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Honda Civic (9th Gen)

12-15 · Honda Civic

89out of 100

Honda's most criticized Civic at launch ended up aging well, the R18 is simple, the AC compressor is the main watch item, and prices are now too low to ignore.

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.588/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.081/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A compact sedan that received poor initial press for interior quality but has proven reliable in practice. The R18Z1 is a timing chain engine with no major known failures. ESC is standard. The main recurring issue is AC compressor failure on higher-mileage cars.

Why it's on this list

Extremely affordable to buy and run. Standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, and chain-driven engine at sub-$10k prices. A clean 14-15 EX is a strong value for a low-budget buyer.

The honest trade-offs

Interior quality was genuinely below segment average for its time. AC compressor failures are reported more often than other Civics. The 12-13 model years received more complaints. 14-15 are better built. Cargo space at 12.5 cu ft is tight.

What to buy and what to avoid

14-15 EX or LX with a manual transmission. Inspect the AC system carefully on any example above 80k miles. Avoid 2012 models if possible, build quality improved noticeably for 13-15.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,287 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$368 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$160 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,860 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,420 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,315 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,875 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
31[5]
MPG city / hwy
28 / 36[5]
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl (R18Z1)
Horsepower
140 hp
Torque
128 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
12.5 cu ft
Stock tires
195/65R15
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

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

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
17%[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
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
10%[1]
250k-mile survival
58%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$18 (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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