1989 Honda Civic DX 1.5

Summary:

A great car for a cheap cost

Faults:

The thermal resistor on the interior heating fan went soon after I got the car. The car was in storage for 2 years before I bought it, and mice had built a nest in the heating ducts. I had to take the underside of the dash apart and clean out the fan and ducts.

General Comments:

I put on a passenger side rear view mirror because the car didn't come with one. That was $50 with shipping.

I installed a CD player, new front speakers in the door because they were water damaged. I also hooked up some 6X9 speakers in the trunk in boxes.

For not knowing much about cars, I've done most of the maintenance myself, except for the new tires. I've changed the oil twice and did the work myself. The car is set up to make it easy to repair/customize, except for removing the oil filter.

The car rides like new, even though its 15 years old. I purchased it for $1500. With the improvements, minor repairs, and general maintenance (oil changes and tires), I have put only $300 total in the car. For my first car, it's a great value. I get 35-40 miles per gallon depending on city or highway driving. The best part is that it only costs me around $15 to fill the tank, which is great for a college student.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2004

1989 Honda Civic DX 1.5 EFI

Summary:

Speedy roomy tiny car

Faults:

CV joints are bad, had to replace the Drivers side tie rod end. It is rusting on the rear panels and in the middle of the passenger door. Car has very little stability right now, as it shakes from side to side lightly. This may be from the CV joint and the fact that the car is not aligned.

I replaced the rotors, brakes, calipers, and radiator as soon as I bought the car. Lucky for me, as the radiator was only 60 % there.

General Comments:

Car accelerates and handles top speeds very well.

I've gotten 300 miles on one tank of gas.

It is very roomy for a car so small.

Somewhat easily customizable, but right now most of the parts you can buy for it (ex. spoiler, custom front bumper) cost almost as much as the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2003

1989 Honda Civic Si Hatchback 1.8 4 cylinder.

Summary:

Honda makes the most reliable and the best driving cars on the planet

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with this car. Brake pads, mufflers and CV joints. Just the usual stuff on a high mileage Honda.

General Comments:

I was a poor college student when I bought this car therefore my budget was limited. I knew that for the $3000 I had saved my money would be best spent on a Japanese compact car. I looked at cars from Toyota and Mazda and GAG! Ford, but none had the solid feel of a Honda. From the smallest details of the interior to the tight and lively ride the Honda was by far the best of the bunch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd October, 2003

1989 Honda Civic Si 1.6L

Summary:

Rapes me of money

Faults:

Sputters badly and stalls while in gear or while driving. Stalls while idling.

General Comments:

This is my first car and it has been a hard learning experience for me. A few words of advise... Get a Mechanical Inspection before buying a car!! Yeah, I know it's probably common sense for most of us. Anyway after replacing the starter, alternator, fuel filter, brake hoses, and air control valve, my car still sputters and pounces and stalls. If anyone has any idea what could be causing this please email me at adelepoubelle@hotmail.com. I've paid $4700 for the car plus about $1800 more in fixing. I'm tired of being raped of money by my car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2003

7th May 2004, 14:10

I recently lost my job so had to sell my 1999 Acura Integra cause I couldn't afford it anymore. With the Money I got back from the Bank, I purchased a 1991 Honda Civic "AS IS" for $1200. From day one this car gave me problems it sputtered and stalled plus the radiator went out on me. I finally decided to get it fixed. It took 3 different mechanics and an extra $1200! The distributor not just the cap was bad, the plugs were bad, the fuel injection system was replaced, oil was changed twice the radiator was replaced. After all that, the car still sputtered and stalled. I took it to another guy who adjusted the Fuel Mixture and now the car runs like Brand spanking New. I kid you not. Check the distributor and the Fuel Mixture...

26th Nov 2004, 17:18

Check your timing belt because it probably needs to be replaced. (Just pull the top cover off to check the rubber)

1st Mar 2007, 01:55

Yep same thing happend to my car.