2005 Honda Civic Review
2005 Honda Civic Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability and quality, impressive crash test scores.
Cons
- Top-of-the-line models are pricey, antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.
What’s new
A Special Edition package is introduced for both the sedan and coupe; it features an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability, six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary jack for portable music devices. SE models also include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wing spoiler and alloy wheels.
Edmunds says
Still the head of its class, the 2005 Honda Civic is the most refined, solidly built economy car on the market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$129/mo for Civic DX
Civic DX
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Thanks to its frugal and clean engines, spunky performance and reputation for excellent reliability and durability, the Honda Civic has been a consistent benchmark for the economy car class ever since its introduction in 1973. Those qualities continue to apply to the current Civic. Last redesigned in 2001, the Civic is available as a sedan, coupe or hatchback and comes in a number of different trims. While it's a fine car for just about anyone, it should appeal mainly to younger owners, whether they are college students or newly minted parents. It's easy to drive, easy to maintain and comfortable for the entire range of driving, from commuting to long-distance road trips. The Civic coupe has flashier styling than the sedan, but there's really no functional difference between the two. Just pick the trim level that most suits your desires (and budget) and you're on your way. The Si hatchback is the most sporting Civic in the lineup, featuring a more powerful 160-hp engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Though competent and refined, it's lacking in personality and we've found it a step behind cars like the Mazda 3 and Mini Cooper S. For those interested more in fuel economy rather than 0-to-60-mph times, there's the Civic Hybrid sedan. For the Hybrid, Honda has taken the technology pioneered in the Insight and improved on it. It uses a small 1.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine (85 horsepower) assisted by a 13-hp electric motor. When the driver backs off the throttle or hits the brakes, the energy that is usually wasted is captured in a bank of batteries mounted behind the rear passenger seat. The next time extra power is needed, when pulling away from a dead stop, for instance, that captured energy is, in a sense, recycled. Honda calls this give-and-take between the gasoline engine and the battery the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Whatever you choose, it's pretty hard to go wrong with the 2005 Honda Civic. Every time you get into it, you'll know that you're driving a safe, dependable car that causes minimal damage to the environment and will provide years of faithful service.
Performance & mpg
DX, VP and LX models are powered by a 115-horsepower, 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The EX powers up to 127 hp, while the lean-burn 117-hp HX boasts more miserly fuel economy. The HX and Hybrid can be equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The 1.3-liter gasoline-electric powertrain found in the Civic Hybrid makes 93 hp and boasts the best fuel economy figures of the Civic range -- 45 city and 51 highway for manual transmission-equipped cars. The 160-hp Si is the most powerful Civic and comes matched to a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission.
Safety
The Civic has a perfect five-star rating for frontal impacts. When equipped with side airbags, the coupe earns a full five stars for side impacts, while the sedan gets four stars with or without the bags. The IIHS gave the Civic a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset crash results. Dual front seatbelt pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants and optional side airbags with a cutoff system that can detect a child or occupant out of position are all offered. ABS isn't offered on DX, VP, HX or LX trims.
Driving
With the sedan and coupes, the driving experience isn't the most exciting to be found in this class. The suspension is tuned for a refined and comfortable ride, not necessarily performance. The interior is roomy and quiet, however, and this allows the 2005 Honda Civic to be an excellent car for both commuting and long-distance trips. The Si hatchback is more fun, though not as much as other sporty coupes.
Interior
The Civic's interior is one of the best found in the economy class. It's roomy for the driver and passengers, and possesses a straightforward design and high-quality materials. If you plan on frequently moving bulky items, the Si hatchback, with its 35.7-cubic-foot cargo hold, is the logical choice.
2005 Honda Civic models
The 2005 Honda Civic comes as a coupe, sedan or hatchback. For the coupe and sedan, there are four main trim levels: the base DX (sedan only), base Value Package (coupe), LX and EX. The basic DX offers little more than an AM/FM radio. The VP adds air conditioning and a CD player. If you can swing it, the LX is the better choice, and you'll get most of the features you need, including cruise control; keyless entry; power windows, locks and mirrors; and a tachometer. Going with the EX nets you a moonroof, antilock brakes, variable wipers, a driver seat-height adjuster and alloy wheels. There are also four specialty models: the HX coupe, SE coupe and sedan, Si hatchback and Hybrid sedan. The frugal HX coupe is equipped similarly to the DX coupe, while the SE matches closely to the LX sedan, with the addition of a premium audio system and cosmetic enhancements. The Si hatchback boasts standard rear disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and special gauges. The Hybrid, in addition to its special powertrain, is most similar to the EX, less the moonroof.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Honda Civic.
5 star(76%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
421 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
200,000+ and still going
nelsonoah, 03/05/2013
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
Update to my 11/19/09 review.
I'm still driving it and have done nothing but regular stuff (oil/filter, brakes, tires).
I now have roughly 205k miles on it.
The IMA warning light came on about 1.5 years ago (around 190k miles). Honda said the hybrid battery was testing weak and needed replaced ($2,500 and 3-year/30k warranty).
I decided not to replace it and to just see what it'd … do.
Battery doesn't keep charged up as well as it used to, but I'm still getting over 40mpg driving in town. I found a place that will put in a used battery with a 1-year guarantee for $1,275. Besides the battery, everything else seems to be in great shape.
5 out of 5 stars
Excellant purchase!!!
browntown101, 07/06/2016
2005 Honda Civic Value Package 2dr Coupe w/Front Airbags (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
I bought mine used at ~111k, and I have put another 100k on it in four years. This has been a fantastic and reliable runner, it is easy to work on, takes nearly no maintenance, is very economical to own and operate, and with the 5 speed manual transmission, is a lot of fun. Highly recommended to anyone who wants something that is sound, cheap, and fun. I am very satisfied, and plan to … run this one until life dictates I need something different, or until the wheels come off this one (but lets be real, I won't live that long!). Not recommended for a family car, or for those who have a hard time getting in and out, or those who haul a lot of bulky cargo, and no, it is not the best suspension, biggest motor, fastest car, however --- that's not why anyone buys a Honda Civic... It will (and has) hold up very well for commuting, travel, everyday use, work, fun, college, grad school and about anything else that you can throw at it. And good god it is nimble!
5 out of 5 stars
Best car ill ever own
Nikki, 01/11/2018
2005 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
This car is so great! Sets your expectations on vehicles so high that its hard to find anything else as good, especially for the price! Does great on road trips. The gas usage.. amazing! The performance is pretty surprising for such a small car too! As for working on them, at times its a little cramped but defiantly more room than other compact cars that I've worked on and the parts are … very reasonably priced when you consider how often you would need to replace them which I've found that once you replace a part your never need to do it again unless you keep it for another 10 years. All around I think this is the best car to have if you need something a little fun, great on gas and long trips, and really, really reliable!
3.63 out of 5 stars
Blew Head Gasket in Early Life, Great Reliability After
mrsheng, 11/25/2012
2005 Honda Civic EX Special Edition 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
I purchased this vehicle used back in 2008 when it had around 30K mileage.
My car was particularly unique because it had dealer installed custom interior seats and door panels (black faux leather vinyl).
As far as reliability and build quality, I rated it 3 out of 5.
My car blew a head gasket at 40K miles.
I don't know what caused it, but my only guess was the thermostat.
After much … research online, it was a common problem.
I wonder if Honda had irregular thermostats installed in their Civics.
Anyways, after I took my car to the dealership for repair...the car has been working great ever since. 115K miles going strong and engine still sounds great.
2005 Civic Highlights
Sedan
DX
Base MSRP | $13,260 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $129/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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