03/11/2006
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I hear people with SUVs whining about their gas mileage, maintenance costs, and other stuff, and their jaw drops when I tell them I spend about $20 a week on gas! I bought this car in 10/03 w/ 53k miles and since then have driven the heck out of it. I now have 106k on it and have had no problems at all. I have done most of the big scheduled stuff on the car (spark plugs, timing belt, etc) and it runs like new! It also is a LOT cheaper to maintain than my wife's Liberty. My 6'3" stepfather is comfortable in the backseat. Drives smoother than any other compact I have ever ridden in! I love it!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Love it!

Susan, 07/03/2006
1998 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car so much that I've kept it for 8 years! I'll probably have to get a new car soon, because of space issues in the back seat (it's too difficult for elderly parents to get into the back seat!)

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car for the Money

JRHoyt, 02/07/2008
1998 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 177,000 miles, The only repairs have been a new catalytic converter ($550) and an A/C compressor ($1300). This is a great car for a do-it-yourself mechanic. I now do 99% of the maintenance myself and I expect to keep this car until it reaches 300,000 miles. I bought it new in Jan. 1999. I haven't even had to replace a head light or signal light bulb. I get 36.5 MPG at highway speeds, even after 9 years of use. Around town I get 29 MPG. I wish that was higher.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

AndyinBalto, 04/11/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

First new car I have ever purchased. Grew up with Fords and Chevys and will never go back. This car has been trouble free. It is surprisingly comfortable and quiet for a small car. It is gets more than 35 mpg on the highway and is fun to drive. I only wish it had a liitle more low end torque.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

best for your money

lil ill, 04/20/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

if u got 8gs its the best thing you will ever do

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Gotta Love Them Civic's

justin0485, 06/17/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my 1998 Honda Civic, so far it has been a really good car. It is a big difference from my last car which was a 1995 Ford Contour with about 10 recalls on it. The only little problem with my car which has the automatic transmission, it shifts really hard, but maybe that's like Honda. Other than that I love it, it has great build quality and a lot of safety features. I love the valet key idea and autolock which was not on any Ford, the crash tests are much better, sunroof is great, and the keyless entry is another plus (why doesn't it have a trunk opener button). Oh well, I'm very satisfied with this car and would recommend it to anyone.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Bulletproof

kennj, 02/10/2008
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. Bought with 65000 miles on it, now have 190000 and it is still going strong. Drive 100 miles a day and it has been totally reliable. I have not done a timing belt since I got it. Great MPG, 34 up to 40 on occassions. My first Honda after many Toyotas. They make a terrific car for commuters like me.

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4 out of 5 stars

New Styling. Tight Pkg. Still Popular!

casper90651, 04/24/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Transmission Woes!!

StaceyKnight, 04/26/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because of it's reliability record (after owning a very troublesome and expensive VW VR6). It only has 28,000 miles on it and the automatic transmission needs to be replaced because of a design defect which causes it to shift brutally hard. Unfortunately, it's out of warranty and its a $4000 problem for me. I've discussed this with more than one Honda dealer and it's not an uncommon problem, so watch out!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Short on dough? Civic's the way to go.

Joe Kinney, 08/07/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If it weren't for that darn school bus slamming into me, I'd still be driving my Civic today. What it lacks in low- end torque, it makes up for once the peppy VTEC kicks in. This car is affordable, reliable, & fun to drive. If you're on a budget, never fear. Look no further than the Civic EX . . . you won't regret it!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Happy Customer

Kaikilina, 06/21/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car. I have no complaints about power because I know nothing will ever compare to my former Prelude. At about 78,000 miles the power locks are having issues (will be a few hundred $) and the breaks are a little squeeky, but this car is so adorable and I know it will last forever!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

1998 honda civic

re, 09/09/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The mileage is 52000 driven and 20000 towed behind a motorhome...This unit is fully equipped for RV towing e.g. tow bar... wiring...air brake system extra rear magnetic tow lites...15 cu ft. yakima car top carrier..2 bike racks (1 top 1 rear...

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I love my car

noelle, 06/26/2002
1998 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my first car a honda civic cx in 1998, and i love it.. no hastle no problems, my service advisor is great, all the maintenance is done at ball honda, and for a small car, its decent. my next car will be honda again...

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4.5 out of 5 stars

happy honda customer

DANIMAL, 10/30/2004
1998 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 11/5/98. BRAND NEW. AS OF 10/28/04, I HAVE PUT APPROXIMATELY 126,000 ON IT. I PUT 33,000 CITY MILES ON IT WITH 2 DELIVERY JOBS IN THE FIRST YEAR. THROUGHOUT OWNERSHIP, THE CAR HAS: 1) SEEN BUFFALO NY WINTERS 2) BEEN USED TO DELIVER PIZZAS WITH & 3) HAS SEEN SEVERAL THRUWAY MILES COMMUTING TO COLLEGE CAMPUSES. THIS CAR HAS SEEN A LOT...AND KEEPS ON KICKING. INCREDIBLE RELIABILITY! HAS NEVER BURNED A DROP OF OIL. I ONLY AM GETTING RID OF IT CUZ I WANT TO GET A BIGGER CAR. THIS IS PARTICULARLY PERFECT FOR A STUDENT. GOOD ON GAS..34CITY/42HIGHWAY

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Beware Civic Transmission Problems

Concerned, 10/31/2004
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 66k miles and was the 3rd owner. Make sure to have your tran. checked before buying a Civic. After 13k miles and 7 months, having trans. problems (struggles on hills, doesn't accelerate, jerks into gear). Have had only minor repairs/maintenance. Driving pattern includes a lot of highway, back roads, and stop and go traffic. Only complaints is the ride, you feel everything and it rides like a truck when not on the highway. Overall good car but may purchase new car with A LOT more power.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good car except for some rust

pwang, 06/18/2002
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a good car to drive. However, I discovered rust around the feuling neck. I showed it to the dealer when it was still under warranty. The dealer told me that there was rust but, it was fine. Now, my car is over the warranty period, it is getting worse. They are saying since it does not rust through. Honda won't do anything about it. I had a 1983 Honda and it had the same problem. It contaiminated the feuling system... I don't see why Honda won't do anything about it. Do I have to wait until they issue a recall and have they repay the cost to clean the system? (They did last time...)

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4.63 out of 5 stars

What hasn't been said about this car?

spideymike1, 10/08/2002
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this car used as a second car. Have owned Honda's in the past and after test driving this little Civic, I realized that I should still be owning Hondas! It could very well be the only car I would say would last 150K+ miles and still look good! Gas milage is great, the 5spd is peppy. Even the factory stereo with the add-on CD player is nice. What more could you get for under 10k used?

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Reliable Car

mattdoggydog, 12/02/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first Honda purchase. I own a 98 Civic EX with Auto. I bought this one with 66k. Before this I drove old American-Made beater cars. I am now a Honda buyer for life. My civic is responsive but it certainly is not a sportscar. I wish I would have purchased the 5sp. The only maintenence I have done is a tune up at 70k, Catalytic converter/exhause at 85k, new tires and battery. It's now at 92K and it rides great, ready to go another 100K.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great gas mileage

clint, 03/01/2002
1998 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my 98 civic hx since I purchased in in 98 and just love it. I was surprised by the peppy motor when I test drove it and am still surprised by the power it has. I enjoy getting 38 MPG in the city and even more on the freeway. I have had no reliability issues, nothing outside of routine maintenance. What do you expect from Honda. I recommend buying a civic if you are in the market.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

love the car

robjohnson81, 01/23/2003
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

has been an exelent car, I miss it when I am not driving it. my wife loves to drive it and hardly lets me drive the civic.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Can't Go Wrong...

Angela, 01/02/2005
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought a 1994 Honda Civic in 1999, but sold it to upsize to a truck (2001 Toyota Prerunner). Recently, I sold the Prerunner due to its poor gas mileage. I'm a college student and commuting back and forth to school required me to fill my tank about twice a week, totally emptying my wallet. I decided to buy another Civic because I had no complaints with the first one; they are cute, reliable and efficent cars, and I will probably keep this car till it dies on me (or till I die, whichever comes first). I love my Civic!

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5 out of 5 stars

Honda the car

Yahoo, 05/08/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Cool!!! very dependable car. I'M using it since 4 years and so far all I had change is break pads.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

MORE THAN ONE HONDA

2ND HONDA, 03/10/2005
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second Civic. The 1st was a great car...very reliable and great on gas. The second was is a 1998 ex. Vtec motor. If you get a Civic, it should be with a v-tec motor. Feels like a v6 on the highway. Fun to drive. Very sporty. Best deal for the money...and it’s a Honda.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice Cars

Travis Swift, 04/26/2003
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my car as a present from my parents on my birthday last year. It has been a great car, and--excluding the lack of power--has a sporty feel to it. My car is one of the few with a problem, so I get poor gas milage (only about 24 city driving)

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My honda

kjen, 05/02/2003
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My car has 104k miles and has not once given me any problems...alternater and new battery is the only thing i had to replace

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4.13 out of 5 stars

GOOD NOT GREAT

markswhite, 10/08/2002
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car is a very good car, not a great one as some would have you to believe. It does most everything well. I never get more than 30mpg with the auto. You must push it to keep up with more powerful vehicles. It has had two safety recalls. I have had problems with the thermostat (cracked the radiator), failed oxygen sensor, recurring problems with the passenger side power window armature. It takes a few turns to start and the ignition sometimes sticks. The car is a blast and will out handle many higher priced vehicles, especially on highway on/off ramps.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car

NPW, 02/04/2010
1998 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had no major issues. Had to replace the AC compressor at about 130K. It was a great drive. This was my first new car. I used it till someone else decided that they needed it more than I did and stole it!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My Cute Honda Civic Hatchback

Arline Wulfekotter, 04/02/2005
1998 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I always loved the look of the Honda Civic Hatchback and had to buy one. Never any problems with it and always dependable. Only problem was that this style did not come with a sunroof so I had one installed which gives it even a sportier feel. Comfortable to drive and great on gas. Seven years old and still looking great. Hope to pass it on to my daughter soon who also loves to drive it. Only problem I have now is the speedometer quit working. Need to get it repaired soon.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Reliable Economy Car

jkwcivil, 11/25/2007
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My father-in-law purchased this car for my wife while we were still dating. That was about 6 years ago when it had approximately 40,000 miles. The car now has over 155,000 and is still running strong. We have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and do the other maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer. The car has proven to be a hassel free daily driver and I expect that will continue well into the future.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love my Honda

Tooch92, 08/05/2003
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first Honda and I love it. It is so dependable. I live in upstate NY and drove home this year on Christmas Day- anyone living anywhere near this area remembers how many feet of snow we had! It is reliable, in excellent mechanical and physical condition and I would love to keep it forever!

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5 out of 5 stars

honda needs a truck

cns7, 04/28/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A vehicle with the ability to let you forget about the hood release and jus drive. Normal maintenance is as simple and minimal as any car since the model T and comfort is good even for my 6'4 frame.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Good Solid Car

HondaJody, 05/11/2005
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My '98 Civic EX Coupe has 131,000 miles on it now, and it still runs well. I had to replace the cheap plastic Honda radiator, as well as the rubber boots on the front axle. All in all a solid car that I would suggest for beginning drivers and students. But don't expect much pick up power or stylish features. This is an economy car only!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Very Reliable Economical Transportation

exhaust_fan, 12/18/2010
1998 Honda Civic HX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for about six years and have only done one repair. Replaced the windshield wiper motor. Everything else has been maintenance. I get excellent gas mileage. 34-44. Great commuter car

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Becca's Civic

Rebecca , 07/30/2005
1998 Honda Civic CX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had many cars including an Accord. This is the best car by far than any other.

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5 out of 5 stars

civic fun to love

mmather, 09/13/2003
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

fantastic car i do not want to resell

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Civic

aeman21, 12/05/2007
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Civic with 144,000 miles. I now have 146,000 miles. I traded my 1999 Civic LX 4-door for this car, and it was a great decision. My '98 EX is a stick as opposed to my '99 LX auto. It has much better gas mileage and is a lot more fun to drive.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The little engine that could

Michael, 05/25/2010
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Got it brand new at 12 miles, around the 7th yr / 70,000 parts start to break down, 2 oxygen sensors (1st around 73k, 2nd around 110k), 2 drive shafts (around 80k), 1 radiator (110k), 1 broken alternator (95k), 1 cracked manifold catalytic housing (around 60k, except for the sound, it drives great). I make many long trip per year now so I decided to get another car and retired the Civic ~125k. Someday I'll fix it up properly which would cost around 1k to 2k. The Civic is really fun to drive, the interior is so simple which I really like. The engine can high rev and goes no where fast which is fun and funny to me. This car was very reliable and have never left me stranded.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

It's a good car but.....

Legna, 07/22/2003
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I miss my Volvo and my VW GLX- VR6every day I have to drive this Car. Although very reliable, and I appreciate the improved gas mileage from my previous cars....It's boring, too light (I get blown into the next lane on windy days), the a/c can't keep up w/ the humidity in Chicago, overall quality is too cheap, the handling is poor (I hate the jerk of the transmission from taking off from a stop and the horrible control when you go over 70 mph--good tires do help some). Liven it up guys....there's nothing fun about drivng this car, I'm thrilled I have a luxury car to drive every other day when I'm not commuting an abusurd distance to work every day.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Car I Ever Had

p. m. dauria, 09/05/2005
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Civic in 1997. It was an absolute joy to own. I always said that I would buy it all over again. Within the last week I sold it to my daughter per her request and purchased a 2005 Honda CRV. I never had any problems with the Civic - loved every minute of it - would still own it if my daughter didn't need it. And, so far, I have nothing bad to say about the CRV either.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Nice car!

Yablokov, 09/05/2005
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is amazing. I get great gas mileage. And now I get about 44mpg on the highway(80mph). I put a custom exhaust and a cold air intake; now the car screams while giving me great gas mileage

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4.75 out of 5 stars

What a great car

cruizinone, 11/25/2005
1998 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Since I owned this car, I put a total of 650.00 into repairs (brakes & tires) This is one GREAT car. Never lets me down and does not need a lot of maint. Thanks GOD, the car is lucky if I remember to put oil in it. This car is so much fun to drive. Even my friends ask to drive it. I have been told that this car will run for 200,000 + miles. This is my first honda and I am looking to get another, if something should ever happen to his one.

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5 out of 5 stars

good little car

tlt858, 02/25/2010
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good little car. I've been driving this car for more than 5 years, and have had very little go wrong with it. Great gas mileage, good pep, really comfortable. My car has over 200K miles on it, and it is still going strong.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

will miss my honda

samehelsaid, 12/31/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my honda new in 8/98.I was very happy when I got it and still very happy now. it's unbleivably reliable. it's fun to drive if you can't afford a stonger car, I felt the need for more power on several occasions but hay I can't get a porche. I changed the factory speakers with a polk ones and added a CD changer to enjoy my CDs. now since we just had a baby, a coupe is not convenient at all, I'm trying to buy an old SUV but everytime I test drive one I feel how good is my honda and I back off. the moral of the story is " buy it if you can't afford a stronger car and if you know you will not have a baby in the next 5 years "

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Excellent reliability

CBdriver, 01/31/2006
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for the reliability and I have not been disappointed. I go for my oil changes and everything runs smoothly. It is a peppy car for a 4 cyl and is comfortable, though I am short. The gas mileage is incredible, I can get over 30 MPG when I am driving mainly on the highway though generally now it is about 28 with mainly city driving. That is often with the sunroof open. I am considering a new car and may get another Civic but will definitely get a Honda based on my experience with this car.

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