Used 1998 Honda Civic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Does it even have a check engine light?
funk53daba, 10/11/2012
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
28 of 28 people found this review helpful
I really don't know, now that I think about it. I found a nice one-owner with 124K. After two years it has 175K and the only thing that has not been routine maintenance has been some rust thru the exhaust system. That's it. Brakes/tires, fluids, filters, and spark plugs. That's all I've had to touch. Everything works. I've owned a lot of high mileage cars b/c I prefer them for various reasons but this one acts half it's age. It also beasted thru the Appalachian mountains loaded with myself and about 250lbs of military gear, so don't underestimate the power under the hood. And I average 35 mpg.
Great car
Jakey J, 09/08/2016
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought this little jewel from a friend. His mom bought it brand new in 1998, then gave the car to him. He drove it a few years then decided to get rid of it when it started needing repairs. Realizing that routine maintenance and some TLC would get it in good running condition, I asked how much he would take for it. I about passed out when he said $400! Sold! I put new tires, front rotors, rear trailing arm bushings and struts, changed all fluids, filters, thermostat, and spark plugs. I had to do NO mechanical work. Engine runs perfect. A/C blows cold. What a well engineered car. The interior is in great shape as far as dash, instrumentation, and seats. But the headliner is gone. All I need to do now is have it repainted and it will look as good as it runs.
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Honda (The Best Car Ever)!
Ghaith, 08/24/2005
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
It's been almost one year since I've sold my 1996 BMW 318 and bought my 1998 Honda Civic, when it comes to performance and reliability I think the Honda is much better than the BMW from my own experience, I'm 6.6 ft and I feel much comfortable in the Honda. Gas milage is unbeatable with a Civic, and maintenance is extremly low compared to other cars and it looks great.
So great, someone else took it from me!
M, 03/19/2009
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had this car since it was brand new. I drove it myself for +6 years and I had ZERO problems with it, in it's 10th year it ran better then most cars that are less than 5 years old. The one negative - people kept trying to break into it (I never kept anything in my car) and finally, dec 08' someone successfully stole it and was written off. This problem is typical of older Hondas. This car was great but it's a hot car for theft (and is apparently really easy to steal) and this is what makes me hesitant to return to a Honda since dealing with getting windows fixed etc. from thieves turns into a big pain. :(
my honda
Lisa Hickey, 08/14/2018
updated 02/24/2020
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
my honda just went past 400,000 miles, amazing. Still going strong but may have to replace clutch sometime coming up. Starting to burn a bit of oil about 25k miles ago, paint job sucks of course usual green with peeling clear coat. Changed the yellowing headlights about a year ago. Interior in great shape due to seat covers but headliner will need to be reglued soon. The milage i get is incredible about 50mpg. By doing the usual servicing of oil changes, filter changes both oil and air flow, those 100,000 mile sparkplugs have been changed once and still works great, drives great in any weather condition. Its visually sorta ugly right now due to paint but everything else is heading for the 500,000 mark, we will see. bought the car used for $50.00ten years ago, replaced the clutch fan and been going ever since. my next car will be an older Honda because they were made to last. Update, 2020 it's still going good!
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Honda Civ
George, 02/23/2017
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great car. Very reliable and easy to take car of. By far my favorite car I've owned.
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good car
swanny4, 04/14/2011
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my civic 6 years ago on a junk title. It has always started for me and never let me down. It is so faithful that I am even bored with it! What a good car. Nothing exciting, just faithful.
Just hit 150,000 miles.
Lianger, 03/22/2010
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got my 98 civic 4dr ex my junior year of high school. I'm still driving after 11 years. I just hit 150,000 miles with all the commuting back and forth to work and back. It's about a 50 mile commute round trip. This is my first car and it's going to be sad when I have to let him. A lot of good memories. No major issue and very reliable car. I have gone through about 4 or 5 sets of tires, 3 brakes and rotors, 2 exhaust pipes, replaced 1 turn signal light bulb, Timing belt, water pump, 2 CV boots (city has a lot of pot holes), and a turn up. The worst thing that happen was a crack gasket which cause the antifreeze to leak.
Even in 2011, still a great car.
md1032, 11/24/2011
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
At this point I am passing my 1998 Civic with 218k miles to my younger sibling since I bought a newer Japanese car. This car has been really good to us. We owned a '96 LX sedan, but that was totaled by a woman, so we bought a '97 LX sedan, which was also totaled by a woman some years later. That brings us to our current Civic, a '98 DX, I've put about 80k on it. All are 5-speeds and I can tell you that all three have basically driven identically. If you're looking for a really cheap car that gets decent mileage, you can get one of these for next to nothing and you probably won't regret it at all. It's a great car, and very reliable (assuming you avoid the auto tranny...it's a Honda).
aproaching perfect
chris newton, 03/12/2002
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
!996 4 door ex model with 130000 miles and absolutley zero problems. Never have had a problem with my civic. And 38mpg at about 80mph plus what more can you ask for. Have owned Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Geo and the Honda is the absolute best car I have had.
Did William Hung put the 'H' in Honda?
myCivicsucks, 05/27/2004
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been very disappointed with this car. The only thing that compares to it is William Hung's rendition of "She Bangs"...it's that bad. The transmission has gone out and still shifts violently, manifold has cracked, windows squeak, sunroof shade rattles, when windshield wipers are on they make an ANNOYING clicking sound inside the dash, and the paint is peeling. Also, the piece in the middle of the trunk that holds the license plate is probably going to fall off. Some other things that are a bother...everyone and their uncle owns this car and it has the personality of a lampshade. This car also offers FAR less than it's European competition.
Satisfied
Rusty, 01/07/2010
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for my high school son six years ago with 63000 miles. He's put on another 119000 hard miles on it. During most of this time the only thing required was regular maintenance (fluids, filters, plugs, belts, blades and hoses). Did replace radiator last year(an easy self-install for $100). Just last month was first major problem - oil pump died and engine fried. Replaced it with a used moter that had 79K and while everything was apart replaced the clutch, water pump, belts and she's ready for the road again. I guess the A/C, CV joints and power windows are eventually due to fail, but so far so good.
Amazingly reliable
Dean, 11/28/2010
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Civic is the Australian GLi model. She had made it to 185,000 km before a complete moron took it out in an accident. 60 kph front on and I got out with a scratch to the knee. In the three years she was with me, I had not one breakdown or a time that she didn't start. I did many road trips, in hot Australian Summers, anywhere up to 10,000 km a trip. I've often got fuel usage down to 5.5 L per 100 km as well, highway. I'll miss her, and will likely end up buying another Civic. :(
My favorite car ever
Civicpride, 01/18/2010
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best car ever. I have almost 150,000 miles on it, taught my kid to drive it (hence, all the dings) and other than replacing the catalytic converter I have only done scheduled maintenance. Runs like a top. I was too tall to get the EX and maybe that's a good thing.
1998 Civic
Lucy, 03/05/2020
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Honda Civics are great cars. Very economical to drive, great gas mileage and no major service problems. Have only had to do the required maintenance on it.
Good Car
Josh, 08/22/2006
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned my civic for about 3 years now, and so far its been very reliable. Only problems have been the exhuast tends to rust easily especially after salty winters. Though even with upgraded engine components still feels like it lacks power. But absolutely no major issues for 3 years of driving it everyday. Definitely recommend the manual transmission as it is peppy, but car is still very slow. Looks good but dents very easily. Easy to find spare parts for this car also.
Good solid car, but unexpected repairs
JAprill, 10/03/2009
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this Honda in April of 2004 with 106,000 miles on it. It drove great and looked great. It lasted me through two years of high school and four years of college. After about 150,000 miles, the repairs started getting more expensive and frequent. The exhaust system was a major problem- - the entire system needed to be replaced. A check engine light came on at 175,000 miles and after many diagnostic tests it was found that the computer was fried-- costing around 1200. Overall good car. Big problems to look out for: electrical and exhaust.
Civic Commuter
Jay, 11/29/2006
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Civic with 21000 miles. I now have over 109000 miles with no major issues. The manual transmission hasn't given me any of the issues that other people describe with their automatics. I replaced the exhaust within the last year, but if you live in the salt belt this is to be expected. I also replaced the original battery last winter, it was 8 years old. The car handles well, but is no BMW.
Very reliable
Lynn, 03/30/2005
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am the second owner of my Honda Civic. I've had it for over 3 years and I have never had to get repairs. Very dependable and great for fuel economy.
Reliable but could improve
CivicOwner, 01/15/2004
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it at 4 yrs. old, 21kmi, one owner. Very good car for driving around town--especially since it is an automatic, not that great on the highway. The base model is really basic, wish it had some more features (power locks, cruise control, ABS, A/C). Maintenance-free so far, 20 months and 27 kmiles later. Shift program problem: when accelerating after slowing down to about 20mph it shifts a lower gear and revvs the engine like crazy, sending shocks through the drivetrain. The windshield wipers have a weird pattern, leaving big portions un-wiped. Passenger-side wiper needs to grow to driver-side wiper size.
Best economy car
ed, 03/21/2009
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I leased this car in 1998 and bought it out in 2002. I have never had it in the shop for a major repair. I have been able to do all routine work myself and I've found it to be an easy vehicle to work on. I have 243000 miles (391071 kms) and it's still going strong. My goal is 310,000 miles (500,000) kms.
I am going to be that guy....
dxer1105, 01/18/2015
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 11 people found this review helpful
This car is reliable but.... I just strongly dislike it. I run into many small repairs on this cheaply built car. I hate manual windows. Defrosters are terrible. The car shakes if you drive faster than 65 mph. I had it for 18k from 102 to 120k. Iam about to sell it. Although, I only paid $1,500 for it.
Workhorse
Jim S., 09/25/2003
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned 3 other Honda's and needed a workhorse to take care of 4 kids and a hockey coach. I bought the 'demo' with 8000 miles on it already back in 10/98. It has been a very dependable car. I've done the recommended maintenance on the vehicle and had the timing belt replaced when it hit 80K, (that was based on previous experience and manual recommendation). I liked the style of it and it was designed well and comfortable as well as fun to drive..just ask my kids!!
Quality and realiability
malevans, 06/28/2002
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Plain and simple, this automobile is a joy to own. It performs suprisingly well on the road given the fuel economy, and gives a superb comfortable ride, inside and out. Fit and finish is excellent, with few annoying return trips to the dealership ever required. All neccessary controls are within easy reach over the driver for ease of use.
Best first car .. when you're young
Rich1234, 03/01/2003
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned it for 5 years. Still feel excited every time I get behind the wheel. It lets you feel all the bumps on the road.. so will sell it once I have a family. For single guy, it is a great toy (fund to drive) and tool (practical car). The only other car that has more fun, among those I've driven, is the TT. But it's twice as expensive.
Don't Understand Why All the Praise
vabiker, 10/25/2003
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't have too many positive things to say about this car. I bought the car to get a reliable, high mileage, AT car. The car has always gotten low mileage (25/31) in mixed driving. Never higher than 32mpg in 100% Interstate travel. The trunklid is a guillotine despite the installation of a special spoiler-supporting trunklid torsion element. The exterior paint is eggshell fragile. Alternator was warranty replaced at 10K miles. The '92 Saturn SL I owned for 10yrs. was a better car than this one. We bought the Honda for it's glowing reputation, and based on my experience, I have to wonder how it was ever acquired...
Transmission Woes
sat, 08/10/2003
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Watch out for transmission problems of Civic. The automatic transmission started to upshift very harshly. It seems to be a common issue for Civics. I did not bother about this until it happened to my car (well maintained, cared-for, less than 50K miles and of course out of warranty).
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.
Excellent Car!
Jsabe03, 10/02/2003
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 69,000 miles in 2001. I have driven to Chicago, Cleveland, and other places. It never fails to start. I now have 111,000 miles and it runs like it has 2 miles on it. The only thing ihave had to repair was the A/C system, other than that it is the perfect car. WAY BETTER THAN ANY CAVALIER OR SUNFIRE AND DEFINITELY BETTER THAN A NEON!!
Honda Civic LX 1998
Deeblacke, 02/20/2009
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car when it had 125K miles and i have had for 3 yrs. Now it has 195,000 and still going strong. The only major breakdown i had was with the clutch but other than that it's a good car. I intend to drive it until it has 400K
Aging Honda not all that bad . . .
Lee, 05/26/2005
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I purchased our Honda Civic LX new in February 1998. Aside from normal maintenance we also experienced the cracked exhaust manifold problem. It now has alomst 100,000 miles and that his, honestly, the only problem we've had. Interior layout leaves something to be desired and the cramped cup holders are weak compared to other more user friendly designs. Overall the car feels cheaply made. The four banger really struggles when climbing hills and the automatic transmission is kinda jumpy.
I love my Civic!
Shonda, 12/01/2003
1998 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Civic was my very first car. When I first bought it, it had been a demo car and had a little over four thousand miles on it. For four years I drove it nearly eight hundred miles to and from college. It never let me down. If any parents are interested in buying their child a reliable car, the Honda Civic is the one.
Reliable
Bob, 10/11/2010
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used with 144K miles on it, from someone who commuted 140 miles a day. It now has 226K miles. I am conscientious about recommended maintenance, and of course brakes and exhaust have been replaced. Other than that the ONLY repairs have been a squealing idler pulley, and the ignition switch replaced under a recall. Still rides and handles well, looks good, no rattles.
1998 Honda Civic 4D LX
Sublime22786 , 01/11/2004
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worthless cup holders, excellent for refab. parts and racing equipment.
Great, dependable little car
f150xltgirl, 02/05/2008
1998 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my cCvic, it was the best vehicle purchase I have made. I drive it on a 97 mile round trip daily and have not had any problems with it in five years. I would highly recommend a 98 Honda Civic EX!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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
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?
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!
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...
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.
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.
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...)
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.
Amazing little car
Ed, 01/28/2009
1998 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Civic new in 1998 and kept it for nearly 11 years. In that time I had to make only two unscheduled repairs: first to replace the muffler and then the power window regulator. Overall it's been a great car - reliable, fuel efficient, and pretty fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.