Used 2005 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
Best compact car
When I was shopping for a car I test drove the Mazda 3s and the Honda Civic EX. I found that the Mazda 3 was not as comfortable or as refined as the Honda Civic. After test driving both cars I priced them. They were roughly about the same price. Therefore, the Honda Civic Ex was my decision due to many factors such as resale price and Honda's build quality. I have experienced that my Honda Civic is fun to drive and is a nice looking car. Another benefit of this car is the air conditioning because it gets cold right away but the Mazda 3s took the whole test drive for it to get comfortable inside of the cabin. Overall, this is a great car and I will continue to purchase from Honda.
A Fantastic "Little" Car!
I'm a bit biased (a loyal Honda customer, this is my 3rd Civic), but this is an overall great car! Was a little apprehensive about paying +$3000 more than a standard Civic, but it was well worth it! Mileage isn't quite what I had expected -- I'm averaging about 40mpg -- but at 425-475 miles per tank, I won't complain! Acceleration is better than expected .. I was told it couldn't get out of it's own way ... it's a little slow to start, but but holds its own at highway speeds. Handles very well for a light-weight car. Maintenance is a little more expensive. Engine requires 0W20 motor oil, which is pricey. Love the real- time mpg calculator and auto-shut off feature. I'd buy again!
- Value Package CoupeMSRP: $5,49585 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $7,24363 mi away
- EX Special Edition SedanMSRP: $7,99923 mi away
Honda Civic VP
Good economical car. I bought the 2-door, VP package with side air bags and manual transmission. I do not see too many manual transmissions this close to NYC. I on the tall side but not too tall, 6'-1" and I found that the 2006 model had a reduced head room and a more radical sloping windshield. My 2005 model has a higher head room and the windshield does not slope as much, letting me get into the car easier. I never liked motorized windows or electric locks, found them to be trouble waiting to happen. I bought the car to use for a long time, I hate throwing things away.
Wish I had bought one earlier.
I had an 03 Explorer and was getting between 17 to 22 MPG. Well no sooner did I get the hybrid that my bill went from $60 bucks per refill to $30 or less depending on the cost of gas. I love the 05 HCH, it is fun, fuel-efficient and all around good car. I would improve the HP but it's not to bad overall. Honda has done a great job at listening to its customers and I hope they continue to do so. Sadly the American companies once again lost the battle.
Great Car
I have had this car only 3 weeks and have had to fill it up once. I am getting a round about average of 42 mpg with city and highway driving. Love this car and I would buy it again.
Good little car
Bought it to replace my Ford midsized car. Very good handling. To state the obvious that some people forget, the way you drive will change the results you get with MPG. I've been averaging 42 since I bought the car in very mixed driving situations. Been as high as 50 and as low as 33. The computer is a little dumb and doesn't shut-off the gasonline engine sometimes when you're sitting in traffic. Overall, I'm very happy and love the blue color.
Wouldn't buy another one .. ever
The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, they totally missed on the design and I am a normal size man.Trunk lid leaked from day one due to poor workmanship. The power window on the passeger's side didn't work properly and I had to take it to the dealer twice. In general, just very poor construction of an automobile.
Problems with electric system IMA
Bought in Aug 2005 and 15000mi @ yr. For over 6 weeks not able to drive car with use of electric IMA battery system, new EMC computer needed, none available and there is a national back order. I question if there is a defect or is this normal, 6wks, plus another component for starting the car has to be replaced. Also in the order for the new computer EMC, nothing was written up on the repair, I just have a card with the part number on it and was told it was ok to drive because the gasoline part of the system still functions. (that was until it needed component to start the engine) Am slightly frustrated with the process, the dealers have been nice, but it all makes wonder about the hybird.
What a great little car.
We bought it because we're trying to get good in-town gas mileage in a car that has comfortable room for 4 adults. We haven't been disappointed. I'm the engineer, but my wife routinely gets the better mileage around town (41 vs my 40 on the trip odometer). Our mileage on the trip odometer is actually a couple mpg's low, because it over reads gas consumption a bit and because the speedometer reads 1.5% fewer miles than we really travel (measured on 100 miles on I95 in SC) (this also explains why it understates speed by 1.5% as well). Actual gas mileage, with 1000-2000 miles on the odometer: 37 @ 80mph, and about 44 @ 65mph.
A reliable sporty car
This car is very, very fun to drive (for those who like sporty cars and sticks). It gets excellent gas mileage while still being pretty quick. The interior is very nice, with some cool Si-only touches. I got a crazy good deal on this car used, but I'm not sure if I'd like to pay full price for it new. It's not quite as quick as some of its competitors (only 160hp). But, it outhandles most of them, and, importantly, it has just about bullet- proof reliability. Most other "Pocket Rockets" are pieces of junk with powerful motors (like the Neon SRT-4) but the Civic Si will still be perfect 100,000 miles from now.
Wish I had two of 'em
I've been driving this Civic Hybrid for a week and already my fuel bills are plummeting. It is a great car and rides much better than my previous car - a 2003 Prius. It's smooth and quiet at both street and freeway speeds. My MPG is slowly rising (they told me it would take approximately 600 miles to get to optimum mileage levels) and now stands at 41 mpg average - up from 33 when first delivered. Friends and neighbors can't believe it's a hybrid -- as one said "It looks like a regular car and not an egg". Honda has nailed this technology. I wish I could afford two of them - I'd trade my Lexus in an instant for another Civic Hybrid!
Gas saver
On the freeway, with the cruise control on fairly flat highway, we could get around 45 mpg (avg. 65 miles/hour and total 2 persons in the car). My wife is the primary driver of this car with a 25 miles mix of half freeway and half local daily commute to work, and she managed to get 41 mpg. I learned from her that the trick is to be easy on the gas pedal and you want to try not to let the motor assist bar to come on, when possible. Always use cruise control when possible (above 40 miles/hour).
Honda civics will rule the world
This car has so much power. I love it. I used to drive a minivan and thought changing into a car that is much lower would be horrible. It ended up being fantastic and I've never loved a car more.
Horrible unreliable car and dishonest dealers
Bought brand new in 2005. Dealer tried to sneak a car with a dent on the door and cracked instrument panel as brand new. I pointed out these problems, but the dealer gave me problems and back talk. Alignment was off from the start and could never be corrected. Car pulled to the right of going straight. At 58,000 miles, had a blown head gasket. Performed all required routine maintenance at dealer, then vastly superior independent mechanic. After three recalls on the defective airbags and airbag inflator, had to return to dealer for airbag work. Dealer gave a list of repairs exceeding the value of the car. One of the items was the water pump was leaking. I told the service advisor that was impossible, since I just changed the timing belt that required the water pump to be replaced. The service advisor was surprised that I knew what I was talking about. Within one month, I got rid of the Honda and bought a new Toyota Corolla Hatchback. By the way, the water pump was not leaking.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Hybrid 2005
Like everything about the car. Gets great gas mileage, about 37 mpg combined. It's a nice alternative to the Prius which has a weird display in the middle of the car. Wish the seats were softer but can always get a little cushion. I am very very happy with this car.
Overheating problems
I use to love driving my civic. It handled well and is suppose to be a safe car. The first four years I had the car I was very happy with it. Just over 100k miles while driving my daughter and my two young grandchildren from Fl to Pa it overheated on Interstate 95 at night. that was three years ago. Since, I haven't been able to travel farther than 50 miles from home. We have had the car to many shops and they can't find the problem. You name it we replaced it. Still overheating! If you go to hondatech.com you will find this is a common problem with Honda. So next we will have the head gasket repair which may run as high as $1,500. I'm not happy with Honda and would never buy another.
Time for another Hybrid
Have had a lot of fun with this car. Driving is fun and playful. I have figured that traveling East to West I gain 10% on mileage because of the winds generally from the West. I have gotten up to 52 mpg on the NYS Thruway eastbound and 48 westbound. Drops to 46 mpg going through the Berkshires. Lots of pep and pickup. Surprised my wife on its passing capability.
Hondas are the best
I have two '05 Civics, one a 5 speed manual, the other is an auto. The 5 speed has never has any mechanical problems except the clear coat started to peel off the rear bumper after a visit to the car wash. Honda fixed it under warranty and I never had another problem. That car has 70K on it. The auto has 32K. Although they are slugs power wise, I am getting high 30's in the winter and low 40's in the warm weather. Driving a stick can be a pain in traffic, but it consistently gets better mileage than the automatic trans. The Honda's feel like they have been gone over by engineers until they have it right. Drive the car gingerly and don't beat it, get the maintenance done and they will hold up
Pick One Up, IF YOU CAN
Have had this car for about 2 years and simply love it. Bought it before the gas crisis and glad I did. Yes it does not have the pickup of normal cars but that is what the Hybrid technology is all about. If you floor it it decreases your efficiency. Has had one recall but that was an easy 1- hour fix at the local dealer. All it was, was some small computer change. Big trunk space, excellent standard features that come with the car, and looks great.
This car dependable and affordable
Great gas mileage. roomy and comfortable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not as expected
I am disappointed with the MPG. I am averaging 36.3 MPG which isn't far from its original non-hybrid. Honda claims its because I live in Florida and we use the AC year round and that lowers the MPG. Also, the AC doesn't work while the car is sitting idle.
Reliable But Poor Creature Comforts
I purchased my EX 5 years ago and am replacing it with an Altima. Like all Hondas, it is cheap to operate, averaged 30 MPG, car looks good. But my back gets beat up in this car, so trips that exceed 30 minutes are painful, you feel every bump in the road and the road noise is so loud, you have to speak up on the phone or with passengers.
2005 civic dx
Bought this car just over a year ago with 90000km on it. Now has 120000km mostly highway gets around 43 mpg. It's just a base model with 5spd stick. Work really good. Had to timing chain replaced at 95k as well as serpentine belts should be replaced every 100k. Have also replace break lines and Oil pan at Around 110k. Also just replace alternator witch is a common thing for Honda. Changed out spark plugs And oil every 5k. Over all this car is a good reliable car no complaints mechanical wise runs like a top . As far as the interior seats are alittle stiff but are manageable. It's a fun little car and with today's gas prices I would recommend anyone of this car.
Value for money & fun to drive
The Civic Hybrid is quite a remarkable car. I switched from a Mercedes to this one because I wanted a low operating cost vehicle. I was driving an 87 Mercedes 190E (ancestor of C230). The interior room of the Civic is pretty much the same as was in my 190. Seats are firm and comfortable. The car is very quiet, and also a lot of fun to drive. Its got a good amount of low end kick from the electric motor, and since the gas engine is very small its also very smooth & quiet. Gas mileage is in the upper 40s so far. Audio is not that great.
Reliable? Don't believe the hype
Just back from my fourth visit to the dealer and $1800 poorer so far. Had to replace the crankshaft sensor and harness. Doesn't include the $1000 for the timing belt and maintenance they talked me into on the 1st visit. We bought into the Honda is the most reliable car on the road fantasy, 500k miles and nothing but an oil change blah blah... Ours is only at 99K. Always did all the scheduled maintenance. I almost stalled out on the highway. Try seeing how happy other drivers are when you're driving 20 mph on the 101 (for you socal drivers) Looks like the same trap we had with Ford and GM. Thing just starts falling apart at 100k/10 yr. The civic didn't even make it that far.
best car in the wh0le w0rld!
this is the best car anyone can ever drive! its small... fast... fun to drive... its very spacious for a small car, so anything and anyone can fit in there.
05 Civic LX
I purchased a 05 Civic LX with the 5-speed about a week ago. I really enjoy it, but if you can afford it go with the EX for the extra power. They get equal fuel economy, but at a $3K premium it might be worth it. My LX is ok but I do long for the V-TEC, and the moonroof. I would recomend the Honda service plan. It cost me $1K but is bumper to bumper for 5 years or 100K miles. The coupe is a lot of fun to drive, it is sporty but a little under powered. This is the second Honda I have owned, and have nothing but good things to say. Very reliable, and very good with resale price. Check your insurance rates before you buy. There are a lot of security features i.e. computer chip in the keys.
Quiet car
I bought this car because it is so quiet. I test drove it on sevral occasions beforehand, and I liked the fact that even when the gas engine is running it is so quiet. It won't win any races, but that's not the intent of this kind of car. The intent is to be a quiet, economical car (that happens to be very environmentally friendly), and it accomplishes these goals admirably. This is the car I should have purchased when I was shopping a couple of years ago. I bought a VW back then, and though I loved it, it was unreliable. No longer my problem.
Mileage not as advertised
Traded in my Jetta 1.8T for a better mileage/newer car. Noticeable step down in interior quality compared to VW but delivers a good ride. I can *not* get the advertised 47/48mpg. My average is 37/37. I have seen 39 city and 45 highway, and that was with a 15 knot tailwind at 60mph. Told it will improve over time (?) If you drive faster than 70mph, you will lose mileage fast. I set the cruise at 80mph for a while and averaged about 28mpg. Consider carefully the kind of driving you do. If you drone in the 70- 80mph realm like I do, look at a TDI Golf (like I should have). If you live in the 50-60mph realm, this is the car for you. Not suited for droning in the the windy OK/KS plains.
great
great i love this car, its perfect for just about anything, it is very reliable and applicable to just about any type of person.
Great Car!!
Great Car!! We drove our Hybrid from Texas to Vancouver Canada and Back. We averaged 40 mpg. The milage thing is a little tricky, At times I could have the cruise control on 79 mph at around 3200 rpms and would get around 50 mpg. I had fun playing with the average and actually got it up to 70 mpg for a brief amount of time. From Arlington Washington to Eugene Oregon we got 47 mpg. It all depends on the terrain you are driving on. I think the rain or humidity may affect mileage as well. The car has plenty of passing power but struggled a little in the mountains. Great for big city commuting, comfortable for long trips.
'05 Civic Value Pkg (Black )
The fit and finish on this car is incredible for an 'economy-type' vehicle. The seats conform to the body extremely well; the car handles turns and curves like it is on rails. Value Package boasts a nice a/c, dual vanity visor mirrors and cd player. The maintenance schedule is remarkable: 10k miles between oil changes under normal driving conditions? WOW! 110k before scheduled tune up? Now that's what I'm talking about. 29/38 MPG? I have only had the car for four days, but I am excited to see how much $$ I will be potentially saving by not having to visit the pump as often.
2005 Honda Civic
I bought this Honda new because I had an '89 that ran like a champ! The car gets great gas mileage and I only use it for commuting to work. I have 60K miles on it and the manual transmission is screaming! Dealer says new trans. It sounds like a bearing inside the trans. Honda will not do anything about it. They gave me the run around and told me it is my fault. I have a 1966 Ford Bronco with the original manual transmission, never rebuilt! I won't buy another Honda.
Fantastic Car to Own
I made the change from an SUV guzzling gas to the Honda Civic and I'm proud to say this is one of the best cars I've ever owned. Very roomy as well! I'm 6'4, this is the first car I've owned that I have to actually move the drivers seat up to reach the peddles and steering wheel. Not to mention, I've more than doubled my gas mileage. Rides great, looks great and you can't beat the dependability. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking to save money and not sacrifice quality. I can't say enough about owning this car. What can I say, I no longer feel sorry for those of you who drive SUV's!!! I made the change, so should you, you will wonder why you've dropped so much money!
Just What it's supposed to be
I bought this one owner car when it was two years old for only ten grand with only 14k miles on it. I wanted a work car that had nothing to break and was lamenting that base models no longer existed when I learned about the VP. I love rolling up and down the windows knowing that there are no motors to fail there or in the seats or door locks. It's an old school econo car with the most reliable combustible gas engine ever made under the hood & no headaches. I am certain to get 200-300k miles. Highly recommended
loved the car
I bought this car because I was looking for something reliable, economical, and with good value. I found the perfect purchase in this civic, and loved every minute of driving it. I got into a pretty bad head-on collision after having the car for about 5 months, and walked out with minor bruises and injuries. The crumple zones were designed flawlessly and even though my car was totaled it protected me perfectly. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.
Bought Civic Ex SE
Chose this vehicle for its economy over my Chevy Monte Carlo. Need a family friendly vehicle that got better gas milage as I travel sometimes 40 miles one way to work. Chose this vehicle over the Corolla because it is more comfortable.
Excellent
I drove this car for three years before I traded for a Honda Civic 2008. Worst decision I ever made. I wish I have my car back. The Civic 2005 is an excellent car, I never had a problem with it.
Most UNRELIABLE car ever owned
After owning many Hondas since 1983, buying a 2004 Civic EX was not questioned. It has proved to be nothing but a headache with techncians unable to find the problem. It has a continuing refusal to start probem. Tech says it's a quirk that we'll just have to live with. Been at dealership several times since 6/04. They don't pick it up (they'd too busy) then say they can't find the problem because it's been jump started. Two complaints have been filed with Honda North America. Both times promised a response within 2 business days. No response to either complaint. Service techs are useless; customer service is nonexistent. Honda is not the quality car it once was.
Very reliable but could use more power
Ok 6000 miles later here is my take on this coming from a Celica and a Civic Si. I definitely had to get use to less pep for starters the interior buid is ok but still missing something (dash is a little too dull + very mass production feel). Gas mileage is decent 30 miles per gallon. Rear spolier option for around $500 adds some appeal. Ok enough about the bad... The good is resale value, reliability, low APR financing, value priced and the fact that you don't have to choose from a billion options. Like with the Toyota where every thing on the car is extra. Honda does a great job by grouping their upgrades in packages - DX, LX, and EX. Overall a good buy but could be better
I love my Civic!
We used to be brutalized on gas costs for long trips with our Dodge Ram Van. This vehicle has the pep, room and gas mileage that is just excellent for its size. I made an 800 mile trip from NJ to South Carolina on 17 gallons of gas. It is not unusual to get 500/540 miles safely from 1 tank. The government tax incentive of 1500 dollars was nice too. I am going to save a fortune in gas costs in the coming years. I also purchased the bumper to bumper 10 year warrantee. I figured the tax incentive was a fair exchange. Get this car and become part of the solution to global warming, pollution, rising gas costs and have a little fun with the science of the law of conservation of energy.
Better than Prius
Less complicated and no PHD required to operate. Just drove a Prius and the instrumentation was not only confusing but distracting. HH gauges simple. Mileage and interior room good. Trunk bigger than Prius and enclosed. Better for the person who likes to drive without bothering with glitz. Radio only fair. I have the upgraded model and did not switch to an added cost radio.
2005 Civic EX Special Edition Sedan
Honda has done a number on the interior of the Special Edition--very interesting to look at. Stereo looks like a higher-end after-market (6-disc-- great bass, clear treble, multiple graphic display). Magnesium metallic with graphite heated leather upgrade is a beautiful combination. The only problem I have is the lack of legroom in the front, and I'm only 5'10"! Perfect car for small to medium sized people. Will be driven for many years to come. If you are looking to buy a regualar EX, DON'T! SE comes standard with leather-wrapped steering wheel, better radio, spoiler, alloy wheels, etc. Overall paid $17,400 (sticker $19,175).
rollback
I bought my Honda because everyone told me how great Honda's are and Edmunds gave it a great rating. I have only had it 6 months and already traded it in. DO NOT LIKE THE ROLLBACK FEATURE. If you are stopped on an incline as soon as you take your foot off the brake the car rolls back. My understanding is all Honda's since 1999 do that. I wish that would have been mentioned in the literature I read. It is a safety problem for me especially when I have children in the back seat. I couldn't drive it with that problem and nothing could be done to fix it.
INDY-My New HIGH MPG Hybrid
I purchased INDY because I wanted a car that was an environmentally conscious statement. This car is fantastic: sporty, high tech, great MPG, stylish, and fun to drive. I got the CVT model because my wife drives it and wasn't thrilled about a stick. I've upgraded everything but the wheels. Changed the Radio to allow XM and IPOD. Nicely designed car, very conforable. Wish the seats had a little bit better lumbar support. Only option not available which I wish was possible was a sunroof. Apparently some wiring goes through the roof or so I was told so that a sunroof wasn't possible. They have it on the new Accord. I regularly get 38- 43 mpg though I don't drive for max mpg.
Happy Honda Customer
I bought this car in Dec. 2004. I was glad I made the purchase. This car has been very good to me. I kept up with the oil changes and the 30, 60, 90,000 mile service. I know have about 90,000 miles on it and I plan to keep it until I can't drive it anymore. The engine seems to have a high noise. The fuel economy isn't as good as it used to be probable because of the ethanol they are putting in the gas nowadays. I used to get on average 36 miles to the gallon now I get about 30 mpg. Could have better pick up in first gear. The throttle response is a little low. It kinda lags. However passing other cars is a breeze. Has some rattling hear and there.
My first hybrid
After hearing all of the hoopla about hybrid cars, I decided to turn in a gas guzzler for a Honda Civic Hybrid. The car performs well at all speeds and handles a rides as one would expect of a quality compact car. Do not expect it to be first off the line at a stop light but it is not sluggish. My first tank of gasoline got me 37.2 mpg (city) the second tank got 38.4 with each tank getting slightly more. The last tank got 42.3 and time will tell what the car will eventually level out at. The gauges available for viewing on the dash are very helpfull in learning to get the best from the car. Overall, I really like this car.
Answer to High Gas Prices
We have only had our Honda Civic Hybrid for one month but the car is shear joy to own and operate. My 15 year old son is learing to dive and has only a permit. The Honda is a great tool for a new driver. The MPG graph shows exactly what your mileage is while you are driving. My son and I have a contest to see who can get the better MPG. Our best so far has been 50.2 MPG between fill ups and our overall average is 46 MPG. My son has learned very quickly that jack rabbit starts and stops eat up gas even on a hybrid. We have an 04 Miata and an 03 Explorer but we use the Honda 90% of the time. When we fill up at the gas puimp we seem to be the only ones who are smiling. It's the answer.
Excellent car but overhyped with Honda quality
Excellent car. I got is second hand in pritty good shape. A/C took $800 from me in repairs. Few other repairs that are normal for older car. Drives very good, fuel economy is excellent for old car. If you get one in good shape and the right price, it defenetely worth it.
Honda Hybrid
Doesn't quite get the mileage "promised," but even though I drive it every day, I've only filled it five times since I bought it - almost four months ago!