1988 Honda Civic DX hatchback review from North America
"High mileage, low budget fun"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The muffler fell off at 160,000.
I also replaced the tires and brakes and gave it a new windshield at 160,000.
The valve cover gasket leaked, and cost $15 and I put the new one in myself in under 10 minutes.
Picked up a new driver's seat from the junk yard. The original was totally worn out.
New clutch at 192,000 miles. ($450 parts and labor).
Body is rusting everywhere.
General comments?
When I bought the car, it only got 32 miles to the gallon. After new plugs, foam air filter, Amsoil synthetic oil, and fully inflated tires it gets between 38 and 45 miles to the gallon.
The car is fun!!! 3rd gear does 94 MPH, 4th is 120 MPH and 5th just bounces off of 125mph. I'm guessing I've had it up to 140 mph. There is no computer regulating how fast you can go and everything on the car is stock. No performance enhancing equipment.
Hatchback allows bigger things to be carried in it. Rear seats and back rests can be removed in 5 minutes for more room.
Recommended reviews
| Cheap, nippy, easy to drive and handle |
|
| A very reliable compact car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5L inline 4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 150000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 195000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Celebrity |
| Date of Entry | 5th October, 2002 |