2008 Honda Civic Reviews - Page 3 of 10

2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Model year2008
Year of manufacture2008
First year of ownership2010
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 1.8 Manual
Performance marks 7 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.5 / 10
Distance when acquired14000 miles
Most recent distance16000 miles
Previous carFord Focus

Summary:

Sporty looks and a nice place to be!

Faults:

There is a minor rattle from either the ceiling or a pillar in the front passenger-side of the car. I plan to get the dealer to have a look next time I'm there.

I'm not convinced that the front bumper is mounted correctly on the driver's side. The panel gap on that side isn't uniform, and the bumper sticks out below the headlight. Again, not a big issue, and I'll get the dealer to check it.

General Comments:

I got the Image Pack with this car so it looks quite sporty with splitters and a spoiler - more akin to the Type R than the standard Civic.

Good equipment levels in the EX with parking sensors, headlight washers, bluetooth, climate control, hands-free voice control, satellite navigation, mp3 CD player, etc, etc.

Not the most forgiving suspension I've ever encountered, however it is OK.

So versatile - I have the 5 door version and the rear seats folding down as well as up, creating a huge loading space, and the ability to carry tall items in the rear of the cabin.

I got the 1.8, which is adequate for in and out of town. I've had quicker cars, however with a K&N air filter and Shell V-Power, this car delivers comparable to my old 2.0 Focus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2010

9th Jul 2010, 07:51

Found the source of the rattle: the front passenger-side seat belt socket is vibrating off the centre console. Grrrr! I have stuck some rubber onto the back of the socket now and no more noise!

2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8L from North America

Model year2008
Year of manufacture2008
First year of ownership2008
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 1.8L Automatic
Distance when acquired300 miles
Most recent distance34000 miles
Previous carMazda MPV

Summary:

Bloody uncomfortable for the slim driver!!!

Faults:

The Civic seats are the WORST ever!!! First they have been sculptured for fat asses, so slim drivers just slide around in them, and second they cause massive right hip pain. The back of the seat by contrast is very good.

All else I am very satisfied with, especially when going past a semi tractor trailer on the freeway in the rain. Most cars end up with the wash blinding them when passing a semi. NOT with the Civic! Somehow with its advanced aerodynamics, the rain goes anywhere but on the windshield.

So Honda, to win my support back, you had better provide a better driver's seat for comfort versus economy. I am sure you have the know-how to come up with a great supportive and ergonomically designed seat that doesn't cost an arm and a leg unlike a Recaro.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th June, 2010

2008 Honda Civic EX-L 1.8 from North America

Model year2008
Year of manufacture2008
First year of ownership2010
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 1.8 Automatic
Performance marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 1 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
6.3 / 10
Distance when acquired84500 kilometres
Most recent distance96500 kilometres
Previous carToyota Camry

Summary:

Attractive car -- horrible ride

Faults:

Tires - Goodyear RSA's wore out quickly. Replaced tires with new ones.

4 wheel alignment.

New rear tires feathered.

Replaced rear shocks.

Another 4 wheel alignment.

General Comments:

Car is quite nice looking; gets lots of compliments.

Not often do you see one with leather and a sunroof.

Interior fit and finish is very good.

Gas mileage is excellent.

The only real problem I have is that ride is very harsh. I mean bone jarring harsh on some surfaces.

It is not overly powerful, but typical for a car in this class.

It makes me smile every time I have to fill the tank; it really is economical to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th May, 2010

20th Sep 2011, 12:38

I am the original poster.

The car now has 163000 klm on it. Still looks good inside and out. Have gotten used to the ride, although it is not really impressive.

In one year and 84,000 klm, I am on my 3rd set of rear tires. This is not counting the 6 months I drive with winter tires.

Have done 4 wheel alignments in one year, plus replaced the shocks. Last winter on icy roads, the rear end 'wandered" around, it felt very squirmy, and that is with Michelin X ice radials. There is a feeling that it is about to spin out of control. 4th wheel alignment revealed toe in was not proper. We'll see how it goes this winter.

Basically, I get the feeling that Honda didn't take into account that people would actually drive these cars when they were built.

I haven't had these kinds of tire issues, alignment issues and handling issues since my 1984 Mercury Lynx, which I traded off at 10 months old.

Gas mileage though is great. I do up to 44 mpg usually at 100 -110 kph.

The interior finish is WAY nicer than the 2012. They have really cheapened the new ones. Was thinking of trading up, but not since seeing them.

Average review marks: 6.9 / 10, based on 27 reviews