1994 Honda Civic EX 1.6 I-4, VTEC from El Salvador

Summary:

A well built, good performer

Faults:

First when I bought the car, I had to replace the engine mounts, probably because it was crashed previously. After that, the car ran fine, and handled very well. Fuel economy was outstanding, while acceleration was average, yet good for it's class.

About a year after I bought it, the air conditioner started to fail. Air wouldn't come out cold unless the car was moving at over 30 mph. I had to replace a fan that cools the air for the air conditioner.

Later, my radiator fan wasn't working, and the engine started to get hot. But all I had to replace was the thermostat switch. This has happened twice.

My latest problem has to do with the transmission. It has started to make a noise as if it was going in reverse. Although it's getting worse, I still haven't fixed it due to lack of time and transportation availability, so I cannot tell what the problem is.

General Comments:

What I like most about this car is the way it performs. Even though the engine is not producing over 200 hp, it's 127 hp are enough to pull the 2500 lbs of car. I can easily keep up with cars of it's class, and then some other luxury vehicles handicapped by their hefty weights.

Handling is another definite plus in this car. It's sophisticated suspension is amazing in the corners, but a little ride harshness is noticeable in rough roads.

Although the car comes well equipped, I think that Honda could have done better in the features department. A CD player is not standard, nor is a tape deck. There is no cigarette lighter, and it lacks some nice interior styling.

Overall, the car performs expectedly, and you are likely to smile some times when spirited driving is required.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2002

16th Jun 2005, 23:13

I don't think it was the air conditioning fan, it was your evaporator, you see the air begins at the condenser, then flows as a low vapor liquid threw the EYE GLASS, then flows to the evaporator which looks like a 2nd radiator, it mixes with the coolant, then becomes a high pressure vapor, as we all know when rapid expantion takes place, the air will be cold, and then it goes threw the ducting to the cabin, think about it, is that fan on constantly with the a/c. ram air at 30 mph is insufisciant. get it rite.

16th Jun 2005, 23:21

There is no thermostat switch. if you overheat it is just the thermostat. if your gauge is wrong, it is a sensor. that is it.

1994 Honda Civic EX 1.6L Vtech from North America

Summary:

Great entry level first car

Faults:

Cheap factory speakers deteriorated in 2001. That's it! A wonderful little vehicle!

General Comments:

Excellent reliability. It did not break even once. It may be underpowered (doesn't go like a Ferrari), but does very well compared to other 4 cyl. automatic vehicles that are not sporty.

I had lots of fun driving the little vehicle, especially during my high school and early college years. You can parallel, zip-zap, back park the car sooo EASILY in the tiniest space.

And Civic doesn't break, it seems... with routine filter/oil change. And gas wise, my automatic car did 35/39 mpg. Awesome. And beautiful finish for 94 model civic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2002

1994 Honda Civic VTi 1.6 DOHC from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A super buy if you can find a good bargain, but make sure you research it first!!

Faults:

So far car seems to be going OK (touch wood!). I have been reading other reviews and the signs are moderately positive, just little niggles like rattles etc. Mine does not yet rattle.

It had a full Honda service history which impressed me, I would say the average price of each service was about £150. It was serviced at almost obsessive intervals of only 4000k. Fantastic, hope I keep up the good work!

General Comments:

From a Pug309 which rolled like a simulator to a smooth impressive ride that rivals most cars I have been in of 'higher' status.

It is fast and fun. When the pickup really hits at about 5200rpm the car takes of like a rocket, best bit is that because it revs so high you can really push the engine and stay in the faster gears for longer. Its my new baby.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002