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Honda Civic (10th Gen)

16-21 · Honda Civic

89out of 100

The 10th gen bounced back from the 9th gen's poor reception, dramatically better interior, a proper 1.5T engine, and Honda Sensing ADAS that makes it the safest compact on this list.

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.586/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.087/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A proper step forward for the Civic. The 1.5L turbo makes 174hp, gets 36 MPG combined, and is chain-driven. The cabin quality is genuinely competitive. Honda Sensing (pre-collision, lane keeping, adaptive cruise) is available from 2016 and standard from 2018.

Why it's on this list

The best combination of fuel economy, safety tech, and running costs in the compact segment. 36 MPG combined cuts fuel cost vs. larger commuters, the 1.5T is reliable, and Honda Sensing makes it feel like a much more expensive car.

The honest trade-offs

The 1.5T oil dilution issue (gasoline contaminating engine oil in cold climates with short trips) was real on 16-17 models. Honda issued a software update. CVT trims are the majority sold but the 6-speed manual is the cleanest powertrain. Turbo adds complexity vs. the old N/A engines.

What to buy and what to avoid

18-20 EX or Sport with Honda Sensing standard. If buying 16-17, verify the 1.5T software update was applied. Manual transmission trims avoid the CVT and the oil dilution issue entirely.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,100 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$368 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$173 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,880 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,440 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,421 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,981 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
36[5]
MPG city / hwy
32 / 42[5]
Engine
1.5L turbo 4-cyl (L15B7)
Horsepower
174 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
15.1 cu ft
Stock tires
215/50R17
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Also available in hatchback, coupe. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
15%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$368 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
62%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Honda Civic?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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