Honda Civic (coupe/hatchback)

pks1 · August 2000

what is the difference between the VX CX and DX
they all seem to have the 1.5L engine but differences in horsepower . What makes the difference whenthey all have the same engine. Is there a lot you can do to a 1.5L motor to increase power .

only1harry · August 2000

Look at my reply to your note on the Sports cars section. All 3 have differnt HP outputs.

You can turbo the 1.5L engine to get more power but not much else can be done to make a noticeable difference. It's often cheaper to drop another engine in it, like the Si's or the Integra LS motor. The 1.8L RS/LS/GS ('94-00) Integra engine swap is a commom one with '92-95 Civics because it fits like a glove and it has more torque than the Si 1.6L engine. The Civic hatchbacks are very light cars and benefit greatly from the 1.8L's torque (and 140hp). The Integra's engine is also better to turbo than the Si's 1.6L. A Civic HB with the Integra RS/LS engine are just as fast or faster than an Integra GSR (170hp) because it's 400lbs lighter. Of course if you have the money you can go for the GSR engine for your Civic HB, but that 'll cost you like $1500 more. The regular Integra non-VTEC motor is much cheaper and will probably run you around $3K at the most with labor. Just make sure it's a low mileage one or buy a new one if you can find it. You car will be a pocket rocket.
Otherwise I wouldn't bother modding the 1.5L. You 'll spend a lot of money and only gain a few horses. Not worth it. I would also do an engine swap before I turbo a 1.5L. With the turbo, the engine won't be as reliable, and it will cost you the same money or more.

theidiot · September 2000

i keep hearing different reports on the new civics, but most recently i've heard that honda IS going to put out a 4-door hatch for 2001. which excites me and kind of bums me out, since i just bought a vw golf 2 weeks ago--i would have waited to check out the new hondas if i'd known. (why are new models gaurded so darn tightly?) anyway, anyone hear anything about the possible 4-door hatch?

mzn · September 2000

Well, it seems Honda is going to make hatchbacks again in 2001 but I don't know about the 4-door part. The trouble is that it seems they aren't going to release any in the US for a few years after that.

isellhondas or other Honda folk, which rumors are true?

carlady/host

isellhondas · September 2000

Actully, these forums are the best source for rumors!

I did hear a rumor about a sub-Civic model, but, who knows?

mzn · September 2000

I think we'd prefer that these forums be the best source for facts! :-))

Let's rumor up a 5-door Honda hatchback!!

carlady/host

indyracer · September 2000

Does anynow the mileage intervals between timing belt changes on the Honda Civic EX?

moonkat · September 2000

yes, a two or four door hatchback with the type r motor, six spd stick or five spd auto.

frejolito · September 2000

Hi, i own a 1992 honda civic cx hatchback 5 speed color red with a/c and cd player AND STILL WORKING GOOD.

dudka · September 2000

it should be mentioned in your manual but usually they recomment to change the timing belt at 60 k miles. also, some honda dealers offer to change the water pump at the same time. this will save you money in case the water pump fails. since they only charge you for removal and installation of timing belt once.

isellhondas · September 2000

It's 105,000 miles and has been since 1997. From I think 1988 to 1997 it was 90,000 miles.

Only the very early models called for 60,000 changes.

It's amazing how big of a deal some people make this...!

rsparrow · September 2000

Honda is slowly updating their website. They list the 2001 Civic sedan, but the hatchback model is still the 2000. While there is a 2001 hatchback, it's sold only in Euope and Asia. Supposedly North America *may* get one in 2002, but I'm pretty sure you won't be seeing any NEW Civic hatchbacks anytime soon.

weasle · September 2000

There are pictures of all the new civics including the 5-door hatchback on the japanese and australian web sites. I believe I even see a tach and power windows and locks on the hatchback. Let's hope this makes it to the states for 2002!

phantomca · September 2000

I just bought a 2001 civic LX and getting 37 MPG. I drive about 200-212 miles a day. I agree with Dudka on how you drive determined the MPG. I don't fast accelerate after the light turn green. I usually drive around 65 to 70 miles per hour and most of my driving consist of 95% highway and 5% city. At one time I was using my car around the city with the a/c on (70% highway and 30% city) and got only 30 MPG. I have now...1,300 miles on my car.

Great commuter car and my carpools love it. It is a little bit underpower compare to the corolla. I bought the civic because I spend 4 hours everyday commuting back and forth....and love the interior. Corolla....plain looking.

only1harry · September 2000

We 'll never see the 215hp Civic HB Type-R here in the US

just like we never saw the current 185hp one. I 'm looking forward to 2002 and hope the hatchback will be available. That's when I plan to trade in my '97 HB DX which now has 109K mi. It's paid off but I know I can easily put another 50K on it without any major problems. I figure it will have about 160K by then and I should be able to get a couple of grand for it to put down on a new one. I just think HBs are very practical and offer tons of room in the hatch. I 'm very spoiled with the room in the back that I don't ever want to own a sedan. A regular trunk just seems too small to me now. We went away on vacation for 2 weeks and we couldn't fit 2 regular size suitcases in my wife's Mitsu Galant so we decided to take the Civic which after we put the 2 suitcases in, had room for more.

sunbird3200 · September 2000

I have been pondering about civic's and integra's for a while now and I'm on verge very soon to purchase one. I've found a 97' Integra Ls with a 5/speed and leather with 37k miles on it for 10,000. But on civic's the best I can find is a 97' Civic Ex with 5/speed and 50k miles for like 9500. Now I know an integra is faster and sportier so shouldn't it be more. Why is the civic so expensive I mean it's supposed economy right? Also what is a good insurance company for a 19/m on either of these cars. thanx in advance

only1harry · October 2000

The '97 Integra price sounds too LOW. It should be around $11.5-12K for that car. The price difference between an Integra LS and a Civic EX is about $3.5K when new. The Civic EX price is correct. The Integra has a lot that the Civic doesn't. It has 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, probably alloys, 1.8L vs 1.6L, etc.
Believe it or not the Civic EX has a slightly better resale value than the Integra.

igloomaster · November 2000

lately i've been getting an average of 25 mpg in my 99 civic cx automatic. doesn't that sound low to you? any ideas? i think i drive fine, and i certainly maintain the car. only 28k on it so far.

freakncrx · November 2000

Sounds like a great price on that integra. I don't know how much you know about cars but Acura is suppose to be Honda's luxury brand. Unless something is wrong with the Acura, i'd definitely get it at that price. Leather too huh, what other options?

Igloomaster.....It does sound a couple MPG off, unless you drive mostly in the city, or have a heavy foot. Maybe it is your driving habits, do you allow room to coast before coming to a stop? Do you pass cars if you take off at a red light, do you take the lead in traffic? I'm guess you know all this stuff already, but i figure it wouldn't hurt to mention. Are your tires at the proper inflation level, clean air filter? Do you let your car idle a lot? In the driveway on a cold morning, or in stopped traffic? Do you get behind old people who cant drive? Considering the amount of error in determining gas mileage, maybe its a little higher?
I dont know, this post is probably useless, but my 90 CRX Si gets about that mileage, but i have a 5-speed, with a header(wrapped), performance cat-back exhaust, high-flow cat, K&N air filter and peformance tires which all play a part in my MPG.
The more you stop and go the worse your gas milage. If you can predict when someone is going to stop and coast ahead of time, it will save brake wear and gas mileage. Just go easy on the pedal. Oh, also open windows are worse for your gas milage than the A/C. That's what i read anyway.
Have you checked your plugs to make sure they dont show signs of fouling(not likely i know)? Good luck figuring it out. And if you need a lift, just think of those Chevy Suburbans getting 8-10mpg. Happy turkey day.

dudka · November 2000

i get an average of 35 mpg on regular gas and a little more on the premium gas (about 37 mpg)in my 99 ex coupe with 5spd. the error could be, like mentioned above, in your driving style and traffic conditions. also, you are driving an auto. the above mileage is for shifiting at 3000 rpm and occasional high rev shifting. when most of the driving is at 5000 rpm shifts then my gas mileage is about 27 mpg. the speed at which you drive also determines the gas mileage. drive at 55 - 65 mph most of the time and you will get higher mpg's. after next fill up try to accelerate slowly (it will take you about 30 sec to a minute to get to 60 mph) and keep your speeds under 65 mph and you should see the improvement in mpg's if not, then you need a tune up.

igloomaster · November 2000

i'll check it all out!

igloomaster · December 2000

i have a 99 Civic CX hatch, automatic

it's freezing in Boston right now.

in the morning before work, i like to run out to the car, start it, crank the heat, and run back into the house and wait 10 minutes for it to warm up.

other than burning gasoline, am i doing any harm to the car?

dudka · December 2000

you are actually doing a great service to your car. even though the manual only says to warm it up for 1 minute, by letting the engine warm up before driving off, you are letting the oil lube up all of the internal parts before taking off. if you just start the car and drive off, you will reduce engine life over time.

igloomaster · December 2000

thanks!

I was worried because the manual also says something about letting it idle for too long...

mzn · December 2000

Just out of curiosity, igloomaster, what does the manual say about letting it idle for "too long?" And how long do they think is "too long?"

carlady/host

igloomaster · December 2000

i don't have it with me right now, but i thought there was mention of overheating in traffic or something...

mzn · December 2000

Okay, that's making more sense. Thanks, igloomaster, I didn't think it was 10 min in the driveway while the heater makes it habitable for you in the morning! :-)

carlady/host

rgreasy · December 2000

My daughter has a 91 honda civic sedan, 4 Jr, 92000 miles. the other nit the timing belt went out., and a local mechanic charged her $375 to replace belt. is this a fair price, or was she rooked? thanks in advance for any feedback.

only1harry · January 2001

Do you suppose our HBs are worth more now that Honda doesn't make one for '01? I think so. There was a guy in the sports cars/coupes section saying he 's been looking for a used g6 (6th generation - '96-00) Civic HB and couldn't find one anywhere.
rgreasy: $375 is high for a local mechanic to charge. My dealer charged me $405 including tax for the timing belt AND a new water pump. My Civic is a '97 DX. It's worth it getting a quote from the dealer first so you have an idea what local shops should charge which should be 10-20% less that the dealer. The dealer don't forget always gives you a 12mo or 12K mi. warranty on everything they do.
The front main seal (gasket) went on my friend's Accord (oil all over the place..). The dealer wanted $600 to fix it. He called his mechanic who said he 'd do it for $350-400 so he went there to get it done. In this case it's worth the savings! But for a $30 or $40 difference I 'd rather go to the dealer for big jobs as these and pay a few bucks more. Honda specialist shops are fine too.

only1harry · January 2001

Civics will get incredible gas mileage on the highway. I average 75-80mph on my 160 mi. commute/day and get 34-35mpg with 95% hway driving. My '97 DX Htbk has 120k mi. on the odo.
If I average 60-65mph I also get 36-37mpg. One time I drove like an old lady and kept the needle on 60mph, not a mile over for a whole tank of gas and got almost 39mpg!
I don't think I can do that again, it was very boring driving at 60mph and besides, I don't think the car is capable of getting anything more than 37mpg or so, right now. The suspension is not the same (cars settle over the years, alignment changes), I also have wider tires now. These all affect your gas mileage. BUT if I put the stock tires back on, did a tune up, cleaned the throttle body, use some good fuel injection cleaner in the tank, put fresh oil & filter in, do a wheel alignment, and drive it that same day, I 'd be able to achieve 39mpg again, no doubt in my mind. The car has to be in top shape though to do that.. and your car is new, so enjoy the great gas mileage. Follow the maintenance schedule and you 'll be getting it for a long long time (I do tune-ups and stuff my self and tend to procrastinate..)

phantomca · January 2001

This is a great site! I used to drive a 1990 Honda Accord LX and just sold it with 287,800 miles on it. My friend however still has her accord with 340,000 miles on it. I used to drive my old car between 65 and 70 MPH and let me tell you it is no fun while everybody pass you on the left.
Heck, I even have a trucker pass me on the freeway. In the last 100 thousand miles or so I began driving 80 mph constantly on my Accord. I got around 26 to 27 miles a gallon on the old car.
Now with my new Civic 2001 I am driving it a little bit harder. I guess I am used to the fast speed.
Say anyone here is experience with a hard start up? I mean when I turn the key the engine will not turn over till the 3rd try. I can hear the alternator cranking but the engine will not fire up. I also have to add 1 quart to my coolant reservoir since I got the car 3 weeks ago. I hope I don't have a coolant leak somewhere. I am paying close attention to the coolant reservoir to see if i need to add more in the next couple of week.

mpgman · January 2001

I'm looking at Accord and Civic along with the VW Golf in diesel and gas variety. What kind of mileage do you get with your Civic? Auto or 5 speed? Which model? Thanks.

phantomca · January 2001

I am driving a 2001 Honda Civic LX / auto/ 4 doors. The sticker on the window when I bought it new it say 38 MPG on highway. It depends on how you drive it too. There are several earlier post in here that talk about how much MPG they got with their civics.
I only use Shell 87 Octane on my car. So far my average is between 36 to 37.5 MPG and I only drive about 90% to 95% on highway. (210 miles a day commuting). The rest is just city street.
Hope this help mpgman!

scoppa · January 2001

I just bought a 97 Honda Civic EX last week and am regretting it. It seems to get poor gas mileage (around 22) and doesn't have much pick-up (its automatic and I'm used to manual). I used to have a CRX that I loved and ran into the ground, but this seems like a different breed. I'm thinking about turning around and selling it and buying a VW golf. Anyone have any comments?

carlady · January 2001

We have a topic to help answer that very question: VW Golf or Honda Civic DX HatchBack. See you there!

carlady
Host
News & Views and Hatchbacks Message Boards

only1harry · January 2001

That sounds pretty low. It 's very possible it needs a tune-up?

hoanvt · February 2001

Which Golf model are you talking about? What's your price range? If you want to zip around, you'd have to get at least the 1.8 turbo. This one can get expensive.

newshound · February 2001

If I were going to buy a used civic...1996 and later...what would you recommend? And how much should I be paying?

only1harry · February 2001

It all depends on the mileage. Go look at the kelley blue book prices on line (forget the url). If you want a little pep go for the EX model but you can't go wrong with the DX or LX. They 're all very dependable. I got a '97 DX HB with 121k mi. and I beat on the car a lot. Kelley blue book says about $5400 retail for good condition (not excellent) and $4200 dealer trade-in. Expect to pay $7-8k for a '96-97 DX/LX (106hp) coupe/sedan with around 60k mi. EX (127hp) would be around $8500-9500 but that baby will run like new. Try not to go to a dealer to buy one. Look in the paper and buy from the original owner if you can. If you go to the dealer make sure you come down at least $1,000 from the asking price because they 're ripoffs.

hothatch2000 · February 2001

If anyone is interested, I unfortunantly must sell my 2000 DX hatchback. I can't afford the loan. :-(

It is black, 5-speed, AC, Pioneer CD, has 18,100 highway miles (99% are highway) and the remainder of the warranty.

I am asking $12,000.
You can e-mail me at lilienthala@post.uwstout.edu if you are interested, or just post here.

I don't want to get rid of it; I love the car, but must pay off loans.

only1harry · February 2001

That's what I got, my mine is a '97 black 5sp w/AC. Got 122k miles on it with no problems so I can attest to its reliability. I 'm still on the original rear brakes and have only done 1 tune-up at 80k mi. I 've replaced the front brake pads once at 83k mi. The muffler and axle back pipe will probably be the next maintenance item but they have about another 10k mi. to go before they get bad. The CAT-back pipe is still in very good condition which surprises me since it's not stainless steel but regular steel and I thought it would 've rusted by now. A new battery is probably another thing I should replace (still good though) but these are regular maintenance items that most cars have gone through already if they had 122k mi. on them like mine.

melissa · February 2001

You may want to try Edmunds.com marketplace to list your vehicle for free.

Marketplace

igloomaster · February 2001

WOW. dealership service centers have the propensity to SUCK in the biggest way. what a bunch of liars.

I called the Honda dealership in Newton Mass, and they wanted to charge me $380 for 30,000 mile service (as recommended in the owner's manual).

I wound up going to the Honda dealership in Everett Mass, and paid $280.

z28man · February 2001

DON'T BUY A CIVIC

I had 98 Honda Civic DX hatch back.

The thing was absolute piece of junk. The clutch gave out twice in 5 months (my 78 Camaro Z28 has the origional clutch). The hood vibrated at idle. The dash rattled around like an old K-car. Fit and finish is very poor. The seats were very uncomfortable for long rides. The gas mileage on the highway is terriable if you go over the speed limit. The driver's door stopped working. Engine started making strange noises. There was more but I think you get the idea. Traded in the piece of junk after just 6 months to get 96 Ford Mustang GT which has be very reliable transportation but a little expensive on the gas. Don't get suckered by the over rated reputation for quality.

igloomaster · February 2001

I have a 99 Civic Hatchback, it's my second Civic Hatchback, and it's the BEST car I've ever owned.

NOTHING rattles or vibrates

GREAT MPG, especially highway driving at 70mph.

The driver's door works fine.

My first Civic went 150,000 on ONE CLUTCH

The seats are very comfortable

Fit and Finish are top quality

The engine is smooth and quiet

z28man, I think you must have purchased a rare lemon.

isellhondas · February 2001

Never heard of ANY of his complaints. Probably a Honda hater who has never owned one.

only1harry · February 2001

a Honda hater. To have all those problems with a Honda in 6mos is just mind boggling unless that car had fallen off a crane or the truck that transported it, then I guess it would be possible.
2 clutches in 5mos? what a joke, yeah right. How do you switch from a 4cyl 106hp Civic HB to a '96 Mustang GT 215hp? com'on..

I have a '97 DX HB with 123k mi. on it. I bought the car new 4yrs and 2mos ago.

I have the original Clutch and original everything.

The only things that are not original are:

Spark plugs, air filter, distributor cap, rotor and wires, timing belt (at 91k mi.), some hoses, front brakes and tires. All maintenance stuff. Still on the original rear brakes and battery! The only repair was an electronic speed sensor that went at 83k mi. and was covered under the extended warranty.

Gas mileage: 34-36 at 60-70mph, 32-34 at 70-80mph. I once got 38mpg on a long trip driving at 59-60mph and not a mile over that. I did get 30mpg once but I was averaging 90mph on the highway and gunned it at stop lights and abusing the car. I was actually trying to see what the worst gas mileage would be..

The seats are fine IMO but they use some more padding. I think it's more our bodies and backs that can't take sitting in the same position for many hours. I 've driven in older and cheaper cars for 5-6hrs straight without getting out of the car and I had no problems because I was younger, now 10-15yrs later my back is not the same anymore. I had to stop and stretch my back every couple of hours on the trip to Atlantic City (Casinos) in my brother's '01 Impala and I thought the seats were really nice and comfortable. Now I know it's me and not the car seats.

rae52 · February 2001

I have 35k miles on my '99 Civic DX hatch, 5spd.
It is absolutely the best car and best Honda I've owned to date.

No squeaks or rattles; Clinton Honda fixed my rattle hatch last year and that was the extent of warranty work!

only1harry · March 2001

I didn't have any rattles at all up until my car was in a bad accident (went over a truck's axle on the hwy going 60mph along with 11 other cars) with $5500 damage. My Civic had 50k mi. on it at the time and most of the damage was suspension and chassis damage. I have a rattle in the back that comes and goes but lately I haven't heard it at all like in the past 2-3 mos. I thought the car would develop many rattles after that accident but it didn't. The exhaust is also holding up very well now at 123k mi. Not bad at all for a regular steel exhaust.
Excellent commuting car especially for those with long commutes like myself. Have never been stranded or broken down. I 'll probably trade it in for a '02 Civic EX or LX couple towards the end of the year or next year. There is a great possibility Honda will bring back the hatchback for '02 and in an Si flavor as well! I may even get the Si HB if it's available, depending on what the sticker is.. I 'd be happy if they just bring the Hatchback with the EX 127hp motor.

schragem · March 2001

My '92 Civic VX (135k mi) is a great, great car. I just had to replace the O2 sensor, and now the mileage is back to 48 MPG on mixed (mainly hwy) driving!! It had dipped into the hi 30's, and I thought it was just getting older, but it seems that the problem was that it was burning too rich and no longer is that the case. Have had to replace only a CV joint (pothole), rear bushings, and spark plug wires as far as non-routine maintenance, and I love the styling and feel of this car. It could use a bit more oomph (95 hp), but it's still fun to drive. I hope to hang onto this car until they come out with a fuel cell car (just saw a commercial for it), which might be awhile. Don't know why they ever discontinued the VX, but I hear that there might be a hybrid Civic next year.

Honda Civic (coupe/hatchback)

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