Honda Civic

scurrier · September 1999

I just got traded up from a 1990 civic hatchback. It had 122,000 miles on it, and was still going strong. No problems at all. I think you'll get a lot of miles out of it, provided it's been maintained well.

cool3 · September 1999

I was wondering if anyone has ANY info on the 2001 hatchback, or knows where to find ANY info.

occupant1 · September 1999

Rosam, the dealer is scared of you. They are afraid you might buy the car for a good price that they could sell to someone else for full sticker plus some. They made you fill out a credit application for four reasons. One, they wanted to make sure you could afford the car, i.e. no bankruptcies, etc. Two, they wanted to see what, if any, your current car payment is, so they know how much they can "bump" you to make more money. Three, they want to see what other dealers you have visited (and left credit apps at). Four, they want to finance you so they make money off that, too. They will tell you the car is unavailable and that they could finance you "for the same payment" on a more expensive Civic, work out the "details", and then switch you back into the silver one for the same payment as "this car you don't want", make an extra profit, and leave you stuck paying $18K for your $13K Civic.

I used to sell Kias, Isuzus (Hombres, Rodeos, and Troopers), and Subarus like this.

If the dealer took your credit app, then they have left an inquiry on your credit report. Too many of these and you won't get financing for anything. I know. I have forty or so inquiries all from when I turned 18 and they are JUST NOW dropping off, allowing me to get a VISA, a gas card, and financing for a television. The dealer wants ALL of your business. He might even stoop so low as to say the credit union is ripping you off with that 9% interest rate or whatever it is, try my financing...yadda yadda yadda.

If you get confused, walk away, come here, and let us help you. If you get worried, walk away. The dealer cannot stop you from leaving. Oh, and keep a spare set of keys to your trade-in. And sign NOTHING! Not even a test-drive form. If they are so worried about losing their car, go to another dealer. The test-drive form could contain a clause, "if figures are agreeable, signer will buy this car today", and you know what, that holds up in court, because if you say, "hey, I can afford that" then they will make your life he-double-hockey-sticks (but nothing will come of it). Just assume everything the salesman says is a lie and you'll be fine.

isellhondas · September 1999

It's easy to see what kind of a dealership Occupant worked for...

Wow! Is that what it takes to sell a Kia?

tonewheel · September 1999

A good friend bought a new HX coupe 2 months ago. Problems, galore. An "engine noise" developed a few weeks after she got the car. She took it back to the dealer: first time, they said it was a normal exhaust sound. second time, they said it was a bad bearing on the water pump shaft and replaced the water pump. Sound still there. I looked at it for her, and found the sound coming from the side of the engine, under the timing belt cover. She called the dealer who refused (refused!) to look at it again, because they said nothing else was wrong. I returned with her to the dealer, and you should have seen the eyes roll when they saw us pull in. We raised the hood, and listened. Not the water pump, boys! They replaced the timing belt tensioner and all was well...temporarily.

One week later, the car began a really bad, intermittent rough idle/severe shaking that would occur when the car was warmed up and driven to a stop (at a stop sign or stop light). She brought it back again, and they said they couldn't duplicate the problem. (Fast forward one week...) We got the Chicago zone office involved, and found the manager of that office to be almost as big a jerk as the service manager at the dealership. Still unresolved...she has a loaner that they are demanding she returns and she is refusing until they fix the car, or acknowledge there is a problem. At this point, they won't do either...which is incredible, because there is DEFINITELY something wrong with this new car.

occupant1 · September 1999

You got it. It took anything and everything. The GM kept all trade-in keys in his pocket and no one could leave without speaking to him. He would always give them to the customer but we salespeople could never give them to the customer. The customers would have to wait for 15-20 minutes and we would keep drilling them while the GM finished smoking, or eating, or reading dirty magazines, or whatever.

dae3 · September 1999

I'm glad I haven't had a dealership try that on me. I probably would have ended up in jail. I have way too bad of a temper for a trick like that. You and me would've rumbled.

(Imagine Music from West Side Story here for full effect)

isellhondas · September 1999

And I can see why some people are so leary.

There was a Chevy dealership is So. Calif that used to bug the offices to overhear conversations between spouses etc. I've heard of places that have thrown the trade in keys onto the roof!

emmagoldman3 · October 1999

Having moved to the Mid-west from New York
City, I am taking the plunge and buying a
car. I am aiming for a 1999 DX hatchback.

A trivial question--but what the heck is
the difference between a moon roof and a
sun roof? I don't want either--just to
know the answer. I asked one dealer and
he was non-committal.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Now if I could only get them to accept
a #3 IRT subway car as a trade in.

asdxere · October 1999

Has anyone bought a new 1999 or 2000 Civic with the new amber dashboard lights? Edmund's review says that the cabin seems dark in nighttime driving? Also, does the amber color seem
annoying versus white or green?

asdxere · October 1999

Has anyone bought a new 1999 or 2000 Civic with the new amber dashboard lights? Edmund's review says that the cabin seems dark in nighttime driving? Also, does the amber color seem
annoying versus white or green?

gia · October 1999

I have to say this site was the reason for my purchase of a Civic DX Hatchback. I couldn't afford brand new, bought 97. What a nice car love the way it handles. I always wanted a true red color and boy does it stand out. I got interested in buying a car when I saw advertisements for the Ford Escort. Thank heaven the salesman was rude and that the two 99 models were not on the lot. Because I found this site and looked into all cars. Then I thought what about the Kia Sephia? Well thank the Lord for all the comments on it because I immediately knew not to buy it. So I found myself everyday reading about the Civic Hatchback. I knew this was the right buy so thanks to all the people who take the time to post a message. It really makes a difference when someone doesn't kniow that much about cars. It was hard to find a used car lot with a Hatchback. If your in Louisiana go to Moss Motors in Lafayette off Johnston St. the friendliest people you'll ever meet. It happened to be the first sale for my saleslady. I don't know if I was more excited for me or for her. I had a Mitsubishi Mirage, 91, that I traded in. Never gave me trouble was just ready for something new. I am sure that I made the best purchase and also because my notes are only $214 a month. Thanks everyone, we have power to let other buyers make the best selection.

mzn · October 1999

Thank you gia, I'm glad we could help. Now you'll be part of the edmunds.com team by sharing your experience!

carlady/host

isellhondas · October 1999

Congradulations. You did good and dodged a couple of bullets in the process!

rcush1 · October 1999

Want a Civic CX (cause its cheap and so am I). I have an aftermarket CD to install, so all I really want now is power steering. Is it possible to buy a civic CX and add power steering as an option or do I have to buy the DX hatchback? If so, does anyone know how much it costs? Thanks!

daniell · October 1999

If you get a CX with automatic transmission you also get power steering. With the manual this is not an option.

rcush1 · October 1999

Kinda sucks 'cause I wanted a manual.... guess I'll have to fork over a few more bucks and get the DX.

punkintoze · October 1999

I bought my 98 DX hatchback with A/C (black, manual trans. bought through Edmunds' Auto-By-Tel in 8/98) a little over a year ago for about 12,500 (which included all charges, tag, title, etc.) I really love my car. I love how it handles and the gas mileage is great. The only thing I'd change is that I'd like a little more power - but then of course I'd be losing some of that great mileage.
All in all I am thrilled with it. It's very well-made. You can tell just by how it feels. Even the glove box is heavy and good quality - better than many other cars. I get really good comments on my car from others. They say it doesn't feel like a small car. I agree. It's a great ride.
I think once I'm done with my Civic, perhaps I'll try the CRV, if we have kids.I am likely to stick with Honda vehicles now.
Christine

sdillinger · October 1999

Hi!

I am going to buy a honda civic hatchback dx (2000). The dealer quoted me 200 over invoice for the car and 50 over invoice for the AC. I cannot find the AC invoice price anywhere. Is there an invoice price? If not, what does it cost the dealer to install? Or what is a fair price to pay? Would it be cheaper to do it outside the dealer? HELP!

Tiffany

lilkoon · October 1999

Does anyone know anything about the CX Hatchback? I can not find a pic of it ANYWHERE!!!

john2001 · October 1999

Lilkoon:

Go to Honda.com for a picture of a Honda Civic Hatchback.

igloomaster · October 1999

what do you want to know about the CX? I am a proud owner of a 99 CX hatchback, automatic tranny. I LOVE IT. It is very much like my 1990 model, but with small but major improvements.

kurtd12 · October 1999

Hi. I have another post under Civic VS. Golf I think from 10-25. Anyway, I've had my problems with my Honda Civic DX. In the first week of ownership, it was towed from out of my garage at home!! It wouldn't start after sitting in one rainy day. The dealership determined it was flooded, although I never touched the accelerator pedal.

Then there's the headliner molding inside the car. It doesn't line up properly and I see it causing problems down the road.

The door molding on the front passenger side had a stripped bolt that rattled at 65 MPH. It also was loose. Dealer fixed it to my satisfaction.

NOISY SQUEAKY belts!! Anyone else have this problem with their '99 Civic? After three trips to the dealership, they finally replaced a glazed over serpentine belt (spelling?). It controls the water pump, power steering, and A/C motor. It was so loud my neighbors commented on it. It sounded like the pistons were going to come through the hood of the car. Of course now the car's engine is as quiet and smooth as can be, so it's just a problem that I had with it. It's better now.

Finally, the rattles. I'm surprised, even shocked, by the number of rattles my Honda has. My 1987 Honda Civic had few rattles with 125,000 miles on it. What is happening to my beloved Honda Motor Co.? Slipping are they? I hope not. They make a good car, over all, albeit BORING.

I traded in a 1998 VW Golf GL for this Honda. BIG MISTAKE. I think that with proper maintenance, the Golf's engine will run as long as the Civic's. It's like there's a "teflon" coating over the Honda though, allowing it to withstand more owner abuse or neglect in the first 100,000 miles of ownership. After that, I think reliability is going to even out.

I miss my Golf a great deal after owning this Civic. I now realize the difference in driving styles: the Golf is fun to drive, and the Civic HAS NO DRIVING STYLE. This is PURE opinion of course, but it's a common opinion among owners.

If Honda came out in 2001 with a more exciting base model Civic that didn't strike me as boring, I would seriously consider it. But the previous generation Golf III, I find, is MUCH more fun to drive and rides more comfortably (great seats) than the current generation Civic.

PS - this is my fourth Honda, and yes, all of the other three have been flawlessly reliable. I regret ending my affair with the Golf though.

mskays · November 1999

Hi,
I am desperately seeking help in determining a fair price in Canadian dollars for a Civic DX hatchback . There is a 99 automatic on the lot and I took it for a test. No stereo in it. I was quoted 15,700 Canadian plus taxes = 18,400 . Is this a fair price to pay . I am not in the business of haggling. Does anyone know what I should ask for and how to ask it? Also would it be better to buy a 2000 in the long run?
Help

derrickwong · November 1999

I paid 15,800 cdn + taxes for my 98 Civic DX brand new with AM/FM cassette, auto, floor mats, and mud guards. I always thought I'd paid too much and could have gotten a better deal. Considering the 2000s are out it doesn't sound like a very good deal to me.

rex12 · November 1999

I just bought a 00 DX 5 speed with A/C for $13,400 (American)which included tax, title, and destination. I did not get floor mats, mud guards or a cassette but, if you go to www.manhonda.com you can get them (plus just about anything else for your Honda) for a fairly good price.

If you go to Honda's official web site you'll see the MSRP on their floor mats is somewhere around $80 and they charge $20 for installation (to put floor mats in the car! Comon!) Anyway, I bought them and had them shipped to my door for $59 the install took about hmmmmm... 7 minutes.

rex12 · November 1999

You should also know that an AM/FM stereo is standard equipment on the DX (at least in the US it is) If your DX doesn't have one, maybe you should ask why.

bdshort · November 1999

Dec 99 Motor Trend, page 23...

It's only one view so I guess it's hard to really get an ideaof what it will look like, but it looks nice... not sure if I like it more than the current generation models... Graduating from College in may and am looking at a 2000 Civic LX sedan as my first car ever... though I may look for a good used one if I find I wouldnt be able to afford the Civic... also looking at the Corolla and the Echo...
BTW unless I got a job near school, I'd be driving a long distance back home (Montana to Alaska), or wherever I find a job... so would you reccomend getting it a month or two before I graduate to get it broken in?

bdshort · November 1999

I meant, I'd look for a good used civic if I couldnt afford a NEW Civic... teach me to proof read!

igloomaster · November 1999

This is in reponse to a post from a while back:

My friend had a Golf, I had the Civic hatch. Both near the same year, same mileage habits and driving styles. We loved to compare.

Bottom line: His Golf was in the shop MANY more times after 100K than my Civic. All of the little weird things that are symptomatic of aging VW's started happening to his, and nothing happened to the Civic.

I am sorry to hear you've had some bad luck with your Civic. Sounds like you just got a bum one, which is unheard of by me. I recently bought a 99 CX and I absolutely love it. I couldn't complain about 1 aspect of this car, and I hope that Honda doesn't stray from their simplistic, efficient and well built designs of the CX/DX models.

This Hatch is the second I've owned, and as long as Honda keeps on with it, I'll stay with it. I love how simple and well laid-out all of the controls are. I love the way it handles. I've driven my buddies Golf before - and that is a scream machine, I admit, but not necessary.
The days of speeding tickets for me are overwith.
To me, the problems he experience with his [in conjuction with similar problems other family members had with their aging VW's] - it just isn't worth it.

derrickwong · November 1999

have more standard equipment. There are very little differences between the CX and the DX. I have no problems with the CX being bare bones but especially in the US (where the weather is a lot warmer than in Canada where I live), something like a/c should be standard on the DX. I think honda is lossing some business to VW because of this.

But for a cheap, reliable, and relatively fun to drive car, the Civic hatchback can't be beat!

compucar · November 1999

Is it possible to put bicyle racks on the slope of the Civic Hatchback?
Also, anyone compared the difference between the auto vs. the 5-speed? I test drove an auto and it seemed ok for an automatic. The dealer had no stick on the lot so I could not compare performance.

igloomaster · November 1999

I bought the automatic - my first one. I had sticks before. The automatic is great. I hate automatic trannys in most American cars; the Honda version is smooth and responsive. Very peppy for an automatic. The 5 speed is more sporty, and of course you'll have total control, but my left leg got sick of the clutch in Boston traffic.
All the best
Igloo

isellhondas · November 1999

I've never quite understood that one...

bubbawillie · November 1999

I'm presently investigating putting Daytime Running Lights on my 93 Civic Si. Honda does not offer an OEM conversion kit. I even called a dealer in Canada for the possiblity that a kit existed for converting vehicles registered in the U.S. (non DRL) to make them legal to register in Canada. The tech said he didn't know of any kit, but he did mention that the wiring harnesses are quite different and are not "pre-wired" for plug and playing DRLs. Can anybody recommend an aftermarket kit/manufacturer (such as Hamsar or Daybright) that seemed to work well, as well as the level of difficulty they experienced in installation. Thanks.

igloomaster · November 1999

...sorry...isellhondas;

What I meant was this:

I always feel more in control of how the "manual" transmission operates when I have a gear shift in my hands. The "automatic" transmission robs the driver of choices.

I like the fact that I don't have to use a clutch now...sacrificing total control...maybe i'm getting old.

bubbawillie · November 1999

Does anyone have "honda" experience (preferably with the 1.6L engine) using the FuelMaster (a magnet which sells for about $20 which clamps to the fuel intake line which supposedly breaks up molecular clusters which inhibit efficient fuel burning thus increasing hp and mpg) or the Tornado Air Management System (which sells for about $65 and is supposed to redirect and channel air flow for a better mixing and burning of fuel which again is supposed to increase hp and mpg). Both of these products have been around awhile, but I was specifically interested in what honda users experiences were with these products and whether either were worth the cost (I am much more concerned with the gains in mpg for my daily 80 mile round trip commute!).

isellhondas · November 1999

Don't be sorry...I knew what you meant and I was just kidding!

In the traffic around here, I too have become tired of shifting gears!

isellhondas · November 1999

Save your money! Every few years, these "gas saving" devices show up.

They do nothing except rob you of the dollars you paid for them!

dragway · November 1999

What do you say guys, which one do I pick?

rex12 · November 1999

Let's see a list of pros:

Honda:
Reliability
Resale
Fuel Economy
Looks
After market suppliers galore

Ford:
Horsepower
15" wheels
Remote Hatch Release
Tach
ABS optional
Cruise Control Optional
Power windows/locks optional

Depends on what you want, creature comforts when the car isn't in the shop or, a car that will rarely know what the inside of the service garage looks like.

rex12 · November 1999

I've heard that the Tornado actually inhibits air flow. Depending upon who you talk to, many "experts" claim that stock is best when it comes to air intakes. Although I think a K&N air filter is a very good investment.

igloomaster · November 1999

JIM

the body style CX for 1996 that you currently own has been changed with the 98's - 2000's.
I just bought a '99, and I must say that many of the above points you mentioned have been addressed in the newer models. Seat height still isn't adjustable, but I find my self a tad higher in this one than in my 90 hatch. Still no standard tach, but display/dash visiblity is improved. My '99 handles like a sports car - improved over my '90.
PLEASE stay with HONDA. FORGET American cars. FORGET THEM TOTALLY! Nothing outlasts HONDA, NOTHING.
I speak from experience. Anytime I strayed away from Honda over to an American car, I was SORRY.
Maybe not immediately, but definetly over time.

suransilva · November 1999

Pricing for LX and DX with options Almost the same. LX came upto $13945 and DX with options less than a LX $13310
For $635, u get lot more. I want to know whether I am right or wrong.

igloomaster · November 1999

check it out!
with all of this holiday highway driving....
my 99 CX hatch just earned a whopping 35mpg!
I drove 358.2 miles on 10.3 gallons.

YEAH BABY! I'm LOVIN' that!

igloomaster · November 1999

my cousin has a civic with 220k. brakes have been the only major repairs on his vehicle.

jefster · November 1999

anyone know if the 2001 civic redesign will include a hatchback? all the spy pix and articles i've seen mention a coupe and sedan, but not word one about whether the hatchback will continue to be offered.

jimjet · November 1999

In response to #480, the only difference in looks between a '96 and a '00 is the front air dam below the bumper. The only meaningful difference in specs are the wheels (13 to 14") and gas mileage in which the '96 is rated 33/38 (better). I get a true 38 mpg hi-way without trying. (And my '86 Accord 5-sp gets a full 36 mpg at 75 mph.) I believe if you read the car mag articles from late '95 when this current version came out that Honda engineers state that this Civic was intended to be MORE of an everyman's car - that is, a little softer ride and a bit less sharp handling - and a bit larger. Compared to the early 90's hatchbacks, I think its true. They were lower riding sportier models. The current model is more refined.
Jefster, it would be a shame if the hatch departs at the end of this model year. Still, if I was buying, I'd take my chances and wait for an all new '01 model. That way, it feels / looks new for several years and contains the latest technology. Also, if Honda cancels the hatch, the Focus is a reasonable sub.

igloomaster · November 1999

no offense; the focus blows.

honda civic hatch - i hear there is NOT going to be a cancellation; in fact they are thinking of a 4 door model, much like the Golf now.

mzn · November 1999

Another 4 door hatchback would be very welcome!

carlady/host

Honda Civic

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