1997 Honda Civic LX review from North America
"An overrated, overpriced car that has many people fooled."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine knocks loudly. Honda calls this "piston slap" and they say it is normal. It at first sounds like a monkey under the hood with two pipe wrenches. Then, a hollow knock begins, sounding like a two-by-four banged against a wall. Finally, it quiets down after about ten minutes. Sometimes it takes longer to quiet.
The engine computer (electronic control unit) had to be replaced.
General comments?
Honda is very overrated, and don't believe the hype. A relative owned this car before me for 25K miles, and I was the one who maintained it. The car has been perfectly maintained. I have gone above and beyond regular maintenance, yet at 50K miles or so, the engine developed a knock. Honda calls this "normal." They even have service announcements about it, and a representative read the memo to me over the phone. A local dealer mechanic tells me the engine is shot. Honda knows about this problem and is doing nothing. Check out reviews from Canada. They rate Honda far below what Americans say.
Recommended reviews
| Outstanding |
|
| A wonderfully reliable and fun automobile |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5L gasoline Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 25000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 64500 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Bonneville |
| Date of Entry | 15th April, 2004 |