Honda Civics, comparing Asian brands (2013, Japanese, mileage, buy)

[robertpasa]

I've read in Consumer Reports or even Wikipedia that the Honda Civic has gone downhill in the past 10 years. Do you agree, and why do you think people say that?

I had a Toyota Camry 1984 and was happy with it. The only real problems were replacing the muffler twice. Then I had a 2003 Honda Civic which gave me very few problems. On both cars I had lower mileage than most people.

Consumer Reports actually picked Subaru has their favorite company.

I basically need a simple new car roughly similar to a Honda Civic for less than 20000 MSRP. It looks like a Civic LX is about 19k. Might I be happier with the analogous Toyota Corolla or Subaru Impreza?

I noticed that Kia and Hyundai cars are a bit cheaper, but aren't they slightly less good??

[American Luxury]

Yes, the Civic has gone downhill. The new generation is not as good as the 2006-2011 model. But don't get a Corolla, that's even worse lol. I'd highly recommend giving the Chevy Cruze or Ford Focus a chance. They've really come a long way in making compact cars.

[mancat100]

The 2012 model year was criticized for cheap plastic interior, boring design, numb steering, road noise and having fewer features than some competitors. That doesn't mean it was a lemon-in-waiting. It was a solid car, just not as good as it should have been. From everything I've read, Honda corrected all of those issues with the 2013 model. So it's competitive in its class again. I think you can feel pretty good about buying a 2013.

[Pretzelogik]

Whooaaa horsey....the 2013 Accord and Civic have done abrupt U-turns and are once again highly rated by most if not all publications including Consumers Reports. http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...azda6-mkz.html http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...civic-sdn_2013

[johnfrisco]

Originally Posted by mancat100

The 2012 model year was criticized for cheap plastic interior, boring design, numb steering, road noise and having fewer features than some competitors. That doesn't mean it was a lemon-in-waiting. It was a solid car, just not as good as it should have been. From everything I've read, Honda corrected all of those issues with the 2013 model. So it's competitive in its class again. I think you can feel pretty good about buying a 2013.

I saw a 2013 model for the first time driving to work. It looks pretty damn good.

[High Springs Gator]

I love my 2009 Civic. It does everything right. The inside materials are first rate.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by robertpasa

I've read in Consumer Reports or even Wikipedia that the Honda Civic has gone downhill in the past 10 years. Do you agree, and why do you think people say that?

I had a Toyota Camry 1984 and was happy with it. The only real problems were replacing the muffler twice. Then I had a 2003 Honda Civic which gave me very few problems. On both cars I had lower mileage than most people.

Consumer Reports actually picked Subaru has their favorite company.

I basically need a simple new car roughly similar to a Honda Civic for less than 20000 MSRP. It looks like a Civic LX is about 19k. Might I be happier with the analogous Toyota Corolla or Subaru Impreza?

I noticed that Kia and Hyundai cars are a bit cheaper, but aren't they slightly less good??

The latest news from Car & Driver is that Honda is back on track with quality, as of the 2013 models. I'm surprised Consumer Reports rates Subaru so highly; a couple of years ago they said Subaru transmissions only go till around 150,000 miles, then need replacing. I'd still stick with Toyota and Honda.

[shocktop]

I don't trust consumer reports. I usually go on car forums and read what people are experiencing. Might want to check out the forums specifically for the car you want.

[ukrkoz]

I have to agree. After they started building Civics all over the world, brand went down. Apparently the latest newest one is sort of bettered, but now sure if you can even have it.

So listen to old wise man. Buy Scion Tc. Still made in Japan, still fun to drive, still reliable like heck. My son's 2004 still runs like a champ.

Or, if you want fency one, get that new turboed version. Not likely to be below 20K though...

[Sayantsi]

I think Hyundai has been eating Honda's lunch for at least the past four years - better product, just as reliable, and more exciting. Toyota has always been top dog in recent years, with Nissan close behind, but the amenities and value of the Korean brands is why they have been growing so rapidly while the main Japanese brands stagnate or even lose market.

Smaller Asian makers like Subaru and Mazda have always stayed true to their character and are also strong players because they appeal to certain buyers and have a loyal following for it.

Before I bought a tC, I'd take a good look at a Hyundai Veloster.