2000 Honda Civic Reviews

"Great commuter; however HX maintenance cost add up".

What things have gone wrong with the car?

<100K miles:

Average MPG 38, never achieved advertised 44 MPG.

- Both window regulators.

- Two front windshields (Honda glass seems to crack and chip more easily than my other vehicles).

- Fuel pump.

- Suspension alignment problems resulting in excessive tire wear.

- Endless check engine light.

- A/C fan failure (expensive).

- O2 sensors (OEM $600+ and $300+ a pop).

- Engine and wind noise loud, have to crank radio.

- Rear exhaust fell off car (SW climate, no humidity).

- Major tune up and timing belt.

- Gaskets replaced.

- Excessive seat wear.

- Seat belts lock and remain locked for no reason.

- Drum brakes are a nightmare on snow and ice even with light pumping.

<200k Miles:

- Driver window regulator again.

- Two windshields.

- O2 sensors again (after market still $500).

- Catalytic Converter manifold cracked (OEM expensive).

- Front headlights (cheap plastic can't remove oxidation and chipping, OEM expensive had to replace with after market lights).

- Continued suspension alignment problems resulting in excessive tire wear.

- Endless check engine light.

- Radiator.

- Brakes.

- Clutch.

- Major tune up and timing belt.

- Stereo shorting.

300K.

- Major tune up and timing belt.

- O2 sensors and cat (all aftermarket this time).

- Continued suspension alignment problems resulting in excessive tire wear.

- Driver side window regulator again.

- Clutch.

Good news... still 38 MPG and engine compression is still good.

Good commuter. In ten years, it's only stranded me three times. This vehicle represents the very lowest level of basic transportation. Yes it was inexpensive; however, it's under powered, uncomfortable, has excessive road noise, and the high routine maintenance costs offset the money saved in MPG. When I consider this vehicle has over 300k miles on it and is still running strong, it's difficult to complain, but as I get older and my desire comfortable commute increases, I'm not sure I would buy another one.

For those looking for an economical commuter, I would recommend the Civic LX or DX over the HX because they get the same MPG without the costly emissions equipment.

The vehicle began sitting lower on the driver's side as the mileage approached 180,000 km. This has, however, happened on my Subaru as well, so I'm considering it wear.

Clutch slave cylinder gave out at 170,000, and the car was unable to shift. Scrapyard parts and a weekend in the garage cost me under $100 to fix (very easy to fix nearly anything with this car).

This car was handed down to me from my parents about two years ago, and for its entire life, has been indestructible. As a COMMUTER car, this did the trick for short hops to and from school and around town. Despite suggestions from friends, I refused to modify it in any way. This is a 96 HP transporter, not a 500 HP racer.

With less electronics clouding the car, it really did feel like a little go-kart. Handling was precise, quick, and easy. Ride quality was average, not too bumpy. The little 1.6L (non-VTEC) engine was peppy enough, though you could hear it struggle on the highway. Wind noise was rampant, and crosswinds were scary.

The seats are firm, yet surprisingly comfortable. That said, the seats will get uncomfortable for extended trips of half an hour or more, and the cabin is pretty bare. Despite the cheap looking plastic, there are no rattles or easily broken pieces. Everything (mechanical and cosmetic) holds just as strong as the day you bought it. With simple routine maintenance, this car can run virtually glitch-free for life.

Fuel economy is very good, with roughly 35 MPG city even under spirited driving conditions.

Rear passenger access is rather annoying. The trunk space and opening are adequate, but too small for my specific needs at the time (lacrosse gear and a tuba; gear was difficult to fit and tuba would not fit in car at all). So, I traded it for a Subaru Outback wagon. In retrospect, this little machine was far better than the wagon in almost all respects (feels just as powerful, fewer mechanical problems, easier servicing), and would definitely buy again (or a Honda Fit) if and when personal circumstances change.