Rep Power: 312

Just a general question here.. I just bought a brand new 2002 EX Coupe MT, its a week old today.

I knew from the beginning that it wasnt going to be a speed demon, but I wanted something reliable and fuel efficient for my daily driver. When ever I speak to anyone about cars, they never really say anything bad about Hondas, in fact they usually have praise for them. From my personal experience(1987 2.0 Prelude Si and my sisters 1998 Prelude) and all the people I know who own or previously owned a Honda they say theyre about as reliable as a car can get. Does this still seem to be the general feeling you guys get now after buying your 2001 or higher Civic?

After reading many comments both here and other places I'm starting to wonder if Honda is going downhill in quality. Rattling, starting issues, defective struts, tranny problems, cheap paint, etc. Now I know its just an econo-box, but sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision for this class of car. Also, I know that typically you really only hear about the problems on the internet and not nearly as much praise.

Someone re-assure me that I made the right decision! All experiences good or bad are greatly welcomed. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 0

hondas, generally being cheap cars, have ALWAYS had those problems you mentioned. you dont find cheap paint that chips easy on a BMW. Why? because you paid 35 large for it out the door, and its a BMW. Creaks and rattles are common in ANY car that costs under 20K new (my car has aquired a few, but only after almost 3 years on stiff *** coilovers, yea me). Pkus any modifications made to the suspension/rims/tires can exaserbate those problems. Honda trannies have also always been known to SUCK. My 3rd gear synchro was screwed not after even 200 miles on the odo. It was fixed by honda for free, but its screwed AGAIN, and this time its no longer covered. Their drive axles are also notoriously weak (ie they brake if you make any decent ammount of power), as the clutches have always been geared to the wussy side.

Im speaking of course of the 98.9% of Hondas driving around north america. As with other car companies they keep their best products for their domestic market.

 
Rep Power: 0

BTW; Honda being the god of reliability is a crock of shit.

http://www.cnn.com/US/9809/16/honda.recall/

http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/a/00/184.htm

 
Rep Power: 0

well every car company has recalls, but Honda is still a good car company...like Joe said, it is a sub $20,000 car, plus its a new generation, so its going to have problems. Although, ive had my Civic for around 6k miles and i only occasionly hear a rattle and it doesnt bother me. Its a nice looking car for a small price, oh well if it has problems I still love it

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm happy with my Civic. Although I would have rather had the 6th gen body, it's still a good car. For it's price, it's pretty much the best overall. It's got a decent engine for its size, a 5-star safety rating, and good gas mileage. If you're wanting to do 8-second quarters, then the civic's the wrong car. But if you want a good overall car, this is one of the best choices, if not the best choice for its price.

My only objection is the body. I'm kinda wishing I had gone with a Lancer OZ just because it's SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!. haha. But I love those lancers.

 
Rep Power: 0

I am happy with it, I think they look really good and I also know that it will never be a very quick car. Overall I am glad I got it

 
Rep Power: 0

I just got my Civic 4 weeks ago and i already need to take it in to get a new tranny. My synchros are messed up as well, but other than that I like the car alot.

 
Rep Power: 0

I've had my civic for 6 months and I'm REALLY happy with it! I have not had major problems thus far, I hear a rattle or two but they don't bother me...I'm also enjoying modding it

 
Rep Power: 414

Learn to drive then!!!!!!!

 
Rep Power: 345

11,483 miles10 months not a single problem gripe, nuthing. I love my car.

And on the other side of Joe's honda reliabilty argument. my friends 96 Accord he got in 98. just hit 100,000 miles, without 1 problem (at all) i might add

 
Rep Power: 0

"My 3rd gear synchro was screwed not after even 200 miles on the odo. It was fixed by honda for free, but its screwed AGAIN, and this time its no longer covered."

-Me

THINK before typing. Or at least read.

 
Rep Power: 0

i never said they were UNRELIABLE, just not that they were supreme begings of quality that everyone makes them out to be. Using your logic, i can show you my point. My friends 92 escort just rolled over 200K. True the interior falling appart, but the engine/tranny is still original.

 
Rep Power: 413

I don't have any gripes about buying the civic. I know that it will last a long time. I feel it is alot better than other choices in the econ box group overall. The corolla and sentra are good but I don't like the style. The focus sucks, still waiting for hyundai to prove themselves, the cavy sucks also, i wouldn't touch kia with a ten foot pole, saturns are just eh, vw's are over priced and have electrical problems, mitsu and mazda have quality problems also (thought I would buy these!). I have not had a single problem minus some creeks in the car. No paint or tranny probs. I love my car and I hope it lasts a long time.

 
Rep Power: 0

well, i wasnt thrilled at the time, with all my initial choices gone out the door due to the outrageous insurance rates.

I had the car for whole 3 months now, and I must say it grew on me.

so what if it has no go, the interior door moves when you move the windows, rattles more than it should. Overall, I'm happy with the car

 
Rep Power: 0

The accord that I just bought my wife about 4 months ago is the 6th honda between the 2 of us. They all were and continue to be reliable. Only a few minor issues and a couple semi-major (cv-joints). However, replacing cv-joints at 120k is a wear and not a quality or reliability issue. I have watched family and friends that drive domestics whine and bish about their cars having problems and constantly needing service. I just sit back drive and get asked how many miles do I have now..

No, hondas weren't made by the good lord himself. Yes, maybe the current gen civics aren't quite as good as the previous ones. Is honda one of the best car manufacturers on the face of the earth? Yes, this is a fact that can't be argued when looking at reliability, durability, and longevity. Years of data and customer surveys back that up. There is no argument aganst this.

No, because honda laid out some fresh poopoo with the current civic does not mean that honda is going down hill. Look at the accord, crv, pilot, and the odysseys (sp?), heard about any quality issues with those models? No, and they are selling like hotcakes.

Outside of the rattles and first year problems with the vic, their isn't much to complain about. It seems as though most of the problems are associated with the first year's production run.

Lastly, any internet site devoted to cars will always exagerate and glorify any issue or weak area that a car has - period. Consumers seek out venues to voice their negative experiences. Heck, I looked at buying a golf before the vic and visited a few boards and talked to many owners. I ran like I was being chased by a killer with a chainsaw....

Honda and toyota pretty much got everyone in the reliability category. They have for quite some time and will continue to for quite some time.

 
Rep Power: 0

It will have to do for now until I pay it off

 
Rep Power: 0

After 16months and 25,000 miles I can say with my car.. I am very happy in pants!

 
Rep Power: 0

Honestly, when I first started driving my car I didn't like it... but the more I drive it the more it makes sense. Now I enjoy driving it but I wish I could afford to have it refinished.

 
Rep Power: 0

my 01 ex fits all my needs as my commuter car, its good gas mileage and cheap on insurance
after my accident a 21 year old in NJ pays a **** load in insurance so i needed an econo-box now that i learned it is necessary to have comprehensive insurance
its my third jap inline 4 in 3 years and my first two time i went with performance( eclipse awd and miata turboed) i cant compare it to the other cars ive had...god i miss my miata!!

 
Rep Power: 0

hell yeah, i love my civic
putting lots time on her and once its done, she will be awesome[IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

Just over 16K here, and I'm accumulating the warranty repairs for a big dealer run.

1) Trunk doesn't close properly
2) No radio reception when the defroster is on
3) Front end rattles
4) Deteriorating motor mount
5) Windshield rattles
6) Driver's window rattles even when up
7) Keeps popping out of 1st gear
8) Engine makes a disturbing whining sound after a long trip
9) Steering has suddenly started to feel loose and "uncertain"

 
Rep Power: 0

Today I went all excited to buy a new 2003 civic si (ex in the us) and I must say that the lack of power made me say no to buying one. They look good but the power they pack is weak as hell I mean I know there not a race car by any means but thats a little to slow for me. So I decided to go for a 98 prelude sh ya it's 5yrs old but its got the power that I want plus where I'm from they hold there value way better then a civic does.

 
Rep Power: 0

Check out the Mazda Protege...you might like that.

 
Rep Power: 312

Thanks for the re-assurance everyone. Seems as though most here are happy with their Civics, which makes me feel better. After looking around at other cars in this catagory I wasnt impressed. Sure some others had more power but lacked in other departments I was looking for. Thanks again.

 
Rep Power: 0

I had nothing but problems with my vic. Possibly one of the worst sample among all the members here. It seems that the quality variation is quite huge with these Civics. You might get one that's perfectly build and trouble free or vice versa. But that goes for Cavalier/Focus/Neon as well. With all the issues our members have it seems the 7th gens have a high percentage of bad samples for Japanese car standard.

When I buy a car I'm looking for consistency, meaning that a high percentage of the cars on the lot are built to within design specs...and that differentiates a more reliable car (or make) to a less reliable one. I can say that with the 7th gen the consistency level has dropped...and it's dangerous close to the way Cavalier/Focus/Neon are built.

 
Rep Power: 0

I just have to say there are no perfect cars. I drive my car everyday over very rough roads and over 21 speed bumps so the problems I´ve had with it can be considered normal. For me only problems are interior rattles (don´t even pay attention anymore, the car is 2 years old now) and that damn rear suspension, bouncy and noisy.

Other than that, engine and tranny realiability have been outstanding, I love the looks of the car, specially after fitting rims and tires, and even though everybody says the car is slow, just try finding another little 1.7 liter with similar power, compared with its real competitors (other compacts such as sentra, focus, jetta) it has quite average power BUT better gas mileage.

So, overall I still think the civic is the best in its class. In Mexico the only other compact I would consider is the Opel Astra.

 
Rep Power: 0

wow, Opel is in mexico

seriously, people. what's with the power issue???
you dont buy a civic for speed! (unless u go all out and mod it)

anyway, i have mine for a bit over a year, with 11k+ km on and I'm happy with it..
altho lately, whenever i see an echo, i want to get one and see if i can put a celicia engine in it

 
Rep Power: 362

my parents bought my car. so i cant really complain.
right now im working to get a 99 itr.

 
Rep Power: 0

I've had my civic for 16 months, with 21,000+ miles on it. I love my civic -- I guess I got pretty lucky with mine. I haven't had any problems with it yet. And the only rattle I have is from the plastic pieces from the CD installation kit. I love the gas mileage it gets. My Mom had an accord for 13 years; the only thing wrong with it was the a/c didn't work anymore. Honda's are definitely reliable cars and pretty cost efficient too. But for my second car (my fun, play car)... I'm going for either a GSR or an ITR.

 
Rep Power: 0

I like my car. It's not perfect but it's still a good car. Not flawless but still good.

Unless you live in Canada, there are no 99 ITRs. The 98s were the best.