1994 Honda Civic DX from North America - Comments

Radiator replacement at 200K.

Nothing actually "went wrong" mechanically or electrically with the car other than expected maintenance such as exhausts, brakes, lights etc.

I enjoyed the reliability of the car, which is why I bought it in the first place. If you're into car stuff, I replaced the motor with a DOHC model (b16a2 for those who are technical). But if you put aside the reliability factor the car is actually rolling tin can.

This Civic is pure junk and pathetic in many aspects. The ride quality of the car is very poor, it handles horribly in all conditions. I upgraded the suspension however this review is about the STOCK civic.

On the highway the car is very shaky and has a very uncomfortable feeling.

The seats are absolutely horrible to sit on (had to upgrade to integra seats)

When the AC is turned on the entire car shakes, you can feel it especially in the shifter. It's a very annoying feeling while driving.

Ground clearance is way too low, you're a snow plow whether you want to be or not.

Crash tests are very very poor. Don't expect this car to hold up in any crash situation. On a side impact it will crumble and fold like a cheap accordion.

I could go on more but I'll stop. I recommend this car because of its engine alone. Honda does make a very good motor, but everything else (even on their new cars) has a very cheap feeling. Gas mileage of the civic was 34/38 MPG (city/highway).

There are many die-hards on these cars, but I have no brand loyalty to them. Although I do recommend it to anyone. I sold the car and bought a truck. You can really tell the difference in build quality between the two. The honda is just not a "solid" car no matter how much you argue on it, this is a fact and people need to realize this.

It's funny you should mention how the car would hold up in a crash because I actually owned a 94 Civic LX sedan in which I subsequently had an accident. I was T-boned by a full size Chevy pickup doing what looked to be about 20-30mph when he hit me. It dented the passenger side door and some of the front fender and messed up the front suspension on the passenger side. I was unhurt and the car was totaled. The passenger compartment held up admirably well. Prior to the accident, the only complaint I would have had was that the car was a bit of a go-cart with all the good and bad that go with it. It handled well (with gas charged shocks-an option in those days) but was a bit rough on broken pavement and a little noisy. So anyway I don't think that the Civic deserved some of the criticisms here on this review. But I can understand if someone felt a little insecure in a small, light, low-slung compact. FYI: my Civic was only 2 years old when it was totaled so if some issues cropped up later for the typical Civic owner, I was unaware of them. Also my experience may not be typical of all people who have had an accident in one of these cars.

Regarding crash tests. I checked Automobile mag., NHTSA, IIHS, and NADA. No one tested for side impact so I'd like to know where the side impact info the reviewer had came from. I must not be checking the right source. The frontal impact data says that the driver's-side is 3 out of 5 stars and the passenger side is either 3 or 4 out of 5 stars, depending on the source.

"The honda is just not a "solid" car no matter how much you argue on it, this is a fact and people need to realize this".

That's an odd attitude on a car review site where the emphasis is on expressed opinions. In other words his opinion is just as valid as the next guy's but is by no means "a fact". Just because he believes something is true doesn't make it true, nor does it give him the right to attempt to close debate on the subject. He should be thanked for his opinions on this car, but just remember... that's all they are.

My experience with this car would suggest that it had more than just a well designed engine. It seemed well built in general. Noisy -- yes. But also fine handling and reliable. There are much smoother, larger, and heavier vehicles that give a strong impression of substance; but light weight shouldn't be confused with "flimsy" build quality. Most sporty cars would have to, likewise, be deemed flimsy for the very same reasons.

I'm sure the Civic isn't perfect. Mine had a heater control cable that broke at about 30,000 miles. That was all that ever failed on the car as long as I owned it. I only had it to 45,000 miles approx... but a fine record nonetheless. Note that the reviewer didn't find the car troublesome either (even after 200,000 miles)... he just FELT that it was insubstantial.

So to those who are interested in this car, read between the lines here in this review; you will find that this car served its owner rather well.