Honda Civic (1979 - 1982) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I bought a stripped 1500 DX new in '81. The car was just the thing for college and a major step up from my old and failing Barracuda. While not the most exciting drive, the Civic delivered unsurpassed economy and reliability. Around town with the stick I got 34 mpg religiously and 39 on trips. Repairs over my 80,000 mile ownership included replacing the water pump and repairing a sticking parking brake, and THAT'S IT! When I sold it, rust was taking over the hatchback and the wheel openings but the general operation was still strong. If only Honda could build it again today.Aug 09, 2010

I bought this car used in 1995 with 140,000 miles on it in NY. Previous owner bought it in CA and drove to NY. I moved to VA and took the car with me. Now it's 2009 and the car still runs like a champ! Had the interior redone and some bodywork, never had to fix anything major on it. Gets 38MPG and with CA emissions low pollution. Best $400 ever spent! I want to buy another one!Jul 08, 2009

I bought this "beater" for the sole purpose of commuting between the train station & work. I wouldn't care if someone would be stupid enough to want to steal it while it was parked at the station all weekend long. * Performance - all sucks! * Build Quality - it's a Honda! it had over 150k mi. and was still chugging along... * Appearance - ugliest car I've ever owned... but I bought it for the purpose of "beating up" on it * Cost of Ownership - excellent gas mileage! * Fun Factor - HELL NO! Jun 27, 2009

This was the worst car I ever owned. Problems started a week after I bought it. The rear wheel bearings were grinding and the dealer would not believe me. I brought it in 5 times before the stupid car made the noise in front of them. They kept telling me I was crazy and imagining it. They finally had to eat their words. It was a semi-automatic and had no pep at all. I was afraid every time I drove it. At the end I had to put in a quart of oil every time I gassed up. What a nightmare. I know Hondas are supposed to be great cars but I sure got a lemon. Still won't buy a Honda because of this car. Jan 15, 2009

Reliabe. It went through hell and back with an owner who never really took care of the car. I'm sure that if I had taken better care of her, I'd still be driving it. Excellent mileage. The only draw back was the heating during the winter. When I reregistered my new used Honda ( a '92 Civic) with McFadden, the first question they asked was "What was the most noiticeable difference in the cars?" I said the '92 is faster? The service guy said "How about the heat?". YES, that was it. I t was a LOT hotter when I was driving ( and it was wintertime too). I had to keep my parka on when I went on long trips. When making the choice for my first car I first looked at Plymouth, Chrysler, Dodge. They didn't come close to the quality Honda had to offer on their basic model.Jul 31, 2008

My first car. I loved it. Bought it for $900 and drove it into the ground. Finally walked away from it and left it at the junkyard. Had to install home lightswitch to operate heater fan. Small hole in passenger side floor. FWD rocked in the winter. Handbrake turns are the business! Intstalled big ol'6x9 speakers in boxes in the hatch (more bass in your face!)Jan 11, 2008