Review of the 2004 Honda Civic
Still a class leader, the 2004 Honda Civic is the most refined, solidly built economy car on the market.Pros
Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability and quality, impressive crash test scores.
Cons
Top-of-the-line models are pricey, antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.
What's New for 2004
In typical Honda fashion, the Civic receives a number of minor changes this year in order to keep it fresh. For the coupe and sedan, there's new exterior styling, including restyling for the front and rear bumpers, hood, headlights and grille. Inside, the audio speakers have been upgraded, extra sound deadening material has been added and floor mats are now standard in the LX and EX. The LX trim has slightly bigger wheels this year (15 inches) and standard keyless entry. A new value package contains air conditioning, a CD player and a new center console. For the Si hatchback, there are new headlight and taillight designs, larger 16-inch wheels and flashier interior trim. Like the regular sedan, the Civic Hybrid has updated styling, standard floor mats and improved speakers. It also has a new interior console with an armrest, adjustable rear headrests and a manual driver-seat height adjuster. Finally, all 2004 Honda Civic sedans and coupes have a new seatbelt reminder system.
Vehicle Highlights
Information shown for entry-level Sedan.
Fuel Economy:
City 27/Hwy 34/Comb 30 MPG
Max Seating: 5
Engine: 4-Cyl, 1.7 Liter
Transmission: Manual, 5-Spd
Country of Origin: Japan
Country of Assembly: United States
2004 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
By Don (MI) on Sunday, January 05, 2014Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This car is amazing. very reliable, good on gas and it is fun to drive. maintenance is minimal and it is very cheap. it looks very small from outside but it is very spacious inside. plenty of room in the back and there are four cup holders."
By Esther120 (CA) on Saturday, January 04, 2014
Pros: "Good price, reliable"
Cons: "Bounces more than a bigger car."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Best car I ever owned. Still runs well at 95,000 miles and 12 yrs old. Only had the usual repairs due to age, plus normal maintenance. it never overheated and the starter and alternator didnt burn out like in other cars. Had to replace shocks and being a small car, it does bounce more than a big one would. But it can climb a hill without overheating and never overheats even in summer. The air conditioner blower did burn out but was fixed. Decent mileage and nice upholstery. Would have liked a little more interior room but it is fine. Could use a slightly higher body off the ground because the big rubber gasket flap at the bottom front of the hood tended to get scraped and peeled off when the car touched the ground when it bounced downward when turning or going down a slight depression in the road. Otherwise its a pretty good car and I would buy another Honda Civic for sure."
By skyline44512 (Bowling Green, OH) on Thursday, September 09, 2010
"I have had this car for three years and have put $0 into it for repairs. Bought it with 42k miles and now have 85k. Maintenance is cheap, it never leaves me stranded, and I get 36mpg average. On a recent trip to Chicago we got 44.7mpg on small highways (around 55mph). It's very comfortable even on 1,200 mile trips in a single day. Good size trunk. My only critisms are that the back seat is a bit cramped from large adults (leg room) and the SOHC motor is underpowered. VTEC should have been standard on the LX."
By scomom (Fariview Heights, IL) on Saturday, February 23, 2008
"I have had this car for 4 mos. Having given up my Jeep Wrangler for something w/better mileage, I am pretty disappointed in the driving experience. Just another boring car. It has also caused me back problems as you have to "fall" into the car (sitting very low to the ground), and drag yourself out of it. But, my main complaint is that what I saved in gas over those 4 mos...approx $550...I lost many times over with the first mechanical problem...a commution sensor. Conveniently located between the engine and transmission, the cost will be $1300. It will take me another 6 mos. to recoup the cost...if nothing else goes wrong. All repairs have to be done thru the dealer...no one else will work on a hybrid...forcing you to pay outrageous labor/parts costs. Even if you buy this car new, and w/a 100k mile extended warranty, you will never recoup the extra costs. If you are buying this for the savings....look elsewhere."
By El Stevo (Dallas, Texas) on Thursday, July 12, 2007
"I've owned high-end cars for quite awhile, but bought the Civic to travel to and from work ... a 60 mile round trip. It has surpassed my expectations ... GREAT gas mileage, nice look (with windows tinted), adequate room (golf clubs fit nicely in trunk) and quieter on the road (now that I've changed to Michelin tires). The performance isn't shabby with a K&N air filter added and considering the size of the engine. I'd buy another one ... and I never buy another one!"
