2008 Honda Civic Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Not content to rest on its recent laurels, the 2008 Honda Civic adds three more trims to its lineup this year, bringing more luxury, more performance, and more savings to the popular compact car. Available in a sedan or coupe, the front-wheel drive 2008 Civic not only features a 110-horsepower, 1.4-liter inline-four gas/electric Hybrid model, but this year introduces the GX. Its 1.8-liter inline four delivers 113 hp and runs only on natural gas, making it the first and only car to earn EPA certification for zero emissions. The GX gets slightly less fuel economy in the city (24/36 to the 26/34 in the other trims), but makes you feel better about not polluting the planet. It also qualifies for tax breaks and perks, but is available only to New York and California residents.
Also new is the EX-L, a more luxurious form of the upscale EX. Both EX trims get leather trim this year, heated seats, and an optional navigation system (standard on the EX-L). The DX, LX, and EX trims feature a 1.8-liter, 140-hp, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard ABS brakes, 15-inch wheels, and dual front and side impact airbags earn five stars in crash tests. Base models start with power windows and locks, a CD/MP3 player, cruise control, and remote entry, and more creature comforts, such as leather upholstery and power front seats, get added as you move up the line.
Reintroduced last year, the Civic Si is the performance version, with a rear spoiler, sports suspension, performance tires, and sports badging. The redesigned Civic's aerodynamic exterior complements the performance of the 2.0-liter, 197-hp inline four. It gets a faster brother this year, with the expected arrival of the MUGEN Si. Developed in conjunction with MUGEN Motorworks, it upgrades the Si with a track suspension, enhanced front and rear damping, lighter aluminum tires, and a lower ride height.
It seems like the 2008 Civic is trying to please all driving tastes, whether it's a sedan or coupe, economy car or quick racer wannabe. Rumor has it a wagon version may be in the works. Drivers love the fuel economy, smooth handling, and styling, but complain of road noise, a rough ride, and cheaply-made interior materials.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Honda Civic
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by Kristin C
Jun 23, 2022
This car gets great gas mileage but also has power when you need it! Very few repairs as well!Jun 23, 2022
by Zulfiqar A
Nov 12, 2021
Honda Civic 2008 is undoubtedly one of the best cars you will buy. Awesome drive experience with ultimate comfort. It also is not hard to maintain the car. I really loved driving this car and would recommend it to others as well.Nov 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2020
This car is perfect for people with budget constraints as it would cost low as compared to its other counterparts, fuel-efficient and spacious. Also, Honda is known for its durable spare parts and strong body skeleton.Dec 19, 2020
User rating:
by Kristin C
Jun 23, 2022
This car gets great gas mileage but also has power when you need it! Very few repairs as well!Jun 23, 2022
by Zulfiqar A
Nov 12, 2021
Honda Civic 2008 is undoubtedly one of the best cars you will buy. Awesome drive experience with ultimate comfort. It also is not hard to maintain the car. I really loved driving this car and would recommend it to others as well.Nov 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2020
This car is perfect for people with budget constraints as it would cost low as compared to its other counterparts, fuel-efficient and spacious. Also, Honda is known for its durable spare parts and strong body skeleton.Dec 19, 2020
by Jake A
Jan 10, 2015
This car hasn't had a repair performed in 7 years and 70k of mixed driving. If this car had more road noise isolation it would be perfect. Easy ingress-egress, the driving position is great, controls are simple and well placed. Power is ok but at 38-40 mpg highway driving it strikes the perfect balance. It is as solid, rattle and squeak free as the day it was delivered. Handling is excellent. The interior is designed with high quality materials. The leather seats look new. I paid $23K for this car new and it's worth $10 to 11K today. For a small economical car I find it difficult to believe there's anything better. Jan 10, 2015
by Karthik G
Oct 01, 2014
look and feel of the car with internal lighting, sunroof and digital speed display is awesome. Of course being Honda it is very reliable, safe and have good resale value. Navigation system of this car is also really good. f Oct 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2014
The above stars are in relation to other sport compact cars. This is really one of the best cars I've ever owned. Reliable, fast, handles very well. Love the short throw shifter, and the engine response is instant, a very fun to car to heel toe.Sep 05, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 07, 2014
For a family sized sedan, Civics are stylish while being comfortable. It got me to Virginia and I was comfortable the entire time! They have little to no serious maintenance issues and only went to the shop to get routine oil changes. The money this car saved me in gas was incredible and most definitely saved me thousands of dollars after switching from an SUV. While not being incredibly sporty and fast, my Civic was a blast to drive and I would most definitely recommend these vehicles to anyone looking for a fun vehicle with great fuel economy. Aug 07, 2014
by jeff p
Jul 23, 2014
The most reliable and fuel efficient car I have owned. The interior is larger than one might expect, and comfortable. Great handling and visibility. Very good sound system. Convenient features like steering wheel controls; easy to see gauge cluster; heated seats; pass-thru back seat.Jul 23, 2014
by Anonymous
May 02, 2014
The honda civic is a great commuter car. I currently have 94K on the odometer, treat the car like crap, and have no issues. Just oil, gas and go. At 30+MPG how can you go wrong with the civic ?May 02, 2014
by Rick N
Feb 22, 2013
There is little one can complain about this car. Is comfortable on front and rear seats. The slight limitation of child seats in the rear still is better than other cars in its class and even others considered to be mid size. Will recommend and buy this car with eyes closed any time. Feb 22, 2013
by Krishna P
Dec 03, 2011
Has good high end power, lacks low end torque
Had a bad day at work? take the car out and let the engine hum around 5000-7000 rpm and the car comes alive and so do you
Typical Honda build quality.
Fun Factor - Great in the higher rev band could do with some better low end gearingDec 03, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 29, 2011
We love this car. It has no problems whatsoever.The tires are brand new and the breaks are new as well. It gets really great gas mileage too. It drives and rides really well. It has never been misused or driven hard.Apr 29, 2011
by Ian S
Dec 19, 2010
This was my second new Honda I bought-first car note (my first NEW Honda was an Elite scooter during college) and I liked it's futuristic design and it's dashboard. This felt about the same size as my 93 Accord EX 5MT sedan I had back in the day. This car was great around town but was great for road sailing on the highway. This car is easy to drive, inexpensive to own and has that Honda durability that gives you piece of mind. Even though I had a unique color/model/transmission combo and have never seen one exactly like mine, I'm sure there are some out there. I did however see numerous LX models in this color and a few automatic EX sedans in this color here and there.
I averaged 33 mpg mostly over those 70771 miles I racked up on my ride. Xochella was a great car for my first brand new car; the Civic has come a long way since 1987-when I had a Civic RealTime 4wd wagon. The new one looks quite impressive I must say-and I've only seen the coupe version camoflauged-but it looks impressive. Dec 19, 2010
by Leigh B
Apr 05, 2010
Intelligently thought out and Ok bit soft in the tail! Goes well and doesn't drink too much, nice lights, for a small engine, not lacking power, brakes and corners well roomy for it's size. Ac works well in the heat
Apr 05, 2010
by Brent D
Feb 16, 2010
Love the car. Great get up and go from the line, if not a lot of
torque. Smooth shifting, great ride, if only a bit on the stiff
side. An absolute blast to drive at the edge. Would buy again.Feb 16, 2010
by Robert M
Jan 08, 2010
It's a very practical, reliable and well-built machine that is a near perfect car for basic transportation. The build quality is great- so it lasts forever-, it gets good fuel economy (I average around 30mpg), and it comes equipped with anything you would need in a car. It also features an excellent handling/ride compromise, which makes it a fun car to drive without sacrificing ride quality. It's a great car overall, perfect for anyone looking for a practical and sensible economy sedan. And it's light-years ahead of a comparable Corolla or Sentra...Jan 08, 2010
by Manrique S
Jan 02, 2010
I would apreciate more torque and power before 5.600 rpm. Handling is great. Breakes are great for the street, but they wear off to quickly on the track.
Great car to drive, and the interior has one of the best designs I've seen.Jan 02, 2010
by Zachary A
Dec 14, 2009
acceleration in first 3 gears is great. Breaks are
consistent and strong. the interior is nice and
comfortable. The only downside really is that it only
takes ultimate. The car is quick and forgiving, overall a
great buy for anyoneDec 14, 2009
by YiMm W
Sep 23, 2009
good handling, good power, nice look, nice interior, low maintenance, fun drive, good acceleration, ok for braking but quality for color is poor. Overall, worthy for owner cost and I love my car so much la ha ha ha ha....Sep 23, 2009
by Ana S
Sep 12, 2009
Performance - great acceleration, great braking, great handling
Build Quality - no issues at all
Appearance - Looks great inside and out. Check out the digital dash
Cost of Ownership - good on gas mileage easy maintenance
Fun Factor - It is fun to drive?
Sep 12, 2009
by Pete B
Sep 03, 2009
Brilliant car - exceptional value for money. Just about right performance for a NA engine. It handles really well and is just a well balanced car in general. it is a Type R GT not a Mugen SI but they didn't have the option on this web page!Sep 03, 2009
by Rahul S
Jun 12, 2009
Civic is a wonderful car. This is the first automatic car I've driven and I simply loved the experience. The dashboard is beautiful and I dont think even BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Merc C, E classes, Volvo S80, VW Passat, Nissan Teana have a betta looking dashboard.Jun 12, 2009
by Ahmad S
May 17, 2009
there is a big issue in the Honda civic 1.6 brakes, this issue is fixed in the 2009 model.
except the brakes issue. the Car is excellent. price wise, build quality
appearance
fun factor
cost of ownership
overall the car is good for a 142,000 new car price
top speed is good tooMay 17, 2009
by Anonymous
Apr 13, 2009
Got a great deal on an 08, $18,129. My color, sedan, everything I was looking for and a super price to boot. It's quite a step up from the civic EX I was commuting in. What a pleasure to drive...and if I want gas milage in the 30's, I just step it down a bit. Really very happy!Apr 13, 2009
by Chris P
Mar 16, 2009
Very comfy to ride in. Lots of room for feet, spacious back seat. Good acceleration, great mileage. Ownership cost is great, the dealership changes the semi-sythetic oil for only 40 bucks. Controls are in easy locations. Clutch is easy to work. Honda is a great name and that's why we got this car.Mar 16, 2009
by Catalin M
Feb 14, 2009
This car is absolutely great for my current needs (and budget). Good looking, comfortable, enough power and the gas mileage is pretty good. I have it for 6 months now and no problems at all. Everything as expected. I can recommend the Civic to anyone cannot afford a Subaru :)Feb 14, 2009
by Jacques V
Oct 31, 2008
Dirt cheap. Highly reliable. Handles well. Quick acceleration. Good brakes. Manual transmission a joy. Gas mileage not as high as I had been led to expect, real-life experience of low 20's mixed driving.
Build quality seems high, if not too ambitious. Fit and finish fine. I think the lack of many extras included on my old BMW 740i(!) is an advantage. Examples: Controls for hvac are simple, rather than elaborate—i.e., no separate controls for right and left side. No wiper on rear window. No stopwatch on dashboard.
Good leg room for a 76" tall gentleman of nearly 260 lbs!
Good fun, quite happy.Oct 31, 2008
by Jonathan W
Oct 24, 2008
I was somewhat excited to drive this version of the Honda Civic when it was new. I did get my opportunity to drive a 2006, so it kind of disappointed me and left me with a less than favourable impression of Honda. The 2007 and 2008 versions are exactly the same as the 2006 I've driven all those model years anyways.
The best things in my mind from the Civic was visually. From the outside it was a good attempt by Honda to make a Civic stand out instead of being a derivative of the Accord or vice-versa. I was more impressed with the inside where a automaker finally had the courage to re-introduce the digital dash, no second guessing analog nonsense. After all I do drive a car with a digital dash, Toyota was dumb to not continue its very reliable digital dash. Its clear Honda uses 21st century technology to make this interior, the digi dash is so much cleaner and easy to read over even the good 80s digi dashes. The plastics are actually quite good too. So I did like the interior.
To drive...this is where I thought the Civic faltered. Power...if you drive the automatic version you will notice the transmission sapping power for your highway driving. In the city its actually a bit too jumpy, but for those high speeds the transmission is happy to delay your reach to 100 km/h when you feel its so close to that point. The handling surprised me as well, this felt on par with the 2003-2008 Corollas only difference was less body roll, more understeer. I heard Honda made this Civic more comfort oriented than the past, that is true this was the most comfortable Honda I driven...until I drove the Fit. Steering feel...one of the rare times where the Toyota Coroll(2003-2008)a had a bit more, Toyota of course not wanting to be defeated here made a more duller to drive car(2009).
Bottom line for me is, I'd take a Fit over the Civic. Very similar cars the difference is the Fit is the better performer with the only sacrifice being power, the cool digi dash and some space. In its own class...no contest the Mazda3 is my choice this is a distant second.Oct 24, 2008
by Timmy S
Sep 14, 2008
I love this car, wish had some more power but the car sticks to the road. I would suggest this car to people who are into imports and like car that can handle. I really don't have any dislikes, b/c you can mod civic so much. I really want to change the stock rims and maybe tint it for now, have lots of ideas and not the money so, we'll see.Sep 14, 2008
by Benoit C
Aug 29, 2008
Performance - Great for an 140 hp braking and handling are very good
Build quality - It's a Honda what do you think
Appearance - great appearance just nee to add skirt and a wing
Fun - inside is really friendly and love display of the RPM and the speedometer.
Finally it's a great basic car.Aug 29, 2008
by Daniel P
Aug 24, 2008
Overall the Civic is a great car. It accelerates quickly, runs on thin air and is built very nicely. The only thing that could be better is this sound system... no bass! Its fun because of how well it is to drive and it turns so smoothly:) I would recommend this car to anyone!Aug 24, 2008
by Usman M
Aug 23, 2008
Where should i start? I always wanted to buy a honda, and it hasnt disappointed... Looks great, handles well, gives good mileage. I also own a suzuki alto, which is good on congested roads but is a terrible car. This however is amazing compared to my alto. Its got a nice looking interior, and has good performance. Im totally staisfied so far.Aug 23, 2008
by Daniel A
Aug 19, 2008
i love eveything about my car...there are no dislikes. quality is great, everything is sound & solid. performance wise, the car handles great, has lsd tranny, and great acceleration, great upper RPM's due to VTEC. all in all, glad I purchesed it and the car is a fun car to drive!Aug 19, 2008
by Rick B
Aug 13, 2008
Great mileage. Comfortable and quiet interior for a small vehicle. Cute exterior, and we get a lot of compliments on the blue color of the Civic (it's almost the same shade as the blue in the Honda logo). It handles well except during very windy conditions, where the light weight lets the car get blown about a bit.Aug 13, 2008
by Ryan S
Aug 03, 2008
The Mugen Si is by far the best car I've driven. The suspension is solid, motor is strong, and the interior is simple, yet no loss in functionality. Given the price over the regular Si sedan, the Mugen is still just as fun to drive. The only thing that has happened is the head has been replaced. This was because in the few test drive miles it had on it, someone mis-shifted and bent a valve in the first cylinder causing a mis-fire. Honda replaced it under warranty. Thank God.
Overall, this is a great car. There are only a couple things that I would change; one being the engine displacement, I would rather it be upped to a 2.4 liter engine. The other would be a navigation system with more powerful sound system.
4 out of 5.
Recommendation: HELL YEAH!!!Aug 03, 2008
by Jeffrey T
May 22, 2008
Its a car that would want to make you jump in everytime and just drive at any distance no matter what. its economical friendly, yet you have your key performances that havent left the civic completely for all you motorsport enthusiasts. you still have the 2.0 liter i-VTEC 197hp engine that kicks in around a 4000rpm mark. sadly, you actually get around 172.9 hp and 121.3 ft lbs of torque. Even though, its a Great choice for a money saving and pretty powerful first car.May 22, 2008
by Pagkabuotan P
Feb 26, 2008
Excellent daily driver and lots of fun to driveFeb 26, 2008
by Kevin S
Jan 18, 2008
The 2008 Honda Civic SI Mugen is basically a Honda Civic SI with new body including rear fin, Racing wheel/pedals, short shifter, Cat-Back exhaust, Vtech 2.0L 4-cyl engine, and Mugen suspension. Doesn't sound basic and the ride is far from it. It screams to 87, after which it feels more like the Honda vehicles I've known and loved for years. However, give me a winding residential street and I can hang with a Porsche! For an older guy like myself, it also gives the practicality I need with 21/29 mpg and 4 doors (have kids - need 4 doors). Totally love it.Jan 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2007
Mine is an LX Automatic [not one of the trim options listed]. I purchased the car in mid-October in a bit of a rush after totalling my 2004 Camry. My primary objective was something economical to drive back & forth to work. So far I like essentially everything about it, although the driver's head rest took some getting used to. I like the driver's seat and steering column adjustment and the atomic blue color. The large digital speedometer means no more nagging about how fast the spouse is driving. Cruise control is so easy to set I use it almost all the time. The biggest surprise has been the gas mileage. With holiday and event travel we've put nearly 2000 miles on it. I drive "gently" -- no fast take-offs, no hard stops -- and so far am getting about 33 mpg around town and 41 on the highway. I also like all the built in security features and monitoring of the oil, the tire pressure, etc.Dec 13, 2007
2008 Honda Civic Pricing
Original MSRP
N/APrice range
$6,541 to $6,940Average price on CG
$6,605YoY price change
$6,637 to $6,605Trims & specs
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