1989 Honda Civic Base 1.2

Summary:

This is a wonderful car to have

Faults:

The clutch was replaced at 140,000 miles by the previous owner.

Driver seat wore out and has been replaced at 280,000 miles.

General Comments:

My, Honda Civic, has been the best car that I could ever own.

Other than the wear and tear of a car near 300,000 miles... The car still needs just regular maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2005

1989 Honda Civic Si 1.6 SOHC

Summary:

Great reliability, performance, and built quality economical car

Faults:

Replaced the radiator & A/C fan motor at around 120,000 miles.

Replaced the head gasket at around 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a great to have if you are looking for something economical & weekend circuit or auto-cross enthusiast. The built quality of this car is excellent especially for the price you pay.

I had mine for two years before it got stolen. I had a great time & a blast owning this car especially when I took it to a local circuit on a weekend to do some time trialling.

The car is pretty much great in its class for its era even in stock form. Handling of this car is absolutely amazing even when the suspension was still bone stock. Mine was modified to compete in local auto-cross competition. This is a car that I can have fun in a circuit without having it tow to there.

Great on gas! Even after some engine modifications, this car still gave me 30mpg.

I was really surprised on how roomy the cabin was. As always, it has great Honda's low driving position just like a sports car.

Overall, if you are on a budget looking for a competitive car to have fun on the weekend for circuit racing & auto-crossing or even if you are just looking for a fun low cost used car, this is the car for you. You will not be disappointed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2005

1989 Honda Civic DX 1.8 liter

Summary:

Good looks, dependable, great car

Faults:

Catalytic converter went bad at 140000 miles.

Radiator went at 142000 miles.

CV joints went bad at 135000 miles.

General Comments:

The handling on this car is great!!!

Ride comfort is best in class.

Acceleration is adeqaute for an engine of its size.

Great depreciation value;my mom has a 1995 Neon and my car is worth only $300 less than hers!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2004

18th Oct 2004, 19:18

You do NOT have a 1.8 liter engine, unless you swapped one in. You most likely had a 1.5, possible a 1.6.

27th Oct 2009, 06:37

I bought my 1989 Honda Civic used in 1999, and the person who sold it to me will tell me every time they see me that they wish they would have NEVER sold it.

It is a wonderful little car with only 235000 miles on it. I did everything maintenance wise Honda recommended and have no problems. I hope to get another 235000 out of it.

I get around 36 to 41 miles to the gallon in the city, and on the interstate, if you can stand to go 55 to 60mph, you can get 46 miles to the gallon. It would seem the further "advanced" cars have come, they have a hard time catching up to my 1989 Civic.

1989 Honda Civic LX 1.5 Fuel Injected

Summary:

Great car, if up kept well

Faults:

Previous owner used it as a summer car, so the miles were very low, but unfortunately, he was very bad about maintenence.

Clutch went out at 100,000 miles.

Catalytic Converter died at 102,000.

Front, driver's side hub went out at 105,000 miles, along with the CV axles.

Timing belt broke at 110,000 miles, so I also changed the water pump, which had been leaking oil into the radiator.

Top Radiator hose burst on the freeway (mid summer in Phoenix), resulting in a blown head gasket and cracked block.

General Comments:

Handling of the car was excellent!

Always a smooth, fun ride.

Hate working on this car! No room to do anything.

I think if the previous owner had been better on upkeep, the car would've lasted quite along time. Love the car, hate the previous owner. When I did I tune up I found out the car had no thermostat!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2004