Used 2008 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Just bought a 2008 Civic LX
BllG, 11/03/2015
2008 Honda Civic DX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
106 of 108 people found this review helpful
Bought a used Civic last week for my daughter. Got a good deal at 113000 miles and wanted to post for others that might be lookng at this car to let you know how it has held up. Body was in great shape - a few minor dings and what not but no paint chipping, fade, or peeling. No rust. Interior, which has been critized, has held up well. No scratches or anything detracting from the interior. Cruise control, A/C, displays, radio, etc., all working with no issues. Also, I'm 6'2" and have zero issues sitting in the front seats...back seats might be an issue but driving it I'm very comfortable. Engine still runs strong, no leaks, and the transmission shifts very smoothly even under full acceleration onto the interstate. Plus, these vehicles have a timing chain vice belt, so you don't have to concern yourself with the inevitable 100,000 mile, $1000, timing belt replacement. Power steering works great with no noise from the power steering pump. Car tracks straight and true down the road and handlng is solid. You definitely feel the bumps in the road but this isn't a luxury car with the associated suspension. Engine does vibrate and you can feel it sitting at a stop light esp with the A/C on. But, again, it's a 4 cyl and it isn't really distracting. Road noise is definitely there on the highway but I don't sense there are any leaks through the weather stripping...it's just an economy car. Couple of issues that are to be expected with this car's history. The passenger side visor had failed...a quick fix through Amazon at $50. Also, the starter, no kidding, quit the same day we bought it. Don't naively send your wife off to the store to get the battery replaced because the car won't start without a jump...you'll wind up replacing a perfectly good battery when its really the starter. I've always done minor maintenance like this on my vehicles but after seeing what was involved (starter placed above the front axle and exhaust) I took it to a shop to get replaced. Getting lazy in my old age. Also, and this is unique to my car I'm sure, what I thought might be a simple alignment to fix an off-center steering wheel resulted in the removal and adjustment of the steering column...all told, about $450 to get everything fixed. Driver's side power steering boot is leaking and there is a minor rattling, knocking sound when we turn all the way to the right...will probably have to replace that sometime but not today. Flushed the power steering fluid...helped somewhat but not totally. So, am I pleased with the car? Yes...with a whole week with my daughter driving it. But the engine works well, transmission shifts very well, the A/C and everything else is holding up well (knock on wood). Believe it will be a good car for my daughter as she finishes H.S. and moves onto college. So, if you are wondering about this car with over 7 years on it, I think its held up very well. Definitely one to check out for a new driver.
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The Best car you could ever have if you needed one made in 2008
hiker323, 08/19/2014
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
70 of 71 people found this review helpful
I want to write this with tears because this is the most reliable car that I have owned and yesterday I found out that it will be loss. A week ago my car was sandwiched between two other vehicles. It provided the best protection one could ask for. My back is gone and my front is damaged, but I have remained completely safe. If you choose this car it is reliable, safe and will protect you well. *though my car is gone, I want you to know how safe this car is & that it will protect you.
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troublesome
charley33, 03/13/2012
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have this civic since new. Its got 60k miles. During that time I have the cv joint replace 5 times and battery replaced once under warranty. I had the starter replaced once at 40k miles for $500 and engine mount replaced once at 59k miles for $300. Now I think my civic has a suspension problem. I wonder if honda quality have declined or my dealership (northwest honda, MD) is incompetent and causing problems.
Very Solid High MPG Car
bobbichen, 03/03/2011
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
I puchased this unit used, recently in very good condition. ($13k, 44k miles). Hybrids are certainly a different breed of cat. They drive a bit differently, though I like the driving dynamics much better than the Prius. (Brakes seem "grabby" and steering doesn't fit me; HCH has a telescoping and tilt wheel that allows a more aggressive steering position). I find the car to be plenty peppy as to acceleration. Handling and braking are very good in my opinion. Car feels sporty. Hybrid system is a little distracting, and does some odd things (sudden battery "dumps" at times, MPG drops on cold weather). Ride is a bit stiff, bordering on harsh on poor pavement.
BEST CAR EVER!!!!
Frank, 08/05/2016
updated 08/15/2024
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
I'd call this gem a little Mercedes if I didn't know better, but its better than any Mercedes. With 223,000 miles, I have never replaced anything except the tires (Kumho Solus) at 106,000 and 195,000 miles, the brakes twice, at 113,000 and 220,000 miles and the ac clutch coil & compressor at ~165,000 ($2,500 combined cost). That's it. Going mostly hwy miles between 65 and 85 mph, I average 39 mpg. The car is deceptively fast when you need it and feels safe at speed. With the manual, it seems you can go from 65 to 90 in seconds. Only gripes: It is not great in snow. Some of the power door locks don't work, I've disabled them all. Uses about 2 quarts of oil in between 9,000 mile oil changes and the most annoying thing: the radio volume goes up & down with your speed and I cannot find a way to fix that. Updated 8/10/19 - Still have my 2008 Civic EX Sedan. Currently has 294,000 miles and is still my daily driver. I still am only using my 9th thru 12th tires on the vehicle. Pretty cool to get 300K miles using only 12 tires! (Kumho Solus) AC compressor went for the second time at 270,000 miles. Miles per gallon have slightly gone up to 40 from ~38 when I first got the car. I am still on second battery. Original engine/trans/clutch, in fact valve cover gasket has never been changed! Best vehicle I've ever had for reliability/value/comfort/safety. Update 2/12/22 - Am not driving nearly as much now so probably won't reach 500,000 miles. Was driving 40,000 miles per year, now less than 10,000 per year. Currently has 318,000. Only change is new tires, only the fourth set ever at 307,000 miles. Still has never had any work on engine, trans or clutch. Current mileage is 340,000. Original starter went at 336,500; replaced at non-dealer for about $300.
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Disappointed
wak52, 11/10/2013
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
51 of 57 people found this review helpful
In November 2013 my 2008 Honda Civic experienced a motor mount failure. The vehicle has been well maintained, driven easy and only has 57,000 miles on it. Investigation on the internet shows this to be a very common problem. Honda absolutely refuses to do anything about the problem, other than charging their customers a hefty fee for the repairs. This generation of Civic has also had issues with the windshield visors failing after a few years. Unfortunately the Civic has become an under engineered vehicle that Honda has cut too many corners with.
Dead Reliable, just not an enthusasts car
68oramac1, 02/13/2015
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
28 of 31 people found this review helpful
I bought my '08 LX in June of 2012 with just under 92,000 miles on the clock. Now, it has 134,000 miles and is still going strong. I have had only minor issues with the Civic overall eg. visors and clutch master cylinder. The car is very spacious compared to others in the class, which was helpful being 6'2". The only exception is the placement of the e-brake being where you rest your leg, which you get used to rather quickly. I hardly ever drop below 30mpg even in mixed driving. But it does come at a cost, below 4000 rpm, you are lucky to have as much torque as a mid 80's Mazda Rotary engine at idle! The lack of torque can make it a chore to drive around town/city.
Energizer Civic
jb, 04/16/2021
2008 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Realizing that more reviews are written by disgruntled buyers, I want to rep the millions of happy ones. Bought mine near Disneyland in '19. It wasn't particularly cared for. In fact, the title was held up due to some idiot's parking tickets. I spent a little on tires, battery, plugs, just basics. I have put 10K miles on the Ragin' Beigein, taken her cross country twice, through the wilderness in AZ (got stuck in 3 ft of sand!), and all around TX hill country. I am not exagerrating when I say it is the most reliable, best running car I've ever owned. I would trust my life to this baby- because I already have.
To the moon and almost halfway back!
Brian Stebbins, 06/21/2020
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought my Honda Civic EX new in May 2008. I commute 80 miles round trip each day and do a lot of personal miles too. Right now I have 326000 miles on this car and can’t say enough good things about it! It’s cost me nothing beyond tires and normal maintenance. Can’t beat Honda for reliability even if it’s not the most exciting car to drive. Sure, you can buy flashy cars if that’s your thing. If you just want a solid cost effective car then Honda’s are fantastic. I’m about to buy a 2020 Civic Hatchback EX and I expect that will last me 12 years if I want to keep it that long.
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Mileage Drop After Tire Change
pamski, 01/03/2012
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
46 of 53 people found this review helpful
I purchased a used 2008 Civic. Now at 37,000 miles I had the tires replaced. I'm sure these were not the original tires, but I bought it from a dealer that does that sort of thing. Anyway, the day the tires were replaced my mileage went from 40 on the Hwy to barely 30 on the Hwy. Why is this? Not cheap tires, and they were to proper size according to the Civic Manual. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hands down the best bang for your buck
Comiche, 07/20/2016
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
This review will be a little biased as I've always been a Honda owner. My previous car was a 1986 Honda Accord DX Sedan which saw me through my college years. Had it not been for me totaling my 86 Accord at an intersection, I'd probably still be driving it. It passed on at about 375000 miles. I purchased my 2008 Civic LX Sedan at the end of 2008. It currently has 150000 miles on the odometer which means it's just starting to stretch it's legs in Honda terms. So far I've had to replace the starter which, because my car was under warranty, was replaced by the dealer. Other than that all I have to say is that the car is very reliable, comfortable, and moderately fuel efficient. I say moderately fuel efficient because today's cars are very fuel efficient with the introduction of hybrid and electric cars to the market. Those that complain about the car's lack of performance need to take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and ask, 'are you an idiot?' If you want to own a Civic and want performance, it's called the Si model. Every other model other then the Si is built for fuel efficiency. Great car, tough to beat compared to it's competitors, great value, absolutely the best bang for your buck.
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WARNING: Honda IMA Reprogram Recall
BLC, 09/27/2010
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful
My Civic hybrid performed flawlessly and still regulary returns 43 mpg per tank in mixed city/hwy driving. Per notice from Honda I took recall notice in and was told the computer reflash would only affect the battery recharge rate - would NOT affect the driving characteristics of the car. However, since reflashed, the battery is quicker to discharge in city driving. If it falls below 4 bars of power THE IMA POWER BOOST DOES NOT ENGAGE. I am trying to accelerate with only the 1.3L gas engine until I recharge above 5 bars Dealer sent computer test sample to Honda Tech Dept who acknowledge "many" such instances, but insist the new computer program is operating as designed-NO FIX.
Best Commute
ES in AZ, 02/15/2009
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car after my wife objected to the look of the Prius. She was right. This car is much more stylish and given my driving habits, almost as efficient as the Prius. The car has been rock-solid with the only hiccup being a modification to the rear suspension to avoid tire cupping. You learn to drive a hybrid. The car has several feedback indicators which allow you to adjust your driving habits to attain the best mileage. During the Phoenix summer my mileage will drop to about 42 mpg (as measured at the pump), versus a best of 53 in the winter. The best feeling is when you are in "auto stop", look around, and realize that you are the only car not putting anything out the tailpipe.
Honda Civic Hybrid - Be Aware of Repair Costs
Susan Isly, 09/21/2018
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
35 of 41 people found this review helpful
The one thing I would like everyone to know before buying this car and maybe other cars is that the cost to replace the AC compressor is beyond what I would expect to pay. I would not have bought the car, if I had known in advance the cost of this repair - AC compressor: $1,076 (an AC compressor for a whole house is $180!), the coil: $157, and the clutch for the compressor: $390. Add 6-7 hours of labor and the total is $2,600 - from 2 dealerships. Independent service shops cannot help much, because of the cost of the parts. It is interesting that I don't see much about maintenance costs on web sites or in magazines when reviewing cars. I understand businesses need to make a profit; however, this is excessive.
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Great Car
Wynonah, 11/01/2010
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great Car!! Here are the cars I have owned in the past few years. (I change my cars about every 6 months). I have a friend in the car business so when a new deal comes up we sell my car and get a new pre-owned one. I have had a Lexus ES300, Infinity I30, Two Lincoln Continentals and my last car was an Acura RL. I no longer look for or want another car. My 2008 Civic EX is a keeper.
engine
disgrace, 11/09/2010
2008 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
i purchased a brand new 2008 Honda Civic ex in 2008. At 34,000 miles, my engine blew. Of course Dean Honda tried to fight me on the warranty, but my dad was able to convince them to replace the engine under warranty (like it should be). It is now a month later, but my tire pressure light and the check engine light are both on. I take it in the Dean Honda today and they call to tell me i need a "software update" that is not relevant to the engine so i have to pay. Although the fee is only $24, it is the principle. What sense is a warranty if they don't honor it for anything. Not to mention the month they were rebuilding my engine, they provided no loaner and i wasted 2 hours of my work day up
210,000 miles
D, 10/26/2015
2008 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
210,000 miles and still going strong, BUT mileage is down to 39 mpg and I have to keep replacing the rear tires do to a recall of the rear control arms years ago. The Honda tire warranty is horrible. I would not buy another one!!
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2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
SSimon4916, 08/16/2010
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
I now have 90k on my car with only one major repair. The window seal contorted at about 30k and was $200 to replace. I get between 39-42 mpg, depending on driving behavior. I am about to receive the battery update for the car, which should increase the life of the battery. I was told Honda did not replace batteries in hybrids when I bought the car, but now they do, or always have. Driving is smooth for the most part, but any bumps or pits in the road will definitely be felt. Service for the car can get a bit pricy. The smaller steering wheel does take some getting used to and the braking can be annoying when it does a full extra tire rotation when charging.
Minor issues, Needed A/C at 110,000 miles
donjames150, 11/21/2013
updated 12/03/2019
2008 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in December of 2008, it now has 113,000 miles 11 years later. One "repair" has been to add 2 strong clips to fix the broken sun visor hinges that melted in the southern sun here in NC. And the paint job is of poor quality, but still good enough after 11 years. I had to have the AC replaced this year. And brakes after 60k miles. The passenger side front electric window motor is wearing out but still working. And the driver side window doesn't always go down with the first click, but eventually it will. The factory tires were loud and hard riding. Do yourself a favor (and this goes for any car), buy the best tires you can afford. I recommend Goodyear ComforTred. They are quiet and give a softer ride, worth the extra money. Drives like new. Update: The lights for the gas gauge don't always work. In 2016, I was told that the passenger front air bag was a factory recall. In 2017, they replaced the bad part. Today I told the wife that it drives the same as it did the day I bought it (which is good).
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Loved my little honda hybrid
Janeen, 12/05/2009
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I had this car for 1 year, drove 11k, bot used w/7k and sadly hit a large deer on the highway and totaled it. That said, I was not hurt in the accident. Airbags did not go off, but have heard the sensors are in the bumpers and they were not damaged. Glad they didn't, as I'm petite and may have been hurt. Car was fun to drive, could have had more pick-up, but did not bother me and with the mpg, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Commute into Boston, noticeable difference in mpg in the cold. ~30 city mpg in the winter, ~36 summer, 40- 48 highway depending on length of trip, road conditions (inclines, etc.), and speed. Best mpg seemed to be cruising around 72 mph. Miss this car.
Very Economic and fun to drive !
wirito, 12/05/2009
2008 Honda Civic Si 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I simply can't get enough of this car. And it's been already a year and a half. With 30.000 I have not had one single problem. The feel of the car is very comfortable, steering wheel is very easy to turn doing so with just one finger. I average about 50 miles a day and I can honestly say that it is very economic. I like the fact that the car locks itself and alarms after maybe 30 seconds. Note that this only happens if the car if off. If is on, don't worry about leaving it on and going out for a smoke while it warms up. Great car to have if you are looking for a fast, fuel efficiency, not to expensive car !!
Think before buying
Stephanie, 11/08/2016
2008 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The paint WILL fade on this car as part of the manufacturer paint recall and they will only pay 25% to help you fix this problem even though you bought this car from HONDA! They told me it was 2 years past warranty and "I was lucky that they were even helping cover the cost to repair the paint at all". The service is ridiculous, I highly suggest you buy your car from a manufacture that actually takes responsibility for a known defect in the car.
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Its better than a brand new 2010 ford focus!!
Cleveland, 03/22/2017
updated 10/05/2017
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I got this car from a man who did all the work on it himself. The car was used by his wife to go to and from work. Immediately when I got into it, I fell for the car. The man had gotten it certified from a Honda dealer preowned and it ran better with 111k on it than my ford focus did with 60K on it, also the build quality of the interior was far better than the Ford. My biggest downside to the honda is the hard seats and its hard to get out of compared to the Ford, here is more about that car. I had a brand new 2010 Ford Focus EX, fully loaded, and all I miss about it, is the seats, stereo and gas mileage. The build quality compared to the honda was very bad. Ford used so much plastic for the dash, door panels, and console that by the time it had 40K miles on it, the inside started to rattle like it was falling apart already. Once I reached 60K it started to idle rough, with 150K spark plugs in it!! I found that selling a fully loaded,leather, sunroof, heated seats etc did not help the value of my return when I sold it back to a dealer. The honda runs perfectly and the man told me he had not changed the spark plugs or wires, the car now has 149K on it and it still runs exactly the way I bought it. It is highly reliable, virtually never needs any repairs and the gas mileage on the HWY with cruise control is quite good. I can drive from Chattanooga Tn to ATL Ga on a quarter of a tank!!! The ford had better gas mileage but terrible build quality.
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Will still drive anywhere
SIRich, 04/16/2019
updated 04/17/2020
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2008 civic for eleven years. My only complaint is having to repair the AC compressor clutch after 133000 miles. I have no other issues. I still own the car and drive it back and forth to Florida and local trips. Update: Twelve years and 142,000 miles still going strong.
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104k miles, 4 years later....
por944t, 06/03/2014
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have just rolled over to 104k. This was a certified pre-owned 20k car from the dealership when I purchased it 4 years ago. Overall, this car has been reliable, affordable, and relatively roomy. I've averaged 29-30mpg in the city/35 highway. This car is my daily driver. Longest drive was 16 hours one way (at 90k) and no problems. Next service appointment is for the water pump/belt- hopefully this goes smoothly.
Happy Owner
Donna, 09/30/2015
updated 10/05/2016
2008 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I am all about economy and reliability. This car has both. I like that it is easy to park. It can gain speed quickly on the interstate. I feel that the car is substantially build. The cloth on the seats has held up very well and looks almost new. I have taken my car to the dealer for all recommended maintenance and have been very satisfied. I feel that my money was well spent when I purchased this vehicle. At 105,00 miles I have had only routine maintenance. I have had no mechanical problems. The interior has held up well. I continue to be very satisfied with Civic. My Civic will be passed on to my granddaughter
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I love it ! buy one but understand this technology first.
fyler, 11/16/2014
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
The build quality is awesome, interiors look kinda luxury especially with the blue cloth color, I like the futuristic dashboard.The only thing I don't like is the location of the gas pedal (its like coming off the floor). A very dependable car.People who complaint about the MPG, they need to understand how to drive a hybrid car first, cruise before red lights, drive on 55-65 speed, don't floor the gas pedal etc. I am at 80K miles and the IMA battery is working properly (this is my second Hybrid and I never got any IMA issues). People need to understand that the IMA technology has been matured enough that they don't need to get scared from the IMA because they are cheap to replace now.
2008 Civic Coupe LX
kmat1, 01/05/2015
2008 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for five years now and there are a few complaints. Just like others have stated, the driver's side visor is broken. I've also seen this defect in other 2008 civic coupes. The rear tires are cupped. This happened within a year of owning the car with only 30,000 miles on it. Two years ago, the automatic locks started to work intermittently. Most of the time I have to manually unlock the doors, and reach over to unlock passenger side. The dashboard is digital and the gas gauge works sometimes, but most of the time it's flickering on and off. The A/C works intermittently. When it's very hot outside, it's guaranteed not to work. Lastly, car vibrates in reverse & park.
Problems Since Day 1
shanetd6, 08/02/2013
updated 10/01/2013
2008 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. 1 a half years in the block leaked all the coolant out and my car overheated. Luckily no damage to the engine. They replaced the block under warranty. Shortly after a clicking sound when I turned sharply. Dealership diagnosed it and could not figure out what it was. Finally after a few years they replaced the right front axle. Seemed fine for about six months and has progressively gotten worse. Brake pads replaced after 3 years and 60K miles. Now brakes make a horrible noise. Rotors resurfaced, bearing replaced and no change. The visibility sucks There is a huge blind spot on the edge of the windshield. Can't see people in crosswalk. Scary! Be careful.
Happy Hybrid
RONALD4266, 05/05/2009
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased the Hybrid almost 1 yr ago. To date 26,000 miles and it runs fantastic. As for mileage, last summer I was averaging around 50 mpg since I do all highway driving. When winter came it dropped off about 5 mpg. Still beats my pickup truck I traded in. The navigation was my wife's idea and I am so glad she talked me into it. This is the greatest nav I have ever used. Had several hand helds and a Lexus. The only problem I have found is the tires. I have just replaced the stock tires since they were shot at 25000 miles. When I replaced them the tire guy told me I would lose about 2-3 mpg and he was right. I recommend buying hybrid tires.
Still A Very Cool Car
Groovin, 03/19/2009
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Wrote a post below after 8K miles, now at 26K. The MPG for this car have steadily improved over time though there are seasonal variations (better in summer worse in winter). Anyway I have kept detailed mileage records and this car has done 45.9 MPG (calculated) for the life of the vehicle. I find the calculated is always ~2 mpg more than the dashboard reading. Breakdown is 48.4 MPG Summer & 42.5 MPG Winter. For the statisticians out there the overall sample size (tankfuls) is 61 and the overall mean is 45.9 MPG with a 95% confidence between 45.0 & 46.8. Std Dev is 3.56. MPG is still improving, and expecting to hit average 50 MPG per tank once Spring warm-up arrives.
Some flaws but I'm buying another one
Toomanycars, 07/09/2010
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is above most Detroit built, easier to maintain, and improve. When I first got the car and did a long trip, I hit an amazing MPG of 55. I' haven't hit again: avg city 25-35, highway 35-45. I live where there are a lot of hills and often having a manual is a bad idea but it works great once u get use to it. I've had a tone of chevys, fords, and dodges, I bought a 99 civic and then this one. the 99 feels like a toy compared to the 08. the 08 has more capability and room than all my previous small cars. I don't leave a car as is sense no car is perfect, this is the first car I didn't need to do a single thing to the engine, but I did install a new air intake any ways :) helped with hp.
Love It ^_^
jdmforever, 04/05/2010
2008 Honda Civic Si 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing car. I bought it used, but in great shape. It's got lots of power, especially after 6,000 rpm. =] The interior is great, the seats feel amazing, and the six-speed is wonderful. It has great fuel mileage, considering the type of car it is. This car is surprisingly big on the inside, which is nice. The Si Sedan is the best car out there for the money, and it's a Honda, so it'll run forever!
One of the best Hondas I've owned
Wilson Webb, 05/01/2016
updated 05/10/2018
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you use 100% Synthetic Oil, this car will love you. At 182k miles, my Mechanic says the engine is good for another 130k miles. Because it has variable valve timing, torque and rapid acceleration is great through all speed ranges, including the 5th gear where acceleration is so good, I don't need to downshift to fly. Handling is superb as I can take curves at amazing speeds without too much lean. All of my Hondas have been good, but this one is the best. I've only encountered 2 repairs so far - the Alternator and A/C. Liked this Year and Model so much, in 2017 I purchased another of same year, make and model with 55,500 miles and kept the 1st one. Only issue with both cars is deterioration of the Clear Coat.
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Disappointed by this model
lafreewarian, 08/08/2012
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned Hondas for over 25 years. While the gas mileage of my 2008 Civic is good, the interior noise is irritating, the headrest not in a comfortable position, and after 22,000 miles I had to purchase 4 new tires. The passenger side automatic door lock stopped working and had to be replaced. As of 2012 the car has only 28,000 miles. My last Honda, a 1990 Acura Legend, was a great car and is still going strong. Never any problems with interior and few with engine. I won't buy a Civic again.
Honda can do better
Valmomof2, 09/30/2010
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
yeah, the gas mileage is good. Not in the hot summer though. If you sit at a red light too long the hybrid battery runs down and you have very little power to accelerate. No frills in the interior. No automatic headlights, no lighted vanity mirrors, no rear cup holders. It would not have cost Honda that much to add a few comforts to make the driving experience a little more pleasurable.
Over the Hill
ukyagr, 12/02/2013
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
The first year of ownership was great, but it has since been in steady decline. I bought this car based off of reputation, but unfortunately it will soon have to go. No longer can Honda claim reliability and high build quality with this vehicle. Problems include failing door locks, window motors, visors, blower fan electrical components, and A/C compressor failure. Honda has mailed extended warranties on paint and visors already. I expect eventual class action or warranty extension on the AC/blower issues - very common on this model. My dealer does not even charge me diagnostic fees on the AC or fan anymore. The car was babied and often garaged. All of these problems with only 62,000 miles.
Sorry Guys but I guess I bought a Lemon
same_ole_ford, 02/28/2012
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
First the maintenance Rear tires have prematurely worn out twice due to a faulty alignment set up from Honda which they had refused to own up to even though they published a service bulletin about the problem. Left front drive shaft failed 42,000 miles replaced both rear wheel bearings at 65,000 miles now the rear shocks are leaking fluid and must be replaced as well. Also there is a Service bulletin about the engine block cracking and leaking antifreeze, which translates into a half done engine rebuild as Honda will not replace the whole engine. Everyone here talks about 70 MPH = 40+ MPG I drive mine 55 to 60 mph on the interstate the best ever is 34MPG. 1st and last Honda anything I buy
250k miles and still running
Rich Rod, 06/10/2022
2008 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car back in 2017 with about 145,000 miles for $3000 and yes the engine block did crack at 185,000 miles but I was lucky enough for the dealership to cover it 100%. I also had water pump, shocks, control arm, ac compressor, thermostat, alternator, and belt tensioner with belt replaced at 200k. If you buy this car be prepared to put money aside because these things will break sooner or later. Aside from that everything else has held up well like the automatic transmission, timing chain, motor mounts, power windows, and radio with speakers. I’ve been using it for food delivery mainly and it is great on gas mileage and never left me stranded before. Still using car hopefully I can make it to 300,000 miles without any major issues fingers crossed. Honda are great cars but like any car none are 100% trouble free but luckily all the parts I replaced weren’t expensive as I bought all the parts from Rockauto and had a trusted mechanic do the job cheaper price than dealership. If you are considering buying this car make sure the engine block is still good and if it hasn’t been replaced make sure to keep an eye on the coolant which is the cause to crack the engine block when it leaks and over heats the engine
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Rid of the gas guzzling pickup
John from El Paso TX, 06/02/2008
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
OK, I went from a crew cab, fully loaded, Nissan Titan LE pickup to the Civic EX-L -- and I have not had this much fun in a long time. I traded, taking not too bad a loss on the trade, because of the gas prices, and long-term questionable reliability of the Titan. The Civic EX-L Coupe is another story. I am 6'2" tall and weigh 240, yet I can easily get in and drive this little pocket rocket and feel very comfortable doing so. Styling is great, love the leather, and acceleration is whatever you want it to be. Some comments note a blind spot. Can you people not adjust your mirrors? Properly adjusted, you never have to turn your head to change lanes. Buy this car for fun and economy.
Great Vehicle
JS, 04/14/2008
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable for a small car. Great quality and nice features. Very appealing exterior design by Honda. Excellent investment during these tough times of rising gas prices. Tough decision after test driving both the Prius and Honda and ended up purchasing the Honda.
Great!
N.A., 10/10/2007
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After extensive research (a must being an engineer) and looking and test driving multiple cars, I settled on this model. It gives you all the extras you want with a reasonable price. The design is amazing, and fun to drive. I owned a 99 Honda EX Coupe and it was noisy on the highway. This one, however, it was really quiet. Inside is very spacious and comfortable. Would definitely recommend.
Beware of the automatic transmission
cartmaniskool, 02/28/2008
2008 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I wanted to let others know that I love everything about this car except for the automatic transmission. It shifts too harshly while in D. When driving above 25-30 mph and then slowing down or braking under 20 mph, then quickly stepping on the gas, the transmission will jerk or buck forward and you'll hear a very loud clunk sound. It is not a normal jerk at all, it is a very violent jerk and the transmission will clunk. It's pretty bad and I've learned that it's common in all 2008 civics with automatic transmissions. There was a problem with the civic si 3rd gear and there is a problem with the 2008 civic automatic transmission as well. Honda needs to issue a recall ASAP!
Perfect Car
hondahoot, 04/24/2009
2008 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I'm a college student, and my parents bought me this car at graduation. It is the perfect car for a college kid. It's dependable, sporty, safe, fun to drive, and turns heads. My parents like knowing that I always have my seat belt on, and that I love my car. Plus I get at least 36 mph on the highway. I have the rally red, and I just had the under spoilers and moonroof visor put on it, and people love it. Could not be happier. Plus the iPod aux jack is great, I never listen to the radio.
Changed Thinking
Steve C., 05/24/2008
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Extremely happy with my Honda! Traded in a Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe. Loved that car...love this car! I'm 6'4- very comfortable on long and short hops! Figured out how to drive efficiently from various hybrid websites. 48.7 overall mpg and have slowed way down! Right lane fun!
Best used car ever
Rich Anderson, 01/02/2017
updated 07/06/2018
2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
(Update - I have now owned this car for 3-1/2 years. It has about 110K miles on it. ZERO repairs, still looks great in and out, still drives great. Minimal maintenance. Its so nice I couldn't bare to pass it on to either of my kids! Instead I bought them both '08 Sonatas and I still drive this. You simply cannot beat well cared for Hondas and Toyotas as used cars. I think this one will last 10 more years and 100,000 more miles easy - still looking nice inside.) I bought this car when it was 6 years old with 74K miles on it for $8500. It looked new inside and out, and 2 years later it still seems like a new car. Is an EX trim, but has leather interior - just a very, very nice daily driver. The biggest dilemma I have with this car is that I think I deserve something nicer (I make good money), but it is just too nice to pass down to my 16 year old (who would trash it), and it really is so nice. Drives smooth, no mechanical problems, looks good in and out. I drove from LA to OKC and got 40Mpg (above spec). Gets 25 on all city driving. This is the 3rd Honda I have owned and all have been very good cars. I get the feeling this car will still be on the road 20 years from now! It is on its second set of tires at 96000 so they wear well. I love the way the instrumentation is laid out - with the big, digital odometer placed high on the dash so the steering wheel doesn't get in the way of seeing it. Minor faults are as follows: Its not a sports car - acceleration is so-so. The position of the front-left windshield down-tube seems to get in the line of sight when making left turns, it doesn't have built-in bluetooth (but most 2008s don't). Overall I give it 5 stars and you just can't go wrong buying a well-cared-for, used Honda Civic.
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Just in time
crit54, 05/29/2008
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
During the fall of 07, I noticed a pattern of gas prices going way up in the near future. The wifes 04 Titan 4door 4x4 was getting 12-14 mpg. Kept the truck and bought the Civic hybrid. Wow, went to 37 mpg when she drives it, and 43 mpg when I drive. Shes a leadfoot! Great car, nice ride, looks great, all the bells and whistles anyone would need, Honda reliability, will hold its value like all Hondas. I ride a 05 Honda st1300 motorcycle bought it brand new, many miles never any problems. The Civic did have the rear suspension fixed under warranty 05/28/08 they were wearing the tires out due to an alignment, negative camber problem. About one hour to fix, 2 new tires, no cost and ready to go. Great car
This is a Great Car
msturg29, 07/06/2010
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car specifically for my 80 mile a day commute. It has yet to let me down. I average about 41 mpg year round with the mileage increasing in the summer and decreasing in the cold Minnesota winters. As for performance, I knew this wasnt a speed racer and didnt expect it to be. It speeds up well for a very small 4 cylinder and keeps me going just fine. The interior has a great design for the speedometer, easily readable in all lighting conditions. The arm rest slides forward for short people like me. The car is small, but I manage to get a car seat and a 100 lb dog to fit comfortably. With the reliability of Honda, overall I love this car.
Long-term review based on 9 years of ownership
stlpilot, 06/26/2017
updated 12/28/2018
2008 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We purchased our 2008 Civic EX brand new about 9 years ago. We are big fans of Honda cars and would like to pass along our ownership experience to the rest of you concerning this car. Unfortunately, owning this car hasn't been without headaches. We experienced the same re-occurring maintenance issues mentioned in most of the other reviews. The big ones were paint defects and defective engine mounts. Our car is black, and my understanding is the 2008 and the 2009 Civics and Accords had many paint issues. Our Civic was repainted three times (three different sections), due to paint defect. All this was covered by Honda, but only after many hours on the phone with Honda. This was a major headache and if Honda did not cover the costs, this would have been very expensive for us. The second big issue is the faulty engine mounts. We replaced our engine mounts about 12,000 miles ago and the problem seems to be coming back. If you are considering purchasing this car, please keep in mind the costs associated with replacing the engine mounts. Regarding everyday driving, this car is perfect for your short distance drives to the store and back, returning great fuel economy. However, you will regret driving it on long multi-hour drives. It is loud and the seats aren't comfortable. We are in our 30s and very fit, however after a single road trip in the Civic, we will never take it out for another road trip. We will keep this car until it has 180 or 200k miles on it before selling it. This could be a great car for a college kid, but I think you could buy a slightly newer Civic and avoid all the above mentioned problems. This is an update to our original review. We sold the car after owning it for 10 years. We purchased a Mazda CX-5 and we could not be happier.
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An Overall Satisfied Customer
Mike P, 02/05/2010
2008 Honda Civic Si 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First off, I got this car for a STEAL because it was the last '08 the dealer had on the lot. Due to this, I may think that this car is a better value than others that paid sticker. Overall, I like the car. It's fast, handles well, and looks pretty good when tinted. It's also a decent size, reliable, and pretty economical. I drive "spiritedly" often and I still get great gas mileage. The worst was 26mpg (100 mile trip on back roads in Maine = wild ride) and the best has been about 33mpg...I usually average about 29 with 50/50 highway/city. One warning if you get an Si, every punk kid in a Honda/import will want to race you. Just something you have to live with.