2001-2005 Honda Civic: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Honda Civic
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (Si)
- Handling (Si)
- Build quality
- Fuel economy
- Visibility
Cons
- Steering feel (except Si)
- Rear-seat entry/exit (coupes, Si)
Vehicle Highlights
This perennial Best Buy began its seventh design generation with all-new models, offering front side airbags as a first-time option. Interiors and trunks grew in size. Sedan and coupe body styles returned, but the Civic hatchback was gone--at least for a while. The Civic lineup consisted of DX, LX, and top-rung EX coupes and sedans. The LX coupe was new. A high-mileage HX coupe also joined the group, as did a low-emissions GX sedan that ran on compressed natural gas (CNG). The sporty Si coupe was dropped, but would return after a year's absence. Civic's previous 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines gave way to 1.7-liter derivatives with 9 more horsepower for DX and LX models. The HX engine gained 2 horsepower. Civic EX models were unchanged in power, but gained a little torque output. All models had longer oil-change and tune-up intervals. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. The extra-cost automatic was a conventional four-speed unit, except for the HX coupe, which again offered Honda's continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a belt-and-pulley system providing an infinite number of "gears." Wheelbases were unchanged, but overall length was marginally shorter and all models were taller with slightly larger cabins and trunks. The standard dual-stage airbags were designed to deploy with force appropriate to occupant size and weight. Front side airbags were a line-wide option and included a sensor that deactivates the passenger bag if the occupant is not positioned for proper protection. Antilock brakes were standard on EX models, but unavailable elsewhere. Civics competed against the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda Civic LX sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2005 Honda Civic. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2005 Honda Civic.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Honda Civic:
A sporty new Si hatchback joined the Civic lineup for 2002, packing a 160-horsepower engine and measuring 9 inches shorter than other body styles. Offered only with a manual transmission, the performance-focused Si came with antilock braking, electric-assist power steering, a sport suspension, and a sunroof. Front side airbags were optional. Regular coupes and sedans got suspension revisions to improve ride and handling, as well as additional sound insulation.
2003 Honda Civic:
Changes were modest for 2003. Most Civics got new gauges, and the HX and LX gained a CD player as standard equipment. The LX joined the EX as the only Civic models with a height-adjustable driver's seat. EX coupes adopted alloy wheels and sedans gained restyled taillights. A Civic Hybrid sedan with a gasoline-electric powertrain joined the lineup as an early 2003 model. Honda had introduced a two-passenger Insight hybrid previously.
2004 Honda Civic:
All Civics get revised front and rear styling this year. Also, LX models get standard keyless entry and 15-inch wheels to replace 14s. EX models get standard alloy wheels, and the Hybrid joins the LX and EX as the only models that offer a height-adjustable driver seat.
2005 Honda Civic:
No changes were made on Civic in 2005, but expect a redesigned Civic for 2006.
Our road test for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2005 Honda Civic and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2005 Honda Civic is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Civic EX and Si are fairly quick with slick-shifting manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX and about 8.0 for more lively Si. Other models, including the Hybrid, have only modest acceleration, even more so when equipped with slow-shifting automatic transmission. The CVT is always smooth and keeps the engine working with impressive efficiency. Extended-use EX sedans with automatic have averaged 30.5 mpg. In an even mix of city/highway driving, an LX/automatic sedan averaged 26.8 mpg, an EX/manual sedan got 26.5, and an HX CVT managed 28.9 mpg. A 2003 Civic Hybrid sedan squeezed out 47.6 mpg. Though not as quiet as the Volkswagen Jetta, Civics beat most subcompacts in noise control. Road and engine boom can intrude at high rpm, but Civics deliver a generally solid feel. Handling remains nimble and assured. Firmer-damped EX and Si models have the best body control, but cornering lean is evident in all models. Tires furnish only modest grip, and allow mild wander in crosswinds and along road grooves. The sporty Si feels spirited, and avoids the floatiness of other models. Steering is a bit numb and overassisted. Coupes and sedans ride better than the subcompact norm. Suspension tuning is on the soft side, so there's mild float over large humps and dips. Most bumps register, but few are jarring. Braking with ABS is generally good. With its added interior volume, Civic moved from the EPA's subcompact to its compact-size category. Civic drivers sit on slightly higher and wider seats than before, which should aid long-distance comfort. Visibility is clear to all quarters, though the driver cannot see the car's rear corners when parking. Most gauges and controls are high and handy. Honda's exemplary ergonomics keep everything simple. Shoulder room is still lacking for three grown-ups in back, but sedans have comfortable head room. Coupes offer less rear head room and much less rear leg room than sedans. Entry/exit is simple in sedans, aided by their elevated roofline, but a squeeze to the rear in coupes. Trunks are spacious for the car's exterior size, but old-fashioned sickle-shaped hinges steal space and could crunch cargo, while the aperture won't swallow big boxes.
Value for the Money
Civic has long been tops for small-car refinement and driving fun, and the current generation shapes up as the best one yet. With its fine reliability records, Honda's solidly built subcompact is a hands-down Best Buy, despite a few workmanship glitches on test models. Competitors cannot match Civic's blend of comfort, refinement, excellent ergonomics, and fuel thrift. Strong resale values keep secondhand prices high.
Civic has long been tops for small-car refinement and driving fun, and the current generation shapes up as the best one yet. With its fine reliability records, Honda's solidly built subcompact is a hands-down Best Buy, despite a few workmanship glitches on test models. Competitors cannot match Civic's blend of comfort, refinement, excellent ergonomics, and fuel thrift. Strong resale values keep secondhand prices high.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda Civic LX sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Civic includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Civic .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Climate control:
The adjuster tabs for the center vents in the dash break off. (2001)
Engine noise:
Engine noise due to timing belt tensioner wear on 1.7L engine allows belt to rub cover and an updated tensioner is now available. (2001-02)
Seat:
The rear seatback lock may not turn or is hard to turn, requiring lock rod replacement. (2001-02)
Steering problems:
The steering wheel may be hard to turn or make noise due to a faulty power-steering pump. (2001)
Suspension noise:
Front coil springs clash, causing a popping, or knocking noise. (2001)
Transmission slippage:
The shift cable corrodes at the end near the transmission, making it difficult to shift and/or causing it to pop out of second or fifth gear. (2001)
Water leak:
Water may leak into the trunk because there was insufficient seam sealer applied to the fenders at the factory. (2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,895 |
| Brakes | $400 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $465 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $800 |
| Radiator | $200 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $815 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Civic details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Civic | $9,500-11,700 | $8,600-10,500 | $4,900-6,100 |
| Civic EX, SE | $11,800-12,700 | $10,600-11,400 | $6,600-7,100 |
| Civic Hybrid | $13,200-14,400 | $12,000-13,100 | $7,700-8,400 |
| Civic Si | $12,000-13,000 | $10,800-11,700 | $6,700-7,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| Civic | $7,900-9,800 | $7,100-8,800 | $4,000-5,000 |
| Civic EX | $10,200-11,000 | $9,200-9,900 | $5,300-5,700 |
| Civic Hybrid | $11,300-12,300 | $10,200-11,100 | $6,200-6,800 |
| Civic Si | $10,200-11,200 | $9,200-10,100 | $5,300-5,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Civic | $6,500-8,100 | $5,700-7,100 | $2,900-3,600 |
| Civic EX | $8,500-9,300 | $7,700-8,400 | $4,400-4,800 |
| Civic Hybrid | $9,300-10,200 | $8,400-9,200 | $4,800-5,300 |
| Civic Si | $8,500-9,500 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,400-4,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Civic | $5,400-6,700 | $4,600-5,800 | $2,200-2,700 |
| Civic EX | $7,000-7,800 | $6,200-6,900 | $3,300-3,700 |
| Civic Si | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Civic | $4,500-5,600 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,600-2,000 |
| Civic EX | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Civic include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | 101.2 | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.7 | 165.6 | 174.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.7 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | 56.5 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2405 | 2744 | 2421 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.9 | 21.6 | 12.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 | 37.8 | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.4 | 36.7 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.8 | 33.0 | 36.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All regular Civics had 1.7-liter four-cylinder engines, but ratings varied according to model. A 115-horsepower version went into DX and LX models, while the economy-oriented HX got a 117-hp engine and the EX four-cylinder made 127 horsepower. Honda's Civic Si hatchback, introduced for 2002, held a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter engine that produced 160 horsepower. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission could be installed in DX, LX and EX models, but the HX used a continuously variable transmission as the alternative to manual shift, and the Si was manual-only. The 2003 Civic Hybrid used a gasoline-electric powertrain, with either manual shift or Honda's continuously variable transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.7 / 102 | 117 | 110-111 | 5-speed manual: 36/44 CVT automatic: 35/40 |
5-speed manual: -- CVT automatic: 28.9 |
| ohc I4 | 1.7 / 102 | 127 | 114 | 5-speed manual: 32/37 4-speed automatic: 31/38 |
5-speed manual: 26.5 4-speed automatic: 30.5 |
| ohc I4 | 1.7 / 102 | 115 | 110 | 5-speed manual: 33/39 4-speed automatic: 30/38 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 26.8 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 160 | 132 | 5-speed manual: 26/30 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, England, Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Civic include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-2007 Honda Civic GX compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle:
In the event of a severe interior fire, the CNG tank may rupture, explode, and be ejected from the vehicle. Dealers will install a heat insulator material to the rear seat back.
2001 sedan:
A small amount of water in electrical connection of fuel pump could lead to corrosion and engine stalling. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001:
Fuel-filler neck may have insufficient clamping and could become dislodged in an accident resulting in fuel leakage and fire. Dealers will inspect and adjust hose clamps.
2001:
Two recalls for defective rear seatbelt buckles. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace defective buckles.
2001-02:
Air-cleaner box cover may be damaged resulting in a broken piece possibly lodging in throttle linkage. This could lead to erratic throttle behavior. Dealers will inspect air cleaner box for damage, locate and remove broken piece, and replace cleaner-box lid.
2001-02:
The headlight wire harness may overheat and cause the low beams to fail. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001-04 Si:
Incorrect washer on some front seatbelt anchors could restrict anchor movement, making seatbelt improperly positioned for certain occupants.
2005:
Incorrect washer on some front seatbelt anchors could restrict anchor movement, making seatbelt improperly positioned for certain occupants.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
