Comments: 1-15, 16
Nothing is wrong, not even a minor mechanical problem has bothered me thus far.
Despite having a small engine, the car accelerates very well with a manual transmission, particularly if the engine is revved to an optimum r.p.m. prior to shifting gears. The engine noise is a bit too high to my liking; the same is true of the 4-cylinder engines in vehicles of similar prices.
Beyond question, Honda makes the best manual transmission in the business and the 5-speed manual in my car is no exception. The short-throw shifter is quick, smooth, and certainly much better than those in all the vehicles I once owned.
Civic LX is not equipped with standard ABS. I always believe that a driver skilled in the threshold-braking and obstacle-avoidance techniques does not need ABS to stop quickly or steer safely a vehicle on an icy surface. What is needed is a set of good winter tires. I have fitted the car with Michelin Ice radials and winter driving is not an issue whatsoever.
Like other vehicles in its class, the paint of the car appears to peel off easily.
I had rented and test-driven a Toyota Corolla for a day before the purchase. In my opinion, the Civic offer a better value for the dollar than the Corolla. The shorter body of the Civic means easier and safer traffic merging, especially in tight conditions.
As expected, the car has required no more than regular maintenance for the first 50,000 km. I plan to keep it for at least 5 years.
I think that your opinion regarding ABS definitely sounds like
it is coming from someone who really wishes they had ABS, but don't.
I can remember 2 instances in my life when ABS helped me in avoiding accidents. I can only wonder what might've happened had I not been in a vehicle equipped with ABS.
I currently have one vehicle with ABS and one without, unfortunately the one I drive most in the winter (a Jeep) does not have ABS.
I certainly would feel better if it did. Heck, I wish it had stability control too. It doesn't. Well, it looks good anyway!
Peeling paint & no ABS, yes that sounds dominant to me!
I don't know I would match a 2004 Corolla against a 2004 Civic anyday. The Corolla has more power than the Civic.
The Corolla does not compare like you say it does. Just drive the two and you will see differences, plus if it helps at all, consumer reports rated it better. Peeling paint can happen on any car, and if you really need ABS, get a Chevy Corsica.
Consumer reports says consumer reports is better than the bible and that consumers who consume should read cosumer reports because it provides better consumer info for the diligent consumer who reads consumer reports.
All other makes > toyota & honda appliances.
Damn! I think we got a tongue twister.
I'd never base a decision on what ANY magazine says about a car. The only way to really know about a car is to have some experience with it. We've had experience with the Civic. We drive GM cars now.
Yeah exactly. We drove GM and Ford vehicles! Now we drive Honda and Toyota. And let me tell you that we are not alone. You can either work for GM and never had owned a Honda, or you live in Detroit. I do not believe that you would have switched to GM. WHAT DID YOU BUY? A PONTIAC SUNFIRE? ICK! A CHEVY VENTURE? CAVALIER? Just to name a few under performing vehicles from Detroit and I am sure there are a lot more I could list. I bet you were one of those people who bought a Buick Le sabre or Chevy Corvette or Cadillac DHS, then compared it to a Honda Civic. That is just pathetic because they are totally different cars, and you will never save those poor American cars. Don't get me started on Ford.
You know what's really fun? When I drive down the highway and pass a Ford broken down on the highway. I like to laugh and wave at them as they sit there with steam blowing out from under the hood and a green puddle under their car. Makes me happy that I drive a Toyota. The funny part is, that same person will probably make comments on this site that he has had nine Fords and none of them ever broke down.
"WHAT DID YOU BUY? A PONTIAC SUNFIRE? ICK! A CHEVY VENTURE? CAVALIER? Just to name a few under performing vehicles from Detroit and I am sure there are a lot more I could list."
WHAT DID YOU BUY? A HONDA CIVIC? ICK! A HONDA ODYSSEY? FIT? Just to name a few under performing, overpriced, inhabitable, plain, and ugly garbage cans from japan and heres a few more I can list yaris, camry, s2000 (10k per cylinder?),sienna, tsx, rsx, every lexus ever made, prius and... the toyota TERCEL. BTW I own a civic and a prius and they have both been quality nightmares.
Having had experience with the Civic I don't care to try another Honda. I prefer cars that are built a little better. Ours totally disintegrated at 90,000 miles.
We have had our Civic 2003 for four years now. I just hate this car because it is so uncomfortable and expensive, that I rarely drive it. True, it has not got us to the garage for minor repairs (with only 70,000 Ks in four years, how could it?), but it is not fun to drive. I hate the money I pay every month for this car that was designed by a lunatic who wanted penalty boxes for people who were stupid enough to buy Civics. I will never buy a Honda product again, since they may offer some more reliability, but ruin your back and kidneys from horrible rides and your wallet from expensive deals!
I purchased a used 2004 Honda Civic and have had no problems with it. Had the chance a few months ago to drive a Toyota Tercel and Camry. It basically confirmed that Toyota makes garbage for cars. I was very happy to get back to my Honda.
I own a 2004 Civic LX, it is a fun vehicle that has no problems whatsoever, wish I could say the same for my VW jetta, what a peice!
ABS actually does not work well on slick surfaces... i.e. ice and snow. It was not intended for winter conditions. But, definitely helps out on dry pavement.