1991 Honda Civic CX from North America - Comments

Like all Honda civics, beat them up, the engine will start to burn oil and fail...

If you plan to upgrade the performance of your car, get something else. If you drive too hard, you can be sure to spend a lot of money on piston rings, and head gaskets.

The handling is amazing.

Don't get me wrong, the mechanical components are good, except for the engine, which will be your worst nightmare. This is not typical to the 1991 model. They still have the same problem on recent models.

I bought a '91 Civic from my relative in 1998 with 72K miles on it, which was maintained by Honda dealers since new. Now it has 129K miles on the odometer. The Honda Civic is so overrated in terms of reliability and longevity. It has stranded me on the roadside twice with engine failure, and cost me $7,500 in towing, maintenance and repairs.

The following is a list of repairs: 3 timing belts along with 3 water pumps, 3 distributors, entire AC system (including compressor, condenser, and AC clutch), 1 radiator, heat shield over the catalytic converter, front/rear brakes, 4 tires, and 1 section of exhaust pipe. The Honda dealer in my area charges hefty price in maintenance and repair. I wish I have saved money and bought a base Toyota Echo coupe (no power steering, no AC, 5 speed) whose engine comes with timing chain, not a belt. If you want a reliable car that is cheap to maintain, buy a Toyota.

I once owned an 89 dx hatch back that had 190k before my little brother burned up th engine, (hole in the oil filter). He used to speed daily, 120 mph on the highway. I never had a problem with it. Only had to change cv axles and the ignition at 180k. Raced a mustang v6 and beat it, along with Chevy suburban. I now own a 91 civic hatch back the prior owner didn't take care of it at all. When I changed the spark plugs, they where almost part of the engine and the oil was black. I haven't had a problem with it since. Honda makes great cars and I haven't seen one yet that wouldn't go over 200k with minimal maintenance.

I agree civics are way over rated! I've had an 89 civic for 8 years and it has had 2 radiators, 2 water pumps, 2 alternators, exhaust system, timing belt, main relay switch, brake light switch, a/c condenser, fan motor, a/c clutch, thermostat, tires, brakes, 3 batteries and it leaks and burns oil. I previously owned a new 85 Toyota Tercel, and in ten years, it needed one muffler, one battery, and a brake job and tires - normal stuff.

I have always had good luck with Honda in general. I have owned 2 accords, a prelude, and now a 91 civic with 185,000 miles. My father has an accord with 225,000 miles and running. The are doing something right because most of the Honda's you see out there for sale have 150,000 plus on them and still pull a hefty price for their age. I put full trust in them. They always say, just change the oil every 3000 and you'll see 200,000. I hope to see 250,000 on my civic at least. Almost 14 years old and still pulling 33-37 mpg!! The car has basically paid for itself in fuel savings!

The engine is the best part.