Used 2002 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great car...
Awesome car for the money. I have been plagued with interior rattles and creaks since I purchased the car. After about 5 times to the dealership, they finally fixed it and called it "pretty widespread". Disappointing, but I still love it.
A++++++
I love my AMERICAN HONDA CIVIC, it's got 56000 miles on it, haven't spent a dime on repair bills and 13 dollar max at the gas station using the most expensive (91 octane) gas. The power and acceleration is very quick for an economy car. I kinda feel sorry for the people that drive gas guzzling domestics with costly repair bills, hehe.
- LX SedanMSRP: $3,995111 mi away
- EX SedanMSRP: $4,000136 mi away
- Si 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $14,977189 mi away
Frugal Fun
My choice came down to this car or the 2003 Toyota Corolla. Decision became easy because there are few Corollas on dealers' lots. On the other hand, my local Honda dealer had the models and colors I wanted. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Overall, I am satisfied.
Mixed Feelings
Faulty cab light was replaced by the dealer. Vinyl molding by the drivers side gets loose and have to be pushed in place. Defrot only with the AC on is very irritating. Sometimes fails to start for no apparent reason. Brakes jerk when applied hard. Apart from that, fun car to drive. Paid a high price. I have owned both domestic and imports, Ford to VW to Toyota. I believe this is the best.
it's ok...i wish i got a spec v instead
So far the car has been without major problems. however, the minor ones are cumulative and annoying. First the driver side window got stuck. Replaced under warranty but now the panel control on the driver side comes loose when the driver's door gets closed with windows open. The sunroof rattles as well as the glove box. Stock tires are donuts!!!
Very Satisfied so far
A very good car in it's class. Engine and transmission are smooth and so far flawless on my car, power is quite good considering the car class. Ride is a little stiff,the road handling is excellent despite the mediocre stock firestone tires. My a/c works very well even on the hottest days. Interior finish and trim is also very good. Reliability to date is excellent unlike previous cars I,ve owned
owner
I like it very much. It's an excellent car.
2002 Honda Civic Ex 4dr
Although I have only had my Civic for a few weeks, I am really impressed with this car. It is a good balance between comfort, economy and performance. This car will certainly not win a drag race but even with the a/c on it still has enough power to keep me happy, not to mention that on my first road trip it managed to get almost 41 mpg! The ride is supple and well controlled. The steering is nimble and the turning radius is short. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and does not bog down or search between o/d and 4th while ascending a hill. The interior is laid out well and feels like good quality to the touch.
Civic- reliable, good mpg, bland styling
I have had my Civic for nearly a year and this car runs like it is still brand new. The manual is much more fun to drive than the automatic, and of course, could use a bit more pick up. But how can I complain when I average 34-36 MPGs in the Washington, D.C. area? I opted for the silver coupe with side air bags, security system (insurance discounts on both), fog lights, spoiler, 6-spoke wheels, and sunroof visor(not neccessary). This car was great in the snow with the OEM tires. Did not get stuck once. Overall when you buy a Honda you know what you're getting a reliable, practical car at a decent price.
Good overall but quality lags
I found a 2002 EX - that was traded-in with virtually no miles on it. I like it very much - I had a Civic Hatchback for nearly 10 years with virtually no problems and was so inexpensive to run. I do like this car it suits my needs is larger than the Hatchback I had. I test drove a 2003 - hated the new dials and found the engine to be noisey. So far with the '02, I have few complaints. I hope to have it for another 10yrs - unless I can find a good RollsRoyce cheap!
love it
Great car, fun reliable, sporty(sort of)However I have minor 3 beefs with this car, 1. damn uncomfortable seats not great for long commutes. 2. arm rest sux 4 inches too short, fixed for 2003 3. sound system could be better
As Expected.... Excellence!
Wow, I'm impressed! A lot of my friends drive Honda Civics and they have had no problems at all with them. My former Oldsmobile gave me a lot of financial burden. The 2002 Honda Civic is a BLESSING! My dealer also sold it to me for $14,450. What a bargain for a reliable, quick, fun to drive, economic, and durable car. An investment not to pass up!
My Dream Car
This Honda Coupe has always been my dream car to finally own one and drive ona a daily basis has been great. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Overall I would never go a different route than a Honda Vehicle!!! Re sale value is also great.
not that bad for a little car
I prefer larger cars, but living in the city and wanting something fuel efficient led us to get this Civic. After getting rid of the stock Firestones, this car is reasonably comfortable driving around town, has enough room to drop off the kids at school, and isn't embarrassing parked next to my boss' Mercedes. My gas mileage isn't as good as I expected, averaging 22 mpg, mainly because I have a short daily commute across town. However, on long drives to my in-laws, this baby get almost 40 mpg.
Best Car Ever
Great car! Only complaint I have is that you feel EVERY little bump on the road, but I guess you would expect that with a 1850 pound car.
Struts and Springs over and over Again
I have been selling new Hondas for several years and have never been disappointed until this 2001 LX sedan. I have had squeaks, creaks, and rattles since day one. I believe all the springs and three of the struts have been replaced to no avail. My first two Hondas were stellar; this one has been dreadful. Gas mileage has hit 40 on extended drives, but hovers around 27 with gentle city driving.
Diamond in the Rough
I got this car brand new. Nothing bad except for my older brother tearing up the clutch after only 40,000 miles, but that's his fault not the car. This is car has so much potential no one knows about or understands. A lot of people think the civic is another foreign car thats saves gas. Did you know most of the parts on the civic are made in the US than there are on a cavalier? I don't think an American counterpart can compare to this vehicle. It may not be twin turbo-ed, or have a supercharger, but the VTEC can get the car to keep up with many others out there.
Awesome car
I've driven this car back and forth to work 40 miles each way, 5 days a week, for the last 1 yr+. Pros: Awesome mileage (AVERAGE = 38) for any car, nevermind an Automatic!!!, tight suspension (contrary to what I've read) in that I can hug a well-rounded 90 degree turn at 40 mph, car exudes quality (kicks ass on any of the 3 Fords and 2 Toyotas I've had). Cons: Stereo sound just so-so (needs high quality bass-response for the EX), road noise (a bit loud for my taste), no center arm rest (the one that it comes with is a joke!)
2002 Honda Civic Problems
I bought a Honda Civic in late 2002 after reading good reviews in Edmunds.com. I was totally shocked to find out only months later that the "new" car came with serious problems. 1. Unlike my Accord, the plastic in the a/c vent of the Civic "sweats" and results in the rear windshield fogging. 2. The "break shift" produces loud sounds often when one breaks. Apparently these are problems that Honda is aware of and working on. However, a consumer like myself feels shortchanged!
I love my Honda
I have had the car for about 3 months now and I love it. It's by far the best car that I have had thus far. It handles well, it has excellent pick up, and I feel safe (especially with the crash test results). The only negative thing that I can think of is that the car is light. You won't find yourself all over the road, but you can tell that the bumps push you to the right or left a little. All-in-all, I give it a 9.4 rating. I wouldn't trade it in for anything else out there on the road.
Good and reliable, if a bit boring.
Overall a solid smaller car. It does everything well-enough. I am a bit disappointed with the paint. The color is slightly different between some parts...as if the parts were painted seperately. I have noticed this on quite a few (especially silver) Civics. Also, the (rear) suspension is overly bouncy, as if it is not damped well enough. Interior room in the Coupe could also be better, considering the size. Insurance rates are strangely high for a relatively low cost car. All of this being said, it is a comfortable, competent small car.
Exceeded Expectations
Leased car due to special promotional deal...have driven it from KS to Los Angeles 2 times now and was impressed with the mileage, comfort and trip performance on all types of driving conditions and roads, mountains, etc..great car..no problems at all in the 3 yrs we've had it...ride is a little stiff, but thats just a Honda..the residual value is so cheap, we are purchasing it outright when the lease expires next month!! Great car.
My Civic makes me happy
A good car, no doubt. I did my research before buying and paid off. Except for one time when the car sort of fluked (I think it was Minnesota's harsh cold winter and snow), it runs smoothly as the day it was new. One thing I'm not sure about: I feel I don't get the mileage that other Civic drivers get. Winter mi/gal runs at about 25, and in the Spring/Summer is on the 32-36 range. Still, I'm planning on getting another Civic when I change this.
Good transportation, not exciting
Nice car, but not as good as I expected. Safe, adequate transportation but lacking on the excitement scale and not built as well as I'd expect. Quality, reliability and assembly as not very good so far, not what you'd expect from a Honda.
Wonderful Car
Just because you drive an economy car doesn't mean you have to settle for a sub par vehicle. Civic gives me a good fun ride with better handling than any economy car I have ever drove. Hint - get the 5 speed manual transmission, provides a lot more get up than the automatic.
The thieves like it too!
The car is great. It looks good, there are several aftermarket products to choose from, and its economical. I've installed an aftermarket stereo, wheels (17"), tires, and the best damn alarm system you can buy. Thieves love this car. My car has been broken into twice since I purchased. (AIG insurance is the best!!). GET AN ALARM!
Very impressed
I purchased my civic w/ 105k miles and have put 50k miles on it since. I love it. It handles very well in the snow (we get lots in MI), and gets great mileage (an average of 32 city & hwy). It's been very reliable. It blows my mind that it has 155k miles on it and it still drives like it's new. Plus, I put 12 gallons of gas in it and it takes me 400 miles.
My Little Munchkin
Fun to drive. Terrible on uphill freeway entrance. If you drive fast watch the tranny fluid level it burns up FAST!! thats $3500 i wish i didnt have to spend Honda said "Its not a Race Car" when they replaced the tranny!! Got squished between 2 cars on the freeway and now the tailpipe drags on big bumps. Watch that front bummper you'll lose it in a big DIP. Shes been broken into TWICE !
Heavenly Honda
I have just bought the Honda Civic LX. What a wonderful vehicle. It handles so nice, and looks great too!!! I had a Ford and it is nice to know I won't be putting thousands of dollars into repairs like I had been.
Civic - simple economy car
My 3 year lease on the Civic is up in a month and I'm glad that I'm returning it. I haven't had any big problems with it (only replaced ABS sensor under warranty @ 15K miles), so it's been a reliable car. It's definitely not a bad car, but I think there are others that are better (replacing it with a Subaru, which is AWD, more powerful, quieter, better handling, and more fun to drive). I like the fuel economy, consistently get around 30-35MPG (I'll miss that with the Subaru). Like when the VTEC activates in the higher RPM range (especially 2nd and 3rd gears), gives you a little push. An advice to anyone interested in the Civic: look at Toyota Corolla, Matrix, and Mazda3 before purchasing.
Good Purchase for Basic Trans
Wanted a low-cost, well-built, high reliable vehicle - 2001 Honda Civic. Been happy with my purchase. Though I've read about some 1st-Year Model problems...I've been fortunate not to have any. In fact...at every dealership maintenance service, I make sure all vehicle problems are addressed. Great fuel economy...and Honda reliability so far at almost 25,000 miles.
Love it too much to give up!
I have had my 02 civic since it was brand new in 12/2001. I now have 104,000 miles on it. I love the 5 speed manual, makes it fun to drive. Only one major problem (brake booster $700 repair) since the few "new model quirks" were covered by original 3yr warranty. Average 38 mpg mixed driving. We have gone through 3 other cars in the life of this one and just can't give it up. I'll probably drive it until it dies (which could be another 200,000 miles!) Never once have had an oil change on time (like every 6,000 miles) and it's always at the correct level...even when I go wayyy over. :) I would recommend this car to anyone!
A keeper!!
This Civic is my fourth Honda. I've driven them since I was 16 years old. I feel that the build quality has slipped a little, my Civic seems to rattle quite a bit over rough surfaces and I only have 33k on it. That is my only complaint about it. It's fun to drive, has good pep for 127HP, a smooth shifting 5-speed, and I like the way it looks. It also gets great gas mileage, and I drive it hard.(34+ MPG) Overall, you won't be disappointed. I work for it's biggest competitor and continue to buy Honda products. GO HONDA!!
Best car to make it really fast
i bought civic because it never brakes and it is really fun to put thing into it when you put rims and exhaust or any other extras car looks like 20 thousand vehicle and always when you want to sel it you wont lose much money its just the best
Good but not up to Honda standards
Very good vehicle over all. We were disappointed in a few things and annoyed at a few others. We've owned other Hondas before and this one isn't up to Honda standards.
Silver Paperweight
Its a good car, but more like Ford than Honda. Picked it over Elantra for reliability and crash test data, Elantra more comfy & powerful, better stereo, & $3-4K less. Handling sucks (drive a new Corolla). Window regulators shouldnt break from normal use. Paint chipped after 100 miles! Only gets 25MPG! Headlights dim when driving. Trunk dumps water inside when opened (from lights on trunk). Gas & brake petals too close, knee hits steering wheel. Right foot needs more room (have big feet, bigger shoes). Headrest makes better door than window, blocks rear view. Sun visor clip too tight. Driver door creaks. Ridiculous oil change procedure.
Awesome Car.
You cant go wrong with this vehicle. Gas mileage is awesome. Very peppy for a 4cylinder, thanks to the VTEC engine. I love driving it everyday. Thanks Honda World Westminster.
Adequate Coupe for me.
Design, Interior, Exterior are excellent!!
Great
I love my car. Its fun to drive, fun to cruise in on. I have done a lot of custom work to the car & have found it quite easy to work with. I don't care for the transmission. It likes to grind into 2nd gear on occasion. The garages can not figure it out.
Accord Jr.
Comfortable daily commuter that can easily be used as a primary vehicle. Very dependable. Almost same size as the Accord for thousands less. Decent power, mileage and styling.
Great Car
Great Car, thats all there is to say!
Excellent fuel economy and performance
I purchased my Civic new in 2002. It's been driven hard over the last three years....it has not been babied. It hasn't had any problems whatsoever. I get over 30 mpg all around driving, Mid 30's on the highway. My Civic is a 4 dr LX model with a 5 speed transmission. It has excellent performance with the standard transmission...plenty of pep. If you are looking for a strong, reliable, fuel efficent and fun to drive car give the Civic a try!
i only buy hondas
although i have a 4 cylinder it rides very well very economically sufficient for my needs has lots of child saftey features.
GOOD VALUE
I purchased my 2002 civic ex with auto trans in december of last year. This is a great car for the price. I previous owned a 1993 ex. I am very happy and impressed by the improvements in the civic. The ac is very good for a car this size, and almost everything else from noise to ride quality is significantly improved. Honda did a good job with this one.
Dupped
I'm disapointed. I like the roomy interior and the dash display, but I find myself bouncing and clunking around too much on standard roads, listening to the rev of the engine too much and wishing for some of the Corolla and Sentra perks(CD player, more horsepower, a place for my change) I thought would seem less important once I started driving the more expensive Civic. Reliability seems lacking too because less than one week after purchase I have to take my car into the dealer because I'm having map light problems. I hope this car retains its value because I'll be trading it in sooner than the 10-12 years I thought I would hold onto it for.
little problems add up to big headaches
Although I do believe that the Civic is reliable and gets good gas mileage, I have been disappointed with several aspects of the car. I had to replace my tires within the first year, the inside rear of the car started to squeak after 6 months, the condensor needs replaced ($1200 job), plastic instrument panal randomly cracked(Honda wouldn't fix even though under warrenty), the engine is loud when idoling, stiff ride, and now the rear back tire is grinding and its not the brakes. So, I wake up everday holding my breath, hoping that nothing major happens!
02 Civic EX 4 door
This car was my first, and lucky for me, it was new. I chose this over a Nissan Sentra SE, but I should have waited for the 2002 Sentra SE-R. This car has held up pretty well, except for a couple interior trim issues. The nighthawk black pearl paint has been the worst paint I have ever had experience with. My mom's black 98 Maxima with 85,000 miles on it looks better. It has been extremely reliable, never broken down, great gas mileage getter, which is beneficial for me, being a college student who frequently travels home. Resale will be good compared to other vehicles when it will need replacing. Ho-hum performance and tiring seats on long drives, minimal front leg room. (I'm 6'2'')
Absolute Quality
I have owned this car since new and it currently has 130,000 miles in just under 4 years. About 75% of my driving has been freeway; 25% in town. Replaced the catalytic converter as only "major repair" - cost me around $500. Maintenance: Oil changed every ~4k miles, fuel filter each year, air filter every 20k miles, spark plugs &timing belt once each, flushed transmission fluid (automatic) and coolant once each, just bought new front brakes, have good tires and rotate every ~5-10k. Car gets 36-39 mpg at 75-85 mph freeway driving depending on winter or summer; 32-36 in town. It's time for me to step up, but I'll likely stay w/in Honda family and buy used Acura TL, while keeping the Civic.
Once Reliable... Now Not So Sure...
I bought this car from my sister over 5 years ago (she bought it brand new). I've always been on time with the scheduled maintenance and haven't had any huge repairs other than the timing belt and water pump combo repair that cost about $1400. But NOW... some days when it starts, it will idle very rough and can barely climb hills. The engine seems to be misfiring even when I drive during any driving conditions. Brought it to the local shop and they can't find anything wrong. I feel very betrayed by my Civic just because I've always done the maintenance on time. Changed the spark plugs and ignition coils and still runs like garbage.
Fuel economy and reliability
I bought this car for my wife because she wanted it and it was the smallest car I could fit into without being extremely uncomfortable. We drive the car 70-80 miles per day on average (almost all highway)and average over 40+ mpg driving between 65-70 mph. Currently, I have 572.3 miles on this tank of gas and I need to buy some gas today. The ride is bumpy, but it has been with my last two Honda's I've owned. The Interior of this Civic is about the same size as my 1991 Accord was before this replaced that vehicle after 207K miles. If the car were a bit bigger, I'd buy another one to replace my car.