Used 2008 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Everything but the comfort
Yes, true can't expect much comfort from civic, but as previous owner of 00 Civic comparing with 08 can say that 08 civic is below my expectation. Front seats are uncomfortable and hand brake hurt my knee every time I drive it. Still haven't driven it on longer relations but it'll be painful.
Luv Our Hondas
Finally sold off the 93 DX MT model for a 2008 EX AT and couldn't be more satisfied. The EX gets 32 City with AC. Highway mileage is also impressive - we're getting 38 on the highway! Can't ask for a smoother, more quiet ride. Enjoying the keyless entry, remote trunk, 6 speakers, and there's plenty of room for the 6'2" passengers. It's a great value for the money. The dealer installed the low profile spoiler and tinted the windows. Now we really look cool! We researched and test drove a couple SUVs as well as the Corolla and Accord. They couldn't compare to the Civic's ride and reputation for dependability.
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $5,998183 mi away
- EX CoupeMSRP: $4,995218 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $5,50096 mi away
Most bang for your buck!
I evaluated the Toyota and Scion models prior to purchasing the Honda Civic. In the end, it was the build quality and my previous knowledge of Honda reliablity (and a great deal of homework and test driving) that resulted in this Honda sale. I enjoy the peppy drive of the manual transmission and the gas mileage is great (so far, 31mpg in mixed driving). If you read this, stop, and go buy one, you will not regret it! It is truly the 'biggest' small car you will ever find.
Fun with svings
Not my first Civic and won't be my last. I have had this Civic for about two months and I am very happy. Getting over 30 MPG.
A Blast to Drive
First Honda I have owned but my 2 sons have both driven hondas. They were right about the seats, they are some of the most comfortable I have ever had in a vehicle. Almost 3000 miles so far and have averaged 30+mpg every tank. It's real hard to keep the revs under 6000. When you reach that point its almost like a turbo kicking in. Sticks to the road and takes the curves like a race car. Love to push this thing around the twists. Firm ride but not choppy, great sound system, it really rocks. I had the aero kit installed and it looks great super sporty in ralleye red. Nothing but compliments on the looks. Overall a great combination of performance and economy.
Best bang for your buck
It was between this car or a 4dr GTI. The ride is amazing. The handling is perfect and responsive. I was in an Altima SER, so going from 261 to 197hp I'm going to have to say it is slow. It has good pick up and it's hard to red-line :). The nav is worth it. I'm a pilot so I have a good sense of direction... thought I'd never use it. Once I played around with it for a while and studied up on it I really learned to enjoy it. The tires could be a little stickier. I do a lot of city driving and I'm getting about 24mpg average and I am shifting around 4500 to 5000 rpm on average. I use the car.
The perfect package!
I traded in my 2002 V6 Mustang for a 2008 EX Civic back in November and it's the smartest thing I've ever done for many reasons. As a former Ford man who always trashed Honda, I have to say I LOVE THIS CAR! The gas mileage is incredible for the amount of fun you can have. I'm 5'11'' and I feel totally comfortable in it driving for hours. Not to mention, the VTEC in it is plenty powerful enough stock - let alone the abundance of aftermarket parts. The 8th generation Civic is a winner for sure.
Just Got Another
Got this one for the wife, who puts about 2000 miles/month on it. I liked it so much I got one too, but manual. Traded an '04 350Z so I could drive all year in Idaho. The stick version feels quite a bit quicker than the auto. A friend and I both have both trannys. The EPA lies, the manual gets 2-3 mpg more (30/35 vs 32/37) if it matters. Drove the Si w/ intent to buy it but this wonderful engine isn't special til over 6 grand up to 8500 rpm. This is not useful unless you're a wannabe racer. I'd like the power in the midrange like my Z. So the Si is a great handling car with nothing to offer mature drivers.
Gas Saver
I've had my LX automatic for 1,000 miles. First tank of gas, I averaged 32 MPG. Second tank averaged 35 MPG! I am impressed by the fuel efficiency.
40K Miles Review
The Honda Civic is a safe bet but gets real old real quickly. I have had no problems with it so far but the car is simply boring.
Best car yet
After having over 13 new cars this is my first Honda and I really enjoy this car, I really don't know why I did not get one before It would have saved me thousands of dollars. Plus I love the way the people at Tampa Honda land goes the extra mile to help the costumers feel great at every visit for service. I love my 08 Civic
fuel efficient fun
I purchased SI about one month ago and I still get excited when I get to drive it. Simply a blast to drive. I came from a Nissan altima 3.5SL which was sneaky fast in a straight line but handled horribly. This car handles awesomely with only slightly less performance. This is without the summer tires. I live near St. Louis and we usually see at least some snow so opted for the all seasons. Best of all I can drive the heck out of it and get 28 mpg (yes I use the vtec). That is the lowest I have gotten since owned usually getting 29 mpg. Granted it is premium fuel, but I usually got 25 mpg with less aggressive driving in the altima. Excellent fit and finish.
Incessant seat belt rattle
My husband and I purchased our second Civic about a week ago. Since the very first moment I drove it off the lot, I have heard incessant rattling. I tried various things to get it to stop like moving the headrests, slamming the back seat to make sure it was locked in. Nothing worked. I scheduled a service appt. this past Friday and was told, yes, they acknowledge the rattle and even went so far as to tell me it is coming from the seat belt tensioner, but that it cannot be fixed. Listening to the rattle takes all the fun out of driving the car. I want to be excited about my new car, but I can't. We own a 2007 civic also and that is very quiet - no rattles. Shouldn't they fix it?
All Around Great Car!!!
Fuel economy is great. The car gets about 33-35mpg in spirited driving and can do up to 42mpg if driven economically. I would prefer a manual transmission but the automatic performs very well for a commuter car. I always use 87-octane gas, Royal Purple synthetic motor oil and a K&N reusable air filter in the stock intake. I have a sub in the trunk and heavier speakers upfront that probably cancel out the mpg gains from the oil/filter. Worth it to me. Undoubtedly the cars aerodynamic car- forward design contributes to its fuel economy as well, but the thick pillars front and rear cause large blind spots making lane changes a bit more risky than Id like.
Superb Machine
I traded an F-150 Lariat. No regrets. This a great little car. It's tight, plenty of pep. The transmission is smooth. Fit and finish is top quality. The moon roof is great. Very fun to drive. I'm 6 ft tall and there is plenty of room. The first tank of gas gave 30.27 MPG. 60% cty 40% hwy. My fuel consumption just got reduced by half. I've only had this car for a week but it looks like fuel will just get better as it breaks in.
Great value
When searching for a new car, I looked for 3 things: great overall ratings, great mileage & a small sporty car with 2 doors and room for 4. I got just what I wanted with and my Civic reminds me of driving my old Acura Integra!
Nice change
Purchased first Honda car after years of owning Corollas. Was looking for a four door with more power, and great gas mileage. Purchased the car due to its many performance, safety features and its low price. I am satisfied with the vehicles performance, and have been getting 30 mpg. I could use more room in the front seat, but I am 6'3'' 250 lbs. Car has many blind spots. Overall, it seems to be a solid car, nice combination of ride/ handling. Easily accelerates to highway speeds. Peace of mind with the standard side curtain air bags. The interior dash is different but a nice change.
Love my Civic
We bought our Honda EX new during hottest part of summer, and took it on vacation. Very roomy, 40mpg on highway, about 23 in town (very hilly where we live). Air conditioner, heater are fantastic. Is garaged, but even sitting outside in subzero temp days after getting off work, starts great! The car got around on snow and ice fine! Only thing I'd rather have is a higher bumper in front, I've scraped the bottom a few times pulling too close to a curb while diagonal parking, and on ice berms when slushy roads refroze. And backing out of diagonal parking spot when next to a long pickup truck can be tricky. But other than that, LOVE IT!!! Vacationed with 2 teenage boys in backseat, enough leg room.
2008 Civic
Great car, average 31 mpg. The dealer helped me choose a LX and have leather installed, saved several thousand over the EX-L, and got exactly what I wanted.
I-VTECH do u?
Nice car, Bang for the buck. I love it and won't trade it in for anything. I love the ride except for creaking noise of the plastics when I drive at low speeds. Road noise is pretty high.
Best choice for $20K!
I've had this car two weeks now and I've put 600 miles on it. I got the Fiji Blue Pearl coupe. This car is really fun to drive. I got 28 mpg on my first tank of gas. I haven't been letting it rev high. I'm really impressed with how the car handles. The build quality is great, as Honda is known for. I've added a few things to this Civic. I put 18" chrome Acura TL wheels on it, HID headlights, and LED taillights. I've had a lot of vehicles. I've had BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, and Acura. With gas prices going higher, and the economy going lower, this is a wise choice if you still want fun and don't want a hybrid.
Quite a competition but the Civic won!
My wife and I shopped quite awhile for an economical car that would provide us with years of durability. We narrowed the choices to the 2008 Honda Civic and the 2009 Toyota Corolla. It was a close competition especially since Toyota was offering 0% financing on the Corolla and Honda had no incentives on the Civic. Contrary to the previous poster, I found the Corolla to be very refined for a compact. The XLE model was our favorite and it does include alloy wheels, bluetooth, traction control and NAVI. The Civic won us over with reliability (Corolla first year of new model) and fuel economy as well as engine performance. The interior at least on the EX seemed a little more refined.
Update to earlier review
Now that I have owned the car for a month I wanted to add to my previous review. Swapping out the OEM tires was a must. Whether you have the Goodyears or the Bridgestones, both are poorly rated on Tirerack and other sites. I had Custom Coach in Southington, CT move the drivers seat back a few inches ($350) and this has made the car much more comfortable for my 6'2" frame though the seats are not the best. Gas mileage is terrific at 34 to 37 mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Car is relatively refined and fun to drive for an economy car. No regrets trading in my V6 Accord for this car and that is saying something.
Best Car Yet
Having just traded my 2001 Civic EX for the new 2008 LX I can truthfully say that this car is a comfortable pleasure to drive. Road noise has been reduced as well. The first thing I noticed was the performance over the 2001. It was much livelier and with the 5 speed automatic, the engine runs considerably slower at high speeds and has plenty of passing capability. Fuel economy is great, first tank fill got me 38 mpg 20% city and 80% highway) I commute 50K a year in California so the gas mileage and comfort are a big plus for me. I would highly recommend the Civic for those folks looking for both economy and comfort.
Great all around car
Bought the EX Sedan 1 1/2 months ago and have not regretted it. The car is very smooth and has great road handling ability. Gas mileage is very good. The quality of construction does not leave much if anything to be desired. When you shut the door you can feel you are in a solid car. Looked at the MX-3 and Corolla and the Civic won hands down. It is a nice car to take out onto the highway and and nice to zip around town in. The interior is roomier than expected for a small car.
Best civic yet
This is my fourth civic in 15 years, all of which were 300k mile plus cars and never a major repair. It is hard to believe the workmanship and performance of this generation civic for the price. I drive an average of 250 miles a day and get 40 mpg highway at 65mph. This is the same mpg as my 98 civic dx but with 35 extra hp. My LX handling is better than ever, even compared to older Si models.
Still the ONE.
With 5,500 miles on this car in a little over 2 months. No complaints. Gas mileage for mixed driving is around 30 MPG. Not too bad. Exclusive HWY driving yields between 37-40 MPG. Even better. Overall a good car and thus far would recommend this model to a friend. I'll write back in a few months with more updates.
Si Sedan
Fantastic car for the money. It's hard to have more fun for 20k. When driving hard, it just begs you to drive harder and punish it more! DON'T SHIFT!! Keep those RPM's climbin!!! Torque only kicks in after 5000 rpms which is its major and pretty much only flaw. 6spd manual is smooth with short throws and ability to slam gears with ease. Handling is a little snug but I experience a small amount of understeer at higher speeds. Steering firm and precise. Sound system caught me by surprise (standard sub-woofer) is actually good and ipod hook-up makes me forget about the 50lb cd case to lug around.
Just what I was looking for
This is a great highway cruiser - if you travel long distances, this is a great way to get there cheaply. 43 mpg on the 1st fill-up, I expect more when it breaks in completely. Rented a Prius (got 44 mpg with it) and shopped one as well - the Civic stickers for less, Honda is dealing on the sticker price, and you still get $1050 in cash back from the Feds - what's not to like? The Prius is a nice car, this is less expensive and equally as nice. I like the "normal" Civic look as opposed to the unique design of the Prius. The Prius has a bit more room inside, and I like the fold down back seats and rear space. The Honda can carry 850 lbs (pass + cargo) the Prius 800 lbs.
I'm lovin' it
I have always driven American made cars. I would never give in to the Honda hype. So many people had them. When gas prices went up these recent months I decided it was time to trade my SUV to save gas money. It took me a few weeks to get used to the small size, but now I'm hooked. The first two tanks of gas alone sold me. I am surprised how well my civic handles. I have driven it in pouring rain and not been afraid, the steering is very good. I was shocked how quickly I have gotten used to the smaller size. The only true complaint is that since I am a tall girl (5'8") it is kind of hard to get in and out of. Once I am in though, I'm very comfortable.
Complete Disappointment
I have been wanting a Civic Si since before I can remember. Now that I have one, I wish I could return it. It feels like a Cadillac with 2 doors and a 4 cylinder engine. That is, it doesn't feel fast, the suspension is terrible, it never feels comfortable, and I just can't find a good seat position. The cabin feels claustrophobic and cramped and I am not a large person (5'5"). If I could return it, I would. I don't think I'll be keeping this car much longer and will take my losses. I'll give 6 months max. Completely disappointed. Depressed and dissatisfied. I'll probably never get myself to buy another Honda again.
Gone Baby Gone (2008)
Edmunds private sale stats are bunk.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car!
I've bought this car last year. I am happy with this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great On Gas
I got the Civic after several co- workers talked about how much they loved theirs. I went from a crown vic w/p71 package to this and love it. Much better on gas first tank had 39 mpg now after 3 tanks avg 35 mpg all highway @80 mph. It's comfortable considering I am a big guy (6,2) and not exactly small. LOL. The interior is great love the leather seats I bypassed the ex-l w/navi for reg ex-l and not sorry. The ride is fine but loud on certain types of pavement (hwy) anyway. Would highly recommend one. Going one way to work @57 miles its comfortable and dear I say sporty. Head room is great even with the sunroof.
Love it
We went to test drive the Accord because we wanted a bigger family vehicle. We decided to try the Civic as it appeared bigger than I remembered. It was. The Civic has plenty of room and feels solid and safe. Drives silky smooth, quiet, and is the best looking Civic yet. Gas mileage and cost also won us over. Great car.
Good so far
I have 12K miles and so far other than rough shifting during low speeds and vibration when idle and AC on, I have no other complaints. Of course I don't mistreat my car so perhaps I don't see any problems... so far. :-) Honda civic overall is a reliable and fuel efficient car.
Laughable Build Quality
I bought this 2008 Honda Civic Ex brand new. Although the gas mileage is great I was averaging 33 mpg. Everything else about this car is horrible. I have been to the dealer countless times to fix suspension issues and rattles all over the car pretty much everywhere from the moon roof to the dash and pillars. The car only has 13k miles and most of the tire tread is gone. Also the road noise is really bad.
Great car as all my other Honda's were!
Very reliable, economical, and fun to drive!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Honda Motor Crazy For No Longe Making CNG Car’s!!!
Quality Car, >45 mpg Highway, CNG $2.10/gallon... why did they stop making this car??? With a new CNG station on I-5 at Buttonwillow, you can drive from the Bay Area to San Diego with 1 gas stop. And it seems it would be greener to burn CNG in the engine to make the wheels go around vs. burning natural gas at the power plant, loose some of the energy over the power lines on it’s way to your EV’s Battery, suffer more losses in and out of the Battery, and more losses in the electric motor... to make the wheels go around!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Awesomely Insane !!!
This is my 3rd Civic. I had a couple years ago and have been with GM for many years. After constant problems with GM and fuel prices, have gone back to Honda. I'm 6'3" 210 lbs, and I had to have the driver's seat customized and moved back 3" to accommodate my legs. Now that I've done that it's totally comfortable. I didn't realize it was just a bit to short in legroom until a long drive, my Hondas years ago had more leg room. Other than that, a real great car. Totally worth the $ for the Si. I think the other models I would be disappointed in lack of power coming from a 3.8 V6 Grand Prix GT but this Si is even faster and performs better than the Grand Prix. Gas mileage awesome!
Not happy
I am getting 25 mpg hwy only 800+ miles. It's very uncomfortable. Very disappointed in my first Honda. Did loads of research and this was the all around best value, safety, gas mileage etc but I am incredibly disappointed. I even have the plastic laminate bubbling off around the windows.
Don't Buy a Civic
This car has design flaws. Visors that brake on regular bases (I was told that this happens a lot). Laundry hooks brake. A/C blowing hot air at stop lights (I was told this is normal). I have just made my 4th payment and the crappy car is in the shop being worked on for the 6th time. This time the engine is rattling in the morning when it is first started because it is cold. The car also dies when put in reverse. I did not buy a new car to have to have it worked on all the time.
2008 Honda Civic EX 4-Dr. 5M
I drive an 08 black Civic EX 5M. All in all this vehicle is very fun to drive. I love the shift, very easy compared to my previous manual vehicles. I seriously average between 34-38 mpg per fill up. No joke. I can get average 430-470 miles per tank and it's not even a hybrid. Mileage has a lot to do with owners driving. I have tons of fun on side streets with my car, but keep the highway driving around 60, and that shows about 40 mpg on the highway. With my crazy driving on side streets, it averages to 35 mpg usually. Great car for MPG!
Can't believe they actually said this
I've always owned a Honda. Had my 08 hybrid and loved it for 2 years. July 10 they did a software "upgrade". Since that time the ima assist doesn't always work. Merging onto a freeway it just doesn't kick in. Brought it back to service, they drove it, saw it not work. They are literally telling me that this is how the car works now. So I have an assist motor that only sometimes kicks in. Do not buy a hybrid from Honda. I am so disappointed. I cannot believe someone says that with a straight face. Would I buy a car with 8 cylinders if 4 of them just didn't work sometimes?
Every 2 months!
I bought my car in 2008. I had looked at the Toyota Matrix, but preferred the civic styling. For the first 2 months I was dealing with a clunking sound in the front end. After 3 visits to the dealership and a final stay of 3 days it was fixed. The dealership did a fairly major front end rebuild. Starting this past August there was a coil failure not once, but twice. The 2nd time left us stranded. Tonight was another call to Honda roadside assistance. Beautiful, eh. So I bought a HONDA built in Canada at the plant my family and friends work at. This is what I got. Well Merry Christmas!
Mugen SI
With just only 2 weeks with the Mugen SI I'm completely in love with this car. Not only does it get attention from everyone but it's a blast to drive. If your a Honda enthusiast, this is definitely the car to own. It drives like a dream with a stiff cornering when you want it but comfortable enough to drive in long trips.
MPG ratings a BOGUS!
I just went from a Ford excursion diesel 12 mpg city and 16 to 18 mpg hwy, 8000 pounds of truck. Great truck mind you. Bought this Honda so I wouldn't have to take out a second mortgage on my house. The Honda states it gets 27 city and 35 mpg highway. This is bull, I just finished my first tank of gas, I just filled up the car, mind you I have been driving the car like an old man. Mostly city and very little highway I just calculated out at 20.58 mpg. I knew the ratings were bogus, every car I have owned the stated mpg is always about 7 to 10 mpg off. As far as you people here stating that you got 32 mpg 35 mpg 38 mpg is that downhill without a driver? You cannot drive this car any slower than me
Very happy with 08 5 spd. coupe
My wife and I were very impressed with the awesome styling, high-tech, cool interior, and handling of the Civic Coupe. I was surprised that the dealer was willing to deal on price, so we bought it. $16,936 for the LX coupe. I put a couple hundred miles on it, then topped off the tank for the trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, 360 miles. Filled the tank again upon arrival, 46.28 MPG!!! Very conservative, economy style driving, not over 60, coasting on hills, etc. The more I drive it the more i like it.
Great Car
This is a great car. There is nothing to it. Great gas mileage, comfortable, nice interior and exterior, and I love the features, especially the navigation system. Although the windshield wipers don't work well dry, the only other complaint I have is the lack of heated seats.
A/C system unsatisfactory
Test drove two different Honda Civic's today. In both, the A/C cooling dropped to 50% of normal when idling at a light. Only cool when moving. On takeoff, hot air blows through vents because sensor apparently shuts A/C off during hard acceleration. The A/C and cooling fans in this car are unsatisfactory. Dealer said they've had alot of complaints about it. Can't believe Honda let this one out the door. I'll pass on the Civic and Accord. Accord didn't handle/ride very well. Nice car but overrated.