Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been a class-leading and top-selling compact car for decades, and it’s easy to see why. With a fun-to-drive nature, a surprisingly spacious cabin, and excellent fuel economy, this small car makes an outsized impression.
The Honda Civic has been a class-leading and top-selling compact car for decades, and it’s easy to see why. With a fun-to-drive nature, a surprisingly spacious cabin, and excellent fuel economy, this small car makes an outsized impression.
A four-cylinder engine has long been the heart of the Civic’s powertrain. Since the 2016 model year, buyers have had the choice of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter version making 158 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.5-liter mill, which offers a slight bump in power as well as better low-end torque. The lively Civic Si uses an even more potent version of the turbo engine.
Most Civics are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Sending power to the front wheels, it provides smooth acceleration without too much engine drone. Those who like to row their own gears will be pleased to learn that the Civic is one of the few cars still offering a six-speed manual.
Inside the cabin, the Civic provides occupants with more room than you might expect from a compact, and the materials and build quality are excellent for the segment. Since 2019, all Civics have been equipped with Honda’s suite of active safety features (dubbed Honda Sensing), which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. Prior to then, the system was optional.
Among the Civic’s strengths are its agile handling, its roomy cabin and cargo area (especially the hatchback version), and its quality engineering. It also achieves excellent fuel economy figures despite lacking a hybrid version in recent years (it was discontinued in 2016). And like many Honda products, the Civic enjoys a strong reputation for both reliability and resale value.
The Civic’s weaknesses are relatively few. Some owners complain about unwanted wind and road noise, especially at highway speeds. Others are turned off by the model’s polarizing looks, especially the extroverted styling of the 10th generation (2016-2021). Honda addressed the latter with a more restrained design for the latest generation, which first appeared in 2022.
Honda Civic Model Lineup
The compact Civic is Honda’s smallest sedan, measuring some eight inches shorter than the next size up, the midsize Accord. Also available as a hatchback, the Civic seats four comfortably and five in a pinch. A coupe body style was offered through the 2020 model year but has since been discontinued.
Honda sells the Civic in a variety of trims, ranging from the entry-level LX to the loaded EX-L and Touring versions. The sporty Si and high-performance Type R variants round out the lineup. (The Civic Type R is reviewed separately.) While a hybrid version was available through 2015, most Civics are powered by a conventional gasoline engine driving the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.
Popular Trims
Honda Civic Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
4.1
60 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Stacy H. from TN
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
I don't know that the airbags can be trusted to be safe. I am concerned about the car's electrical system being hacked I feel betrayed by Honda for not informing me of this potential. When I try to turn the car off the steering wheel obscured the start/stop button and I and up pressing the emergency blinkers button by mistake.
Annie M. from TX
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
The design of the steering wheel is not comfortable. Puts a strain on my thumbs as I drive with my hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. It is very frustrating that the back seats do not fold down!
Louis M. from IA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
I really like my new vehicle, and it seems to get better and better gas mileage the more I drive it.
Ronald V. from NC
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
I've owned one other Civic Hybrid, a 2003 model that got 4 to 5 mpg better than this 2014 model. I've had a minor glitch with navigation controls where the system would reset while I am driving as if I am just starting my vehicle from a cold start.
Margery L. from MA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
My other car is a Toyota Prius which fits my needs perfectly. Purchasing this car was a mistake but I thought I was buying it for my wife.
Erin O. from CA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
I love it. I love the great gas mileage. I love how it looks.
Ray T. from FL
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Honda Civic EX / EX-L Sedan
When I shift into reverse there is a delay. It seems too long. The driver's mirror reflects an image of the chromed airconditioning bezel. Seems like a design overlook, my wife has also mentioned it that it also bothers her while using the driver's side mirror to see oncoming cars.
Luther K. from TN
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
They really need to put a rear window wiper on the vehicle, do something about the blind spot looking out the left front window where the post comes down to the dash. I have heard some awful reports that the company will not honor the battery for the drive train. And I think Honda should be able to offer a life time warranty like so many of the other manufacturers do. The car is extremely under powered and every time I stop at a traffic light I wonder if the engine is going to start up this time. It has never hesitated so far but I still have that feeling.
Anne B. from TX
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
The only thing I'm disappointed with is the mileage. I had trouble deciding between a Prius and the Civic Hybrid, and the reason I went with the Honda is the way it drove, and it only listed 1 mpg less than the Prius. As it turns out, I am getting 7 mpg less than listed with the Honda. I LOVE my car, but that is the one thing I'm unhappy with, other than the fact that because it is a Hybrid, there is no spare tire, just a repair and inflation kit.
Danielle M. from CT
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
I also wish that the car I purchased had: rear cup holders and a rear window wiper.