Faults:

Lots of little things that have proved to be very expensive have unexpectedly gone. I have replaced the radiator, distributor, and ignition control module. I have had it tuned up three times in less than two years, plus a number of expensive under the hood jobs. It makes a strange grinding noise when it's cold (which no one can figure out). The gears stick and jam, and reverse is almost impossible to get into unless you pull through all the gears first. (A bit of credit should be given to the fact that it is the original clutch and gearbox). The auto locks broke the second week I had her, and the doors don't operate all too smoothly.

General Comments:

All and all I have to say I love my civic. We have done many miles on the road solo. On nice days with a full tank of gas when she doesn't feel like breaking down she is a dream to drive. She is the first car I purchased on my own, and most likely the reason for my love despite the problems and expenses.

However, when the air conditioning is on the car struggles to do 40 mph. Hills are a joke for my poor little civic, which does her best in 3rd gear on a long hill pushing 35mph, with 125lb me alone in the car, the engine roars and the heat rises in the dead of Vermont winters. Highway travel is livable, if you don't want to get anywhere too fast. Over 70 mph she gets jumpy and very loud.

I purchased this car 2 years ago for a fair price from a man who seemed to take excellent care of her, and reported no problems except the exhaust system, which he fully replaced at 60K. I am a college student on a tight budget trying to find an economical, reliable car. I bought a civic expecting 200k miles, with very few problems. I am now selling it with 137K and have almost doubled what I paid for it in the first place. Despite my meticulous oil changes with high mileage oil and my gentle nature towards her. I think I might have bought a lemon. :- (I am trying not to let this experience ruin my opinion of the brand.

Faults:

Body rust around rear wheel openings was a problem, so I had bodywork done to repair the quarter panels.

The radiator fins began falling out and getting caught in the electric fan. Though the radiator didn't leak I replaced it with a new one.

My front brakes were worn, so I replaced them with high-performance aftermarket parts.

General Comments:

My Civic is an amazing car. It is efficient, powerful, dependable, and it handles well.

To increase its safety, I installed B.F. Goodrich Comp TA tires, mounted on 14" steel wheels, with "SI" style wheel covers.

I added window tint, vent shades, a Momo shift knob and a Grant steering wheel styling ring.

Faults:

Starter has had to be replaced once (My mechanic told me that this happened a lot with 92 Civics - also with Accords)

Busted hose.

Body and paint have suffered over the years.

Interior is a little beat up.

General Comments:

The Civic is reliable, and when I bought the car, it had superior comfort and handling over other cars in its class, including the Toyota Corolla.

I have changed the oil every 5000 miles, and have rigorously maintained it according to its schedule at an excellent local garage. I have been rewarded with virtually trouble-free motoring.

The car is quite comfortable for its class, and I have taken many long trips in it. It is quiet unless you want to travel over 65 miles an hour; at 80 miles an hour it gets quite loud.

In the year 2002 the cosmetics of my car are dreadful - the body feels as if it was made of tin. It dents easily, and in an urban environment you will start to accumulate many dings. The metallic paint I have has now worn away on the roof - something I have seen on other Civics of that era.

In conclusion, this has been a great car, but at 10 years and 150,000 miles it is perhaps best suited for a student who needs basic, reliable transportation, and doesn't need to depend on the car to be attractive to the opposite sex!