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:

I had to change the piston rings on the car due to the fact it was burning more oil than Saddam, although considering the mileage it was to be expected.

I had to change the exhaust sensor.

General Comments:

The car has an awful habit of eating front tyre's and rear brakes. I think this is due to the small pads on the rear brakes.

It also has a habit of blowing rear lights, on this ESI and one I owned a few years ago. I think this is due to the fact that when the engine is near the limiter the alternator generates a higher voltage thus shorten the life of the bulb or its just cheap bulbs.

Faults:

Cam timing belt jumped two teeth, and the distributor bearing collapsed at 108000 miles (coincidentally, just after Honda inspected the valve clearance).

Excessive front brake pad use after lowering 40mm (under 5000 miles, per set).

Apart from that, generally good.

General Comments:

Unbelievable performance (0-60 in 7.3 sec and quarter mile in 15.2s, tested by me).

After fitting Ferrodo road race pads, braking is seriously good.

Out-handles a Saxo VTS after fitting a Koni shock/spring kit.

Drivers seat OK for me at 6ft 6in, but no space for a passenger behind.

Stupid boot design; all plastic, no shelf?