1989 Honda Civic Hatchback review from North America
"Decent performance and great economy with a low cost per miles driven"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought it with a failing head gasket. Luckily the owner actually watched the gauge and didn't cook the head and warp it. Cam and crank seals were also replaced.
Correcting the stupidities of past mechanics, I have removed excess silicone sealer and put all the right fasteners back in the right holes.
Also I had the car quit at the gas station while filling. Turning off the radio fixed the problem. After repairing the wiring properly I have had no starting problems.
Radiator and AC condensor "rotted" out. (NE Ohio salt is to blame more than anything else).
Brake rotors, pads and shoes all around.
Upper control arms replaced at 130k miles.
Exhaust pipe broke recently just in front of the rear wheels (welded back together).
General comments?
Very well built and reliable car. I expect some things to wear out after 140k miles, so I'm not disappointed.
Still easy to work on despite the cramped engine compartment.
Fuel injection gives a nice 40 mpg on almost every tank.
Decent layout of the controls and seating, but still cramped for the 6 foot 4 inches of my body.
Well worth the $500 I paid.
Recommended reviews
| Honda has got to be kicking themselves for building such an excellent car |
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| Reliable, but not a sports car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 117000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 147000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda 626 |
| Date of Entry | 29th October, 2000 |