Used 2008 Honda Civic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Econ class do it urself car
Bought mine in early 2008 for 18.5 at 5%. It now has 98k miles on it, has been used for driving around the bay area in Cali for a job, multi trips from Cali to TX, and for the last 3 yrs I've used it for pizza delivery in TX. Some repairs I have done myself are replacing both cv axels at 70k for $160, tires at 55k miles with good-yrs $540, the starter at 90k for $132. I am by no means a mechanic I bought some basic tools, spent a few hrs researching and as you can see from other reviews I saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars doing it myself. This car has been through a lot but still runs like new and feels as though it will for another 98k.
Great MPG in OKC
First sedan in 10 years and we really like it. Looks great, sporty and well designed. Mostly city driving and getting on average 28 MPG. For those who say it's short on room, I have no idea what car they're in but we have a family of 3 and were used to SUVs and this really works well. More than enough leg and head room plus the trunk holds all the baseball stuff plus chairs with room for more. Never have purchased an extended warranty but I did on this one and saved 1/2 over the dealer cost by googling online and found a dealership in Rhode Island that sells them dirt cheap and they are the exact same ones the local Honda dealer sells.
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $5,998183 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $5,50096 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $7,988180 mi away
Great Gas Saver
We sold out Mitsubishi Evolution in an effort to decrease our car payment and decrease our gas consumption. The civic seemed like the obvious winner in our minds. We wanted a bigger vehicle (Accord or Acura TL) but their real world gas mileage isn't that great. We settled with the smaller civic and are very happy. The leather is great and I'm sure the heated seats will be nice this winter. We started around 32-33 MPG and the last 2 tanks have been 35+. We drive 85% highway @ 80 MPH. The engine power isn't bad considering we live +7k feet elevation. It should be more than adequate everywhere else in the country. Maybe not as quick as the competitors (mazda3) but a great car!
Best Option For The Price
A Honda is a Honda so you can expect to get efficiency and economy. The design inside and out is the best that I can find in this price range. Well laid out interior controls are user friendly. The split dash is a plus in my opinion. I can see the speedometer without taking my eyes off of the road. I compared the Civic to the Corolla, Mazda 3 and Toyota Matrix. The Mazda and Matrix just didn't have the fuel economy that I was looking for. Anything that averages 30+ mpg is what I needed. The Corolla passes the fuel economy test but many editor reviews seem to be disappointed with the Corolla's performance overall. I'm not impressed with the exterior styling of the Corolla either.
It's a Great Car!
I love everything about my Civic, the styling, the fuel economy, the handling, the performance, and it is very quiet and comfortable for its size. Best of all is its quality, though. From the fit and finish to the feel of it's switches, this car oozes quality. Having driven Japanese cars for 20 years, I think I'm hard to impress, too. This is my first Honda, but it won't be my last.
Worth it!
Best car I've ever owned. Don't dislike anything. Have to beg the wife to drive it to work. Getting about 35- 40 mpg depending on how much highway. Fits the three boys (12,9,7) just fine, lots of room. Don't like automatics, that's why I gave it an 8 on performance. But it shifts smoothly. I'm thinking of buying a second one for myself.
Ok so far
We picked up our new civic yesterday. I checked the mileage on the 141 mile trip home averaging 40.9 mpg driving at variable speeds from 50 to 75 mph on the freeway RPM under 3000. Are we happy? Yes! I like the gas mileage but it isn't a Camry in comfort and ride, but didn't expect it to be. The bad: we noticed a small ding on the truck lid, however very faint and we asked for a hundred off and got it so I shouldn't complain since I made the deal. I did noticed that the trunk lid isn't exactly centered. The door jams were dirty, and grease on the carpet mat that I ask the dealer to clean and they did. Other than than so far so good.
for young couples who wants to save mone
We bought our Honda Civic on April 2008. Since that time I am trying to calculate the miles on the each tank. But I never got more than 23 miles average MPG with the mixed driving in city and highway. I cannot believe that someone gets more than 28 miles MPG. The interior is fine except the place for speedometer. The starting of movement is fine. I can get 40-45 miles per hour when RPM under 1700. The exterior is really nice. The car is wonderful for a small family. I could get 32 miles MPG just on highway, but I never got 38 miles MPG on highway, it is unrealistic. Even I have a hard foot, I think that I could get more MPG than I have now. I made 7600 miles and generally OK with the Civic.
2008 Honda Civic Overall 40+ MPG
This is my first Civic or Honda for that matter. This replaces a very dated 93 Ford Probe GT. I bought this car for its reliability, styling (interior/exterior) and HWY MPG. I've had the car for 10 mos now with 8500 miles total and commute about 30 miles to work each way. I do about 95% HWY miles, and I am getting 41-43 MPG!
Smarter than the editor
This is a great car, gets better than ad in fuel mileage. I easily get 42 mpg on my commute to work editor should rate this car much higher
Great car, my second Civic
This generation Civic is the best to date. I owned a 1996 Civic for just over 12 years; I loved it before the wreck. I was just shy of 240,000 miles. My 2008 Civic is even better, more refined, comfortable, powerful and better looking. And most of all still have all the attributes that loved about my first Civic. To anyone who has driven other small cars in this class, it's the best. To those who are down grading from cars like a BMW 3 series, come on, this is a Civic and goes for 20 grand less, don't compare.
2008 Honda Civic - My work ride
My 2008 civic has a bad hesitation on take off, not sure why but I noticed many people with same issue, otherwise it has pep. The interior on my LX lacks cup holders in the back, the truck does not open from the remote, the roof when washing it buckles, very thin. It has plenty of air bags but probably for good reason. I like the low tire pressure warning. I think for the $ it's not a bad car, I use it to drive to work. Gas mileage has been averaging about 31 mpg for me, I am a little heavy on the gas pedal. This is my first Honda, not sure if I would get another one, probably worth shopping around. I was going to get a Mini Cooper, but my wife and kids talked me out of it, maybe next time.
First Honda
First Honda I have ever owned. Excellent car, spacious inside, excellent fuel economy, gauges and other interior features are well laid out. Smooth driving and handles well. Starts and stops smoothly. This is my first experience with a navigation system and I really like it. It gives concise and accurate directions and it follows my voice commands accurately. Trunk space is considerable given the size of the car. I traded a Chevrolet Silverado to this car, so the change was considerable, but at this time I'm thinking I may not want to own anything else. Considerable consideration has been given to owner comfort and safety. You cannot ask for much more than that.
Everything I expected
I've had my civic for ~5 months now, and put over 9,000 miles on it. It's been fantastic, and I've only had to get an oil change once (because of the new more aerodynamic design, according to my dealership). It's a solid car, that I am very happy with. I did a lot of background research before I made the purchase, and it definitely stood far out beyond the other cars of its class. It's got a slightly sporty interior, that honestly feels luxurious. My only real complaint is that I've been getting approx. 30 mpg highway. I was expecting much higher, but considering I don't exactly drive in a way conducive to ideal gas mileage.
Perfect balance
This car has no defects, it is innovative, reasonably performaning for normal needs (speed limit is 100 km per hour) while allowing a superior fuel economy. The exterior design is remarkable and will stand the test of time while inside is made with high quality material and also really optimized and fun. Seats are comfortable. I like to find a reason to move out and drive the car. Going to work never was so funny.
Good car but could be better
Downsized from a Prius, payment too high. Leasing Civic for $199.00 per/mth. Civic an adequate replacement. Not the same mileage, but close. Civics sticker about $8,000 less than the Prius. Prius mpg 47-51 mpg. Civic is 29-41. Civics positives: great fuel economy 31-32 suburban, 38-41 on highway. Nice styling outside. Civic negatives: Roofline too low, hard to get in & out of and I'm short. The seats are as hard as a park bench, most uncomfortable seats of any car I ever owned. Civic AC in Arizona summers sucks. AC cuts out by design during acceleration to save gas. Ride is too firm for my tastes.
gas guzzling civic
My 2008 Civic lx with 3500 miles is getting 25 mpg. My 2004 Odyssey gets 20 and 22 mpg. I do not like the 5 spd auto. It gets on my nerves shifting up and down. It replaced a 1994 escort that never got less than 29 mpg the entire time we had it. And the shifter doesn't stop till d3. I do love everything else about this car but I will never buy another Honda. We will trade this car as soon as we can afford to unless the mpg goes up to 30. Oh yeah, the paint will fade from the acid rain and for an extra $500 they will cover it for 5 years. I have been very happy with my salesman and service rep since 2004. But if I want new untested improvements that may or may not work I will get a Honda!
satisfiled owner of civic
Overall satisfied with the purchase of my 2008 Civic LX. Got four quotes from the dealers using edmunds.com. The price range varied about $1000 from the lowest to highest. Obviously I went with the lowest quote and closest dealer to my home. Happy with the overall quality, style and price.
Love this Civic
I've owned 6 Hondas since 1980 and "fell off the wagon" with a V6 Jetta purchase several years ago. Am I ever glad to be back. Looked at the '08 Accord and Camery, but the milage and the EX-L/Navi option sold me on the Civic. I'm getting 28 city over first 3 fill ups. With the mileage, navi, and XM, I can't wait to take it on an extended highway trip. Drove it through an inch ice storm and 7 inch snow fall last week with no problems at all.
Fun and Practical for this 23 year old
So far I have close to 2000 miles on the odo. It's a fun car to drive given its size. I have been averaging 26-28 mpg with city driving. I really like the fact that the civics now come with a 5 speed tranny. I use to have an 01 civic coupe and my new one is improved all around. The wipers are neat too. They have air foils on them so you get a better swipe of the wipers as you are moving because it presses against the glass. My next vehicle well be a civic si or maybe the diesel if they bring it over from Europe.
BAD gas mileage
I bought this car for one thing gas mileage. I am so upset, I do all city driving (actual city not town) and get 17-18mpg!!! Why in the heck did I buy a Honda to get 17-18 MPG??? I am so upset, it also has a knocking noise in the front but really I can put up with almost anything but 17mpg?? Highway I get 35-38 mpg
Great car for today's high gas prices
Already have 3200 miles on the odometer. While I haven't gotten the 40+mpg results, I have been averaging 38 mpg driving the speed limit. With my commute of 80 miles round trip five days a week, I'd be saving over $4000 over five years (in today's $4.50 per gallon gas price) compared to the 2007 Accord V6 it replaced that gets 27 mpg in conservative driving.
2008 Honda Civic LX
I drive carpool on the highway everyday (a little tight inside, but oh well) and not so much city anymore. I've only gotten below 30 mpg in the city once, and have gotten over 38 on the highway. My usually get around 34-35 combined. I opted not to get a hybrid as it was not going to be as cost efficient for me as the regular Civic. It's not the best accelerator when pulling onto the highway, but then again I traded in my Odyssey (which I loved but could no longer afford to feed) and I smile every time I stop at the gas station.
Great car at low price
I bought this car to replace my truck due to gas prices. I did not even test drive it, just got into after I signed the paperwork and I don't regret it. I just drove about 10 hours in the car, only had to fill up once from MS to SC about 37 MPG. The only things I found wrong is if you smoke like I do when it is raining the water will come in the front window and there is no ash tray in the car. Also there is not any cup holders in the rear.
I Love My Honda
I bought my Honda In July 08 And fell in love with it right away, from the way it drives to the style of the interior, exterior. Drove from New England to North Carolina and after 12 hrs of driving I still wanted to be in my car driving. I love my Honda Civic
Honda makes excellents cars
I leased this car thinking I betray Mitsubishi because I own it in the past and very happy with it, until HONDA, forget it, the steering is so responsive just to begin with it, the comfort and so quiet, the brakes and transmission are very smoothly. I am so happy with this car, I have to say bye - bye Mitsubishi. No regrets´, but I find something better in the market. The dealer experience was so nice, I have to say this car is sold by it self, no chance you will be disappoint it. I almost forget with the gas. To me is economic vs. Mitsubishi obviously more miles for gallon
Love It
So far I love my Honda! I am a big guy and have always drove Taurus's. I was a Ford man. But no more! The Civic has great room and gets great mileage. Very fun to drive. I look forward going to work now!!!
Spectacular
This car has given me faith in compact cars. Before I bought this car I never liked compacts since I'm a tall dude. But the space in the care is remarkable. The drive is notable as well as its smooth cornering at sharp bends. Honda,once again, has lived up to expectation.
Good Car
I've had this car for a few months. It's fun to drive, is cute & has a nice looking interior. I got it mainly as a commute car and it seems to get around 35 mpg, since I do mostly freeway driving. The only thing that I would change would be the seats and the headrests (although I was told the headrests were designed for safety and all cars have them now). My commute takes me a solid hour to get to and from work and the seat can get uncomfortable at times. I find myself trying to adjust into a comfortable position while driving. I didn't have a "seat problem" with my other cars. With the headrest, it feels like it is nudging your head constantly. Other than that, I would recommend this car.
Glad I picked the civic
I drove all the comparable cars in this class and I fell in love with the styling and interior of the civic. The front seats have plenty of leg room and I love the digital speedometer close to the windshield.
Best Choice
I have thoroughly enjoyed my purchase of this Civic. I use it for mostly city driving, and still get better than 31 mpg a tank, highlighted by a 38.4 tank on the highway. So far, very reliable, no surprises. It is able to accomplish all tasks I ask of it, including transporting bikes with a trunk rack. It has a very receptive pick up when necessary, but no sports sedan by any means. I like the interior styling overall, like all the storage compartments. Radio is decent, wouldn't mind a 6 cd changer instead of the single slot. For exterior styling, I'm a big fan but I think the wing spoiler is a must, keeps it from looking like grandma's car.
Spend lots of time test driving
My wife, mom, brother, and friend all have Civics. They all praise how great they are. So, after almost 10 years of driving my Dodge Neon (which had been great, but didn't want to push my luck and needed a change), I decided to get a Civic. I love the styling inside and out. So, my heart was set on a Civic, but I wish I test drove the one I bought a little more. Overall, I still like it, but I've had it in the shop a couple times due to strong pulling to the right. It's better, but still seems very sensitive to the road. Neon went straight forever. Also, there's a slight throttle hesitation when you take off from an (almost) stop. Otherwise, drive is smooth, avg 35 mpg, now @ 2000 mi.
A stylish investment
I was considering the ever so popular Mazda3 in this class, but the 2008 Civic definitely met my expectations. Excellent performance driving for its engine power, stylish interior, one of the highest fuel economies for non-hybrids, and tons of extra features (EX model) has given me a smile every time. My advice for those stuck deciding between a Mazda3 and a Civic: there is a performance difference that Mazda3 wins only for its V6 model. The I4 engines for both give comparable performance but the Civic gives more MPG, legroom for rear passengers, and better quality interior. Save the money on gas to buy a sports car later, if you are in this bracket you shouldn't compromise!
Very nice car
Before buying my civic (Jun 6,08) I drove the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla. The Corolla was a good and I would have bought one but having two other Hondas (97 Odyssey & 97 Civic, both still going strong) it was hard to leave a good thing. My compromise was I couldn't get stability control but buying it with the Corolla would have meant having other options I didn't want. I went with the LX over the EX because I didn't want the sunroof or 5-spoke alloy wheels (just didn't like the look). However, Honda has a 15', 7-spoke wheel that is nice. I bought them and a trunk liner from College Hills Honda (on-line) for about one-half the cost my local dealer wanted.
A very nice alternative
This Civic replaced my 04 Jetta wagon, which was a very nice car as far as amenities were concerned, but was otherwise a piece of junk. In the last two years I owned it, I had to pay $1000 each year just to pass inspection. Things broke that just shouldn't on a relatively new car. My new Civic is just like the '98 I had before the VW. It looks different, but is just as fun, just as reliable, just as economical. The new one is more powerful. I feel at home in this new Civic and plan on keeping it for a very long time. at 160,000 miles, I drove my old Civic 3000 miles cross country to sell to a friend, not a single problem. I expect this new one to be just as good, maybe better.
Everything I expected
I got this car after 5 years in a Dodge Caravan, so I had to get used to driving so low to the ground. I liked the look of the 2 door, but I didn't like the blind spots, so I went with a 4 door. Overall, I am very satisfied with the car. I get between 33-38 MPG, and after one trip across the state and back, I got almost 40 MPG. I got into the Honda for the reliability factor, but I love the look, especially the color (dark blue) and the digital speedometer. It was a little uncomfortable during the long trip; I had to shift around to stay comfortable, but some of that may have been because I was still adjusting from my Caravan (where my legs went down, instead of out.)
Black Beauty
Had every intention of keeping my 2001 Civic EX another 5 years - it was totaled in an accident in June. While shopping for used Civics I discovered high prices due to extraordinary resale value (and current price of gas)! So I now own this incredible black, 2008 EX! Just turned 1000 miles and it is my opinion that this just might be the best car ever sold in the U.S.!
Good Car
I have had this car for 4 months and so far I am still enjoying driving it. It has plenty of room inside, good pick up, quiet ride (even on the highways). Overall I still feel good about the purchase.
I'm Cooking with Gas
I just got my Honda a few days ago and it definitely looks superb in terms of driving fun & reliability. I myself highly appreciate Toyota and the same goes to Honda features. What a gas mileage and smooth tranny in comparison to my previous 2000 Honda CR-V . The exterior design's just marvelous and it really satisfies you in roomy Interior as well. Honda got that little bit extra. C'mon. Come ride with us.
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.
Best Civic Yet!
For all you folks who are searching for the 'Ideal' all around vehicle, this is it. This is my second review of this 2008 Civic LX and after 3000 miles since my last I can report that this is the best choice for a compact car I've ever made. Quiet, comfortable and economical. Most of my driving is on the interstate with consistent speed (68mph). I have seen an average of 41+ mpg on my 168 mile round trip per day. Comfort is excellent for a vehicle of this size. Noise levels are low and you can't even hear the engine at high speed. It also runs considerable slower than my previous 2001 Civic EX (2200 rpm at 70 mph). Workmanship is superb. I have to fight my wife to drive this Civic.
Great Car
This is my 7th Honda I have owned and already love it. I sold my 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5SL for this car. I was not happy with the Nissan and did not like the 28 MPG on a 4 cyl engine. The bottom line is Nisaan's are not Honda's.
Economy Car
I'm a little let down by this car. It's the first Honda I've owned. I bought it for its fuel efficiency to replace my F-150. I really expected more. It gets the same mileage as my old 2003 Camry 4cyl which had 150,000 km. This isn't bad, but I expected better even when new. I really hope it improves with time. However I don't think I will ever see those EPA numbers. The car rattles so much it is embarrassing - especially when cold, this car was not made for Canadian winters! The plastics scratch really easily. The door where your finger nails sometimes touch is the worst!!! The car does drive very well. I constantly have to remind myself this is not a luxury car by any means.
Where is the quality?
I have been in the automotive business for 15 years. I have owned or leased almost every make vehicle including Toyota, Ford, GM and Honda. This Honda Civic is my 3rd Honda. Of all the vehicles I have owned, by far I have had the most problems with Honda's. The engine and transmission may be smooth and reliable, but the little annoying problems like the constant flickering of the check engine lights (all 3 have had this problem). Very disappointed and frustrating. I've had less problems on my GM owned vehicles - far less! These vehicles are riding on the reputation of Honda's many years ago. Believe it or not, many American vehicles have surpassed the so called Honda quality. DISAPPOINT
Great car
It handles like a 5-series BMW, but gets twice the gas mileage. The steering is very quick- something new this year is that the steering is only 2.6 turns lock to lock, so it is very sensitive especially at highway speeds.
Disappointed
Buyer beware. I am very disappointed. The most troublesome problem with the car is that there is a significant, and very distracting, vibration in the steering wheel, drivers seat, and middle console when the car is at a resting idle. This alone makes me dislike this car. The car has been in for service 3 times. American Honda Corps position on the problem is that it is within manufacturing standards. There is also a significant vibration in the steering wheel and roughness at highway speeds. The road noise is loud. This car does NOT get 34 mpg, 30 at best. I would not buy this car again. I would recommend you test drive multiple cars and read many customer reviews.
Simply great
This is my 8th Honda since '88 and have to say the "best" With gas prices going nowhere but up, mileage is great. 30 mpg average city wise, and 40 for highway, can't beat that. Looks inside and out a A+++. Quiet on the highway, just can't beat this car.
Problem starting
This is a brand-new 2008 Civic, only 4 months old, 10k-km (6k miles) yet it has more problems starting than my 15 year old Chrysler. As soon as the cool weather hit - bam, ran into trouble. You have to crank and crank and crank it before it finally starts and then it runs roughly before finally idling. Sometimes I crank it and just stop and wait before trying again. Today it was -15C (5F) and the engine would not even turn over. I turned the key all the way to "start" - nothing. Engine would not even respond. I am very disappointed in this car. If I can't depend on it to start in the cold weather, what else can go wrong?
Great Buy / Value / Long Term investment
I love this car. My last car was a 1999 BMW 323i & I had a maintenance problem with the car about 2x a year (at least). So when I started looking I wanted something that was affordable, yet reliable & looked good as well. I thought there was no way I would be able to find a car like that. I looked at the Toyota Camry, but it didn't have the acceleration or the exterior look I wanted. Then I found a manual 2008 Civic & took it for a test drive. I fell in love. It had great acceleration, I loved the interior / dash, & the outside looked good as well. I was sold. I bought a fully loaded 2008 Civic & still happy
Great Car - In Most Situations
I'm writing this review to call out one design problem with the Civic. On a long trip the front seats are downright painful. We took a 600 mile trip at Thanksgiving, my wife (5'6") drove down and I (6'1") drove back and we both developed a pain which lasted for about 24 hours afterward. We tried multiple driving positions but to no avail. It was bad enough that we'll never use that car on a long trip again. We got just under 35 miles to the gallon going 80 mph and fully loaded, which was great, but again - if I had purchased this car for a lot of long haul driving I'd already be looking for a replacement. Mileage around town has been disappointing - about 25 mpg.