2001 Honda Civic EX
Summary:
Nice car aesthetically, but mechanically unreliable
Faults:
Where do I begin?
Like others, I, too, have had front and rear strut, rattle and, interior seat issues. Most recently, I've experienced severe problems with the manual transmission.
The strut issue began in the rear of the car, when after about 10,000 miles on the odometer, a severe rattle from the rear was heard every time I hit a bump. The dealer replaced the passenger side rear strut as well as some other rear axle suspension parts that had "cracked" in the process. Which came first (the strut failure or the crack) or what caused what remains unclear.
Like others, I've also had problems with front struts. Both front struts have now been replaced, but only after a long wait for parts.
At just about the time the warranty was to expire (about 34,000 miles) the manual transmission became stiff to shift and began "popping" out of 2nd gear after up-shift. I was told by the dealer there were at least two "Service Bulletins" out on this particular problem, and after yet another long wait for parts, the transmission was completely rebuilt.
Sadly, after about 3000 miles, the transmission is now popping out of gear at highway speeds in 5th gear, making the car virtually worthless to drive on the highway without having to put physical pressure on the gearshift to keep it in position with one hand. So, I am now waiting for yet MORE parts to arrive at the dealer to have the transmission completely rebuilt... yet again.
So far, both the dealer and/or Honda have covered the costs of these repairs under warranty. However, my request for a new transmission (in lieu of ordering more of the very same parts that was supposed to have fixed the problem in the first place) has, so far at least, been met with rejection.
There have been other minor interior issues with the car as well. These have included a "rocking" drivers seat and loose overhead visor clip. Again, both have been corrected by the dealer under warranty.
General Comments:
I've owned one Honda Civic previously (1989) and it performed flawlessly for many years. That same car has well over 200,000 miles on it and is still going strong.
However, it now appears Honda has seriously missed the mark in both design and quality with their latest line of Civics. Having both read about and personally experienced first hand what can only be described as design flaws (transmissions) and supplier issues (struts) I shall never again buy another Honda.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th July, 2003
5th Apr 2004, 11:31
I have 2001 Civic LX Coupe.
After less than 10,000 km I had 2nd gear syncro changed. It was very hard to shift from 1st to 2nd and that problem was fixed. On the next oil changed, I was told that my transmission fluid is leaking due to mistake from previous service. They did not tighten enough/seal was broken. Whatever, all costs were covered, except my time was well wasted.
-My civic was never comfy; Don't know if it was me, but I could feel every rock and every bump on the road. My girlfriend would get sick if she had to drive for more than a 30min.
-40,000km after and I was just informed that my struts are leaking and that it needs to be replaced. At their cost.
-I would expect from "new" car at least to run fine for a few years before it starts breaking down, but this is ridiculous. My next ride is not going to be civic, that's for sure. Either Mazda or Nissan.
5th Dec 2003, 22:02
About the manual transmission, I feel good before 45000kilos. But after that, I feel difficult to get out of the first gear and also hard to put it into 2nd gear. I changed the trans-oil and it's better now.
About the struts. after 50000kilos, rear strut seems couldn't hold the car, the car will shake up and down for 2 times when I go through a bump. And front strut holding power is fine, but the springs are bad. The Springs gets too soft after 50k.kilos. And it could easily get bottomed... though it's "not broken", the dealer refuse to change them for me : ( (My warranty is 100k.kilos)
I just wonder how did you make your dealer changed your struts for you? If these are not leaking oils or cracked...
Other things, just fine.