Honda Civic Long Term Test: Everything I HATE... And Love

We've had this Honda Civic E:HEV for quite a while now. But before it goes home, we reveal the good, the bad and the ugly.

Looking for your next car? Auto Trader will help make finding your next vehicle easier than ever. Compare expert car reviews and recommendations, and find your perfect car through our official YouTube channel.

Check back for the latest new car reviews on everything from SUVs to supercars, plus
✅ the latest car reviews
✅ car advice and explainers
✅ used and new car guides
✅ head-to-heads

Want to be the first to see our new videos? Enable notifications

Looking for more inspiration? 🚗

[Adam.Piper]

To complain about grease in the door handles is a bit stupid - you might not like seeing it but it's there for a specific reason, and every single time the car is serviced they should reapply it. Sure it might not affect you but if you ever want to see decent examples around in the future it's little details like this that allow that to happen. After all one of the best ways to keep the cars carbon footprint low is for it to simply exist for longer...

[Thomas-lt]

I have had the base model now for 4.500 km. Paid 31.800.- € with pearl effect paint job as option. A comparable VW Golf would cost 10.000.- more. I got one of the few which were on offer - Honda seems to be unhappy with the German/Austrian market and does not supply many. I am really happy with it. In Winter I was driving short distances and the consumption was 6 l/100 km (you may convert if you like). But in town with a warm engine it can do with less than 3 l. Warranty in Austria 10 years!!!! Honda provided fantastic leasing and insurance. Best car deal I ever made.

[anicetusuzosike]

I’ve had mine for a month now and I love it, it’s very quick off the mark and very fuel efficient. I agree with you about the charging mat being slippery but since I have a cover on my phone, it sits perfectly. One correction I’ll make is that the boot mat is an optional extra. Great review.

[Ambienfinity]

Fantastic car -- economy, performance and it looks quite good too. I've had three Hondas -- total reliability.

[drytoon]

I watch your car tests from Belgium and I must say that they are really the best on YouTube. Clear, concise, documented, detailed but not boring, and objective. Thank you. Keep up the good work👍

[vcvkzzc]

Have had my Civic for 3 months now....and am seriously impressed. I traded in a 5 yo Golf GTI hoping it would be similar-ish. The Civic is a step change improvement. It feels spacious, swift and sorted. Ergonomically it's well considered, being practical, tactile and stylish. The hybrid set up delivers plenty of speed efficiently, quietly and with refinement. It sort of out-Golfs the Golf. Only grumbles are the over cautious lane departure system (it doesn't like crossing the centre line when you have to avoid parked cars) and the fuel tank could be bigger. Ps. Loved the Civic review/s Rory.

[ilijaristeski]

I have this car almost a year and I enjoy every minute driving it

[oliverlevano]

I had the Advanced version since October and after driving 12K miles, I love it. It is very relaxing and comfortable to drive and it allows you to drive quickly if you need it. I totally recommend it.

[jimmykim]

I just love Honda products. They are not perfect but they get the work done in style

[sutats]

That 0-62mph time is surprisingly brisk.

[damirstimac]

Having Honda Civic for two months now, I'd add to the "bads" that infotainment system is very glitchy: many times bluetooth disconnects while speaking, won't recognize my USB drive, etc. Furthermore it would be good to have an option to turn off predictive part of cruise control (as I believe American Civics can). Volume of a fuel tank is a bit too small (40l) - however it'll give you 550-650km range. And after all I'd agree that the road noise is the biggest deficiency. All in all I'm very happy with my Civic (fast, and responsive, while economical; comfy seats and ride even on 18" wheels, I feel safe in it; quite unique car). I'm not quite certain about Civic being expensive car: finding a hatchback with the equivalent power and equipment would probably set you off with even higher price.

[jroobz]

I wish honda did an SI version in the UK. it's the sweetspot between the hybrid and the type r.

[kaigordon]

Scrolled past your original review of this car earlier and stopped for longer than normal, really is a decent looking car inside and out albeit nothing that special. Glad it earned another video.

[LostChildOfTime]

I’m gonna hazard a guess that the wireless charging thing would be less of an issue for phones that live with cases on them. I love this car. I’ve already owned a Civic and had no plans of ever getting another one. But this one…

[janelle]

Thank you for mentioning about the boot lift not having an option for it to be electronic. As a person with limited mobility with my hands, I end up looking at crossovers instead due to the option of electronic boot lift even though I love hot hatches. This was a thoughtful observation on your part. Great and useful review 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[mcdick]

It's really a shame that Honda doesn't do wagons anymore :/. This as wagon could be quite a family vehicle.

[VincentGalbo]

I’ve got the Integra, which is pretty similar minus the amazing fuel economy (still pretty good though). I’ve been loving it. Interior is so ergonomic and it handles really well with enough power to be fun when I want a little. Sound system is also nutty. Fantastic car.

[AANation]

Wow that's such a big difference between manufacturer 0-60 and tested: 8.1 vs 6.8! Honda is extremely conservative

[alsayedfakhri]

This is basically the perfect family car.

[elmo]

I wish more reviewers would comment on the approach angle of these cars. The front drive cars with their super long front overhang and aggressively styled front bumpers do not give the best approach angle and this can often scrape in multi-level car parks or even some driveways and intersections.
Scrapes underneath the bumper don't bother me per se, but it's the thought of potentially misaligning the bumper that concerns me.