1997 Honda Civic consumer reviews

Face it, Federal regulations make all cars heavier than in the past. So my 1980 Civic 1.3 got 50 MPG and this one only gets 35. And the 1.3 accelerated about as well, too. But this '97 rewards with better comfort, crisper handling, more utility and astoundingly good reliability. Purchased used from first owner at 115,000 miles. Stack of receipts showed just routine maintenance having been done. Up to 210,000 miles, that's all we had done. Standard plugs, cap/rotor, tires, timing belts, that's it. Interior still looks like new (after we vacuum it). MPG about 34 city 38 highway with the five-speed transmission. Engine is weak, but always has been - with a Honda, you usually don't get zip unless you spring for the fanboy version called an "Si", then you have to tolerate a loud exhaust screaming at you. Ride/handling is a notch tighter/louder than other compacts: that's a Honda tradition. You can fling it into corners and get a lot less body lean than in, say, a Corolla. At 210,000 miles, the bushings are loosey goosey. We're going to replace the clutch, not because it's bad, but because it just seems like at this mileage, it should be. As long as it's out, we'll replace engine mounts and driveshafts, and hope this takes up much of the driveline slack. This car supports two people. Drive to/from work, store, long vacations, everything. We have two vehicles, and whoever leaves home first gets this one because it's so nimble and easy on gas. We don't change oil very often - just the 7,500 mile intervals recommended. In those 7,500 miles, it's only using a half a quart, and the stuff comes out fairly clean. This engine's durability is amazing.

Its a Honda Civic EX, Vtec, Automatic. Ive been having this lil honda for about 2 months and i got no complaints, its currently got 122,500 miles and still running great. I just did the oil change and it felt even better. Pretty nice performance for a 4 cylinder, planning to get the next generation when i graduate from college.

One word, RELIABILITY!The vehicle is a 97ex vtec. bought it from the 1st owner in nov 07 and now after 2 yrs, still driving strong. over 190k miles(mostly highway miles) now and its looking nice as it an be. love it black exterior and its grey and black interior. just love it!

Would not trade this car for anything. Purchase new with only 30 miles on it. Car curently has 61,000 mile. Have taken it on a 2500 mile trip to Montana fishing, through mountains and down country lanes and it ran like a charm. It got 43 mpg highway three time on road. Will take this car to my grave, in fact I may want to be buried in it so I can drive in style to the pearly gates.

Bought it new. Never had a major problem with it. It survived Fairbanks Alaska for 5 years even kept outside. Kind of lacking in the power area, but its a great "getting around town" car and still gets about 28-32 MPG.

I have a 97 civic with 360k miles and it has been the best car i have owned. I am even the original owner. This is a great buy especially for a first.

i love the car its very nice car, fast reliable and takes me everywhere i need to go so everyone should have this car and its the best one in the world.

I'm the original owner of my civic and it's been a great car. Currently it has over 206,000 miles on it and is going strong. It's been great not having car payments and I haven't had to spend lots of money on maintaining the vehicle. Most of my friends talk about owning american cars, if they held up as well as my Honda, I would give them a try. There is no doubt in my mind, that I will buy another Honda.

I bought my car at an auction with little over 72,000 miles . I work 21 miles back and forth from work and I work 3 days a week when I put $20 gas in my car , I have gas to go to work and to do my little shopping around town for the week. WOW! It is also cheap to maintain.

I bought this car new and have not had much maintenance besides what would be expected. The only exception is that the sun roof leaks when the car is parked in a downpour. It gets 32-40 MPG and has enough exceleration for turnpike driving. Most importantly, I was in an accident where a Toyota RAV4 hit the driver's side at about 30 mph. I was not hurt at all; the side protection worked great. Everyone should be driving this kind of car. I highly recommend Honda products.