Faults:

Replaced one axle myself ($70) at 170,000 miles. Not bad at all.

The cooling power of the A/C is not as good as a newer car.

General Comments:

To get the most out of the engine, especially the non-VTEC models, you should opt for a manual transmission if possible. It makes the car much more fun to drive. I have driven the 5 speed, non-VTEC version, and the mileage is fantastic.

Currently I have an EX model, auto. My maintenance costs have been low. I did experience some hard shifting, but I changed the transmission fluid (not a "flush") with Valvoline high mileage and the shift quality improved substantially, most noticeably when the engine is warm. To do this you drain and refill the transmission fluid 4 times (remember to clean the magnetic drain plug). 3 jugs of oil is exactly what you need for 4 changes. After each refill, drive the car around the block a few times, engaging every gear and reverse.

Faults:

Radiator blew at 185,000km. Replaced, which cost 350 AUD.

Then changed timing belt and water pump; $700.

Leak from the sunroof when it rains.

Engine rattles, but it's too expensive to fix.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable. It starts every time. There were some problems, but for 17 year old car, it's not too bad. I bought it 2 years ago and it broke down twice; not too bad, right? Once the radiator leaked, and I had to replace it, and the other time the water pump had a problem.

I have been reading a lot of great stories about this car, and want to see how far it will go. On 204,000km now. I hope this old time car, which was manufactured before 2000 in Japan, will show its quality more than cars produced after 2000 in other Asian countries.

Faults:

Radiator.

Motor mount.

Engine MAP sensor.

Catalytic converter.

General Comments:

Inexpensive and dependable.

We got this as a commuter car, and run it on the highway everyday. Very dependable and cheap on gas. Roomy inside and all features work; A/C, heat etc. Cheap car and worth every penny.

All the repairs listed other than the engine sensor are from us driving the car hard after it has been used lightly from the previous owner. The MAP sensor was a 64 dollar part that took 5 minutes to replace (thanks to the local auto parts store).

Faults:

I bought the vehicle from a dealer with 240,000km on it.

At 300,000km I changed the timing belt and water pump, and did a tune-up (700$).

I also had to change 2 tires because they were worn out (200$).

Recently had to replace alternator (paid 400$).

General Comments:

Very reliable, starts every time.

At high speeds it becomes unstable on the highway, especially when the wind blows.

Not very spacious inside, but enough for short trips.

My longest trip with this car was Toronto-Montreal non-stop.

The car is doing what it is supposed to, but it's time for an upgrade :) I would have upgraded a long time ago if this car hadn't been so reliable.. simply can't let it go!!!

Faults:

Clutch started making a springy noise lately, still shifts beautifully though.

General Comments:

Love it, love it love it, love it.

Still has plenty of life in it.

In a time when I pay $80 to fill my truck, $25 fills the Honda, and lasts about 400 miles if I'm a good boy. But I'm not, so I get about 250.

1st gear takes me to about 20 mph, 2nd to about 45, 3rd to about 70, and 4th to close to 100. Top gear takes me to 116, but I get there quick.

Handles great, but it's a little small.

All in all, I love my Civic. And no matter how many people try to talk me into selling it, it's not going anywhere but on a long twisty road.