“Why are Honda Civics so popular?” is a question that most car owners consider when thinking about buying this car. The Civic has remained one of the most popular cars, continues to top the charts, and has also won multiple accolades.
There are different factors that contribute to the popularity of Civic models, from the fuel-efficient models to the reliable build quality. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why the Honda Civic models are so popular and why you should buy one.
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Why Is the Honda Civic So Popular?
The Honda Civic is so popular because it is a reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable car model that is available in numerous body styles and trim levels. The Civic is a popular option for anyone looking for a top-quality automobile and has won numerous accolades.
The Civic has an attractive design and is highly affordable and durable, so it would last for a long time. The car is safe and stable, with a wide range of aftermarket modifications. It also has a high resale value and a high rate of customer satisfaction.
Fuel Efficient
One of the reasons why the Honda Civic is so popular is its fuel efficiency. The latest Civic fuel economy is 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The cars come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower, which provides impressive fuel economy numbers. Along with the fuel economy, the engine performance is pretty great, although it depends on the model.
Durable Build
Every driver knows that Civic cars are really reliable. The cars have very high-reliability ratings, making them one of the best options among other compact cars. If you own a Civic car, you can expect to use it for a long time. They are cheap to maintain and reliable to drive.
The Civic also has impressive engineering, which adds to its durability. The cars are improved with each generation, with a focus on performance, efficiency, and safety. If you buy a new Civic, it will last for up to 300,000 miles or 20 years, depending on its maintenance.
Safe and Stable Build
Although most drivers prefer large cars because of safety, the smaller Civic models are known for their safety and stability. The Civic car performs well on safety ratings, and the sedan model has received five stars regularly from the IIHS. The coupe and hatchback are also top safety picks.
One feature that you can find on all Civics is the Honda Sensing safety technology, which is standard. All the latest models are equipped with lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection with automatic braking, and road departure mitigation. All of these would give you peace of mind while driving.
Highly Affordable
There’s no doubt that the affordable cost of the Civic makes it a popular option. When you’re shopping for a new or used Civic, it would be easy to find one that fits your budget. For instance, the 2020 Civic sedan goes from $20,000 to $28,000 from the base to the top trim.
The Touring model, which costs $28,000, comes with top amenities like leather seating, an upgraded sound system, and heated rear seats. It is a top choice for commuters on a budget and also comes with affordable maintenance costs. The average annual maintenance cost for the car is $368.
Attractive Design
Although the Civic is not considered an objectively attractive car, it comes with distinctive features that make it endearing to drivers. The car has a compact design with a chiseled aesthetic, which makes it popular among mainstream consumers. Many have described the Civic’s design as fun and sporty.
The interior of the car is also attractive. Honda has redesigned the cabin multiple times with a simple and elegant design. The legroom and headroom are spacious despite being a compact car. The cabin is fitted with high-end technology features and other fittings like a leather-trimmed interior, power-adjustable seats, a trunk tray with dividers, and heated front seats.
Aftermarket Modifications
The Honda Civic offers a lot of chances to modify it in the lightweight chassis and is widely available in the market. Drivers who enjoy modifying their cars usually prefer the Civic model, which is one of the most tuned cars in the world.
The Civic is the focus of many aftermarket modifications, so it would be easy to find something new to add to your car. You can change the factory Civic to a high-powered car. This is why the Civic is popular in the modding community.
The VTEC System
VTEC means Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control and is a system that causes the Civic engine to switch between different valve timing and lift profiles. So when your car is at a lower rpm, the engine runs on a less aggressive cam profile for improved fuel efficiency.
When you add more power while driving, like accelerating on the highway, the VTEC will switch to an aggressive cam profile for better performance. Due to this system, the engine has reliable gas mileage and plenty of power, making the Civic a special model.
High Resale Value
Aside from being a highly reliable car and having an affordable price, the Civic comes with a really high resale value. This makes it a well-sought-after car for those who want to make an investment. If you purchase the car, you can sell it at a reasonable price later on. Since the Civic retains its aftermarket value, it has a high demand in the used car market.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Honda Civic?
The benefits of owning a Honda Civic include the reliability of the engine and build quality. The car would have few mechanical issues and would last for a long time as long as it was well maintained. The Civic model can last for up to 300,000 miles or 20 years.
Another benefit of the Civic car is that it has won multiple awards. The Honda Civic has won the award for North American Car of the Year multiple times, as well as other awards. This shows you that you are getting a quality car when you purchase it.
Furthermore, the Civic is an affordable car to own. For one, the car has great mileage, which means that you spend less money on fuel costs over time. Also, the price of the car is affordable whether it’s new or used. The maintenance is also pretty cheap. The Civic features a spacious and comfortable interior.
What Are the Downsides of Owning a Honda Civic?
The downsides of owning a Honda Civic include the noisy sound on the highway. When you’re accelerating while driving the Civic car, you will notice that it is not the quietest car to commute in. Also, the Civic can be pretty expensive if you buy a model with all the features.
Also, the Civic car comes with a firm suspension, making it a bit uncomfortable on rough roads. Many Civics come with a bad engine mount, which leads to vibration, rattling, and roughness when you’re driving. The Civic design has remained the same over the years, which is not attractive to many buyers.
It’s also important to note that the Civic has sensitive driver assistance features, which can be annoying while driving. The Civic also has a vague steering wheel that can restrict your driving experience, and there are a lot of false alarms on the safety features.
Which Honda Civic Model Is Best?
The best Honda Civic model is the LX model, especially if you are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient car. If you’re considering the model years, consider those from 2020 onward, the 2013 to 2015 models, and the 2004, 2005, and 2011 models.
If you want a luxury car, you should consider the Civic EX or Si. Then, if you want the best performance, the Type R is the best option. The EX and EX-L, which are sedans and hatchback trims, offer the best value for your money with a fuel-efficient and powerful engine.
If you’re buying a used Civic model, you should avoid the worst models. These include 2001, 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2016 models. But for those who want a new release, the 2023 Civic Type R is the fastest and offers great performance. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 169 miles per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Older Honda Civic Models So Popular?
Older Honda Civic models are so popular because they are cheap to buy and maintain. Older Civics are popular among car enthusiasts and first-time drivers. You won’t need expensive repairs for your Civic, regardless of the number of miles you put on it.
Why Is Honda Civic a Target Of Theft?
Honda Civic is a target of theft because they are easy to steal, especially the older models. They have iffy safety features and don’t come with advanced features like keyless entry or engine immobilizers. The cars are compact and have a high resale value, making them a target.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering, ‘Why are Honda Civics so popular?’ our guide has covered all you need to know about this compact car. Here’s a summary of our article:
- Honda Civic models are so popular because they are fuel-efficient, have a durable build, and are fitted with the VTEC system.
- The benefits of the Civic include its reliability and durable build, as it would last for over 20 years or 300,000 miles.
- The downsides of the car are the noisy car while accelerating on the highway, the firm suspension, and the sensitive driver assistance features.
The Civic comes with desirable car traits like reliability, fuel efficiency, and cheap to maintain, making it one of the most popular cars. You can easily get the new and used models and their spare parts.
References
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