Loud metallic "click" from transmission when shifting from R to D, and vice versa when the car is stationary. Sound can be reduced by waiting about 2-3 seconds before changing gears.
Minor rattles from the sun-visor and within the front doors (only on (very rough) coarse chip roads, it is fine on smooth roads).
Tyre noise in cabin when on coarse chip roads.
Ride is slightly on the firm side.
Engine revs smoothly and is fuel efficient.
5 speed automatic transmission is refined.
Air conditioning is efficient and quiet.
Interior design and layout is funky and modern (e.g. digital speedometer, blue dash lighting)
Cabin is roomy (by compact car standards).
Fit and finish generally top notch. Good quality materials used.
No stability control available (available in some markets).
Audio system sounds great (it is part of the dash so it is not changeable). Includes auxiliary socket.
Cabin is reasonably quiet by small car standards.
I totally agree with your write up and was wondering if anyone else had that click when shift from R to D.
Hi all,
An update on the original review after 8000 kms of motoring.
Anyone else who also has the same car, please share your thoughts and observations. Thanks.
Some observations:
Handling/Suspension
- Great car for long distance driving. Seems quite stable.
- When doing a fairly hard stop, there is a loud "spring" sound coming from the engine bay. ABS?
Engine
- fuel economy and throttle response have improved. AC is on most of the time.
- when engine is under load (e.g. going up a hill) there is a faint "rattling" from the engine. Is this normal?
Tyres
- good tyre wear. Will change to a quieter tyre (less sporty) as OEM tyres seem to be noisy over gravel roads.
Interior/Exterior
- no parts or bits have broken or fallen off or stopped working (which is good)
However, I'm starting to get a few interior rattles, pops, squeaks here and there. The car was rattle and squeak free until about 1500 kms. I do travel on coarse gravel roads sometimes so maybe this makes it worse? The car is also parked in the hot sun most of the day (but with a sunshade). Anyone else had similar rattles, squeaks? Here they are:
- Radio / AC console - occasionally makes plastic popping sounds going over bumps in road and creaks if you press on the plastic.
- Dashboard - occasional pop and squeaking from the vicinity of windscreen vent / air bag cover area. Seems to be sensitive to ambient temperature.
- Something near the steering wheel is popping/ rattling when I go over bumps.
- Doors - continuous metallic buzzing sound in door trims when going over rough roads (otherwise quiet)
I am intending to get the above rattle/squeaks fixed during the major service (10,000 kms). Note that when travelling on a smooth road, the interior is very quiet.
Summary.
I believe the above issues are relatively minor and fixable so this shouldn't dissuade prospective Civic buyers in considering one. This car is feature packed and great value for money. Remember, cars are a mass-produced item and nothing is going to be perfect!
I agree with the click sound when changing into reverse. I have no problem with this.
This Civic is a fantastic car. It great looks inside and out, has tremendous road handling, a smooth auto transmission and a peppy and eager engine that is frugal on petrol.
A real winner.
Hello there.
I have an 07 march build Vti sedan 5spd auto, the clicking from the transmission happened since day one. We've come to dismiss it as a design fault. However, in regards to the trim and interior, it looks great and gives a quality impression the first time around. however after 7000kms with no real outdoor exposure (the car is garaged and I work where there is basement parking) the front passengers window fell off its socket. It had rattling problems from the left front door from about the last 2000kms. just be aware that the rattling may be your window regulator giving way. Another complaint would also be the vinyl trim on the door edges which already shows signs of peeling. Small problems, which somewhat tarnish a good value car.
Jim.
Hi all.
An update on the original review after the 10,000 kms dealership service.
- The dealership attempted to fix squeaks and rattles coming from the radio/ac panel, steering wheel area and the top dashboard area. It was found most of the sound was caused by an aftermarket alarm not being fitted properly (bits and pieces rattling inside the dash). After 2 days of driving the car seems to be relatively quiet and I hope the problem is permanently fixed!
Observations so far:
- Bonnet seems to attract stone chips (even though a bonnet protector is fitted)
- radio reception is average due to the built-in rear window antenna (a conventional or "bee-sting" antenna would be better - like on the Civic Hybrid)
- interior soft trim scratches easily (be careful!)
- Tyre wear is minimal so far
- 5 speed auto-transmission seems to be intelligent and down-shifts to the correct gear when slowing down.
- after getting used to the 2-tier dash, don't like driving cars with the normal analog speedometer any more
- a trunk release button on the remote key-fob would be handy (although this is available in some other markets)
Summary.
I recently drove a rental 2006 model Toyota Corolla sedan for a few days (not the all new 2007/8 model) and this made me appreciate how nice, modern and functional the interior of the Civic sedan is. So when shopping for a new car, make sure you test-drive the Civic.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site