Faults:

My head gasket blew at 78000 km. Yes, at seventy-eight thousand kilometers the head gasket needed to be replaced. I was lucky because I had an extended warranty, the dealership replaced the head gasket at no charge.

General Comments:

The car is very fuel efficient.

Nothing else had to be fixed on this car.

I think this generation of Civic is not as reliable as older Civics were.

Maybe it's a general downgrade of the quality in the automotive industry, or how to make more with less.

Faults:

Dashboard cluster failed and was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

I have had 20 or so cars in my life time, and this is by far the most reliable and well-built. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is really economical and I have not spent a penny on repairs - just basic servicing.

It drives smooth, handles well, and feels solid on the road. There is loads of cabin space, especially in the front. There has been hardly any signs of wear in the last 55000 miles.

The only things I would change, is the acceleration is a little slow - but then I think it's restricted for greater fuel economy - I can still get the 32 - 38 MPG. The clutch pedal needs a bit of grease now and again - to alleviate a little creaking.

As long as you like the design, the feel and the way it drives, buy one. The new Civic prices have gone up a bit now - but I paid under 12K - brand new from the dealer. I think the 04 goes for around 8 - but find one that has been well looked after and you're laughing.

Faults:

Nothing horrible, it's a Honda.

The power windows sometimes stop part way up and start going back down.

Sunroof stops closing halfway. Not a big deal, just have to let go of the button and push it again, but it's a little annoying that the car I bought strictly for reliability is having these minor defects with so few miles on it.

Insulation seems to have a leak. Sounds like the window is cracked open when it is not above 60mph.

General Comments:

Sporty for a 2 liter. Quicker than most 4 bangers. Handles smoothly, sporty suspension. Relatively good gas mileage, (usually 27-32). Although my old Civic, an 04 EX, got about 5 mpg better, and wasn't that much slower.

Overall good car, a few weird quirks. I am mainly unhappy with the fact that I had a 3k mile warranty, and the dealer refused to cover the above mentioned defects within the first couple hundred miles.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has "gone wrong".

The car is extremely well made!

General Comments:

Even at 4 1/2 years including brutal Cdn winters, it shows and wears extremely well esp. in Silver/Grey cloth.

My wife loves the visibility over the hood and all around esp. blind spot. I love the way it holds the road. I keep forgeting it's an economy car.

Very fun, inexpensive to own (but not cheap to look at), comfortable, practical and sensible car. I was going to say "I wish all cars were made like Honda," but...

In our opinion, (my wife, son, his buddies and myself) believe that the 04/05 Honda Civic in any trim or either transmission is destined to become a classic.