1993 Honda Civic DX from North America - Comments

As soon as I purchased this car, I had a sudden leak in the oil pan, soon to be fixed for 300 dollars.

Immediately after was the suspension control arm on the rear driver's side, another 200 dollars to fix.

Shortly thereafter (approx 175000km) the control arm came the head gasket, which was a large job, costing me 1050 dollars. That lasted for about three weeks, and the head gasket went again, although this time it was on my automotive shop's warranty, so it was repaired for free.

All of the trouble with the head gasket (I'm sure of it) has led to the warping of the piston rings, so now it is burning oil like it's going out of style.

At 190000km, the ball joints, distributor cap, and timing belt were changed.

Most recently, 194000km, there was some serious wiring problems occurring. The daytime running module was changed in my headlights. I thought this may solve the wiring problem, but I was still having battery and alternator problems.

At 194500km, my alternator fried, making me change that and the battery. (Both were on warranty because previous owner had changed them before selling.)

Honda Civics tend to be great cars, it just happened to be that mine was a lemon. I would buy another one, because they are very economical cars, and are also quite sleek if you get in a coupe version.

Sounds more like your car was driven hard for the 170K km before you got it.

I agree with poster above. These are better on gas than smart cars and any diesel comparable in size. The only other car that has better mileage from 1985 to 2009 is the Geo Metro 2 door hatch with a 3 cylinder, and everyone knows they are not nearly as dependable.

Sorry you got a lemon, but good for you that you seem to be taking it in stride. I paid next to nothing for my Civic HB, and it has been wonderful. I love it. I've put gas in it 4 times in 3 months, it's great when the gas station is unfamiliar territory, used to stop every week and drop $20-$30... now I do that in a month. It's so awesome.

I have a GEO Metro and the car is every bit as reliable as a Honda Civic.