Honda Civic (2017 – 2021) Review

Honda Civic (2017 – 2021) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Honda Civic is a really solid choice in the family hatchback class. It drives really well, the engines are perky yet efficient, it’s pretty affordable and full with clever safety kit

+Bigger than previous Civic, independent rear suspension means better ride and handling, 1.0 VTEC turbo petrol is excellent while i-DTEC diesel is very refined.

-Magic Seats no longer a feature, 1.0 VTEC doesn't work well with the CVT.

Insurance Groups are between 15–22
On average it achieves 74% of the official MPG figure

You have to feel a bit sorry for Honda. The firm comes up with a car that looks as unconventional, as outlandish and as in-your-face as the latest Civic, and yet still, it can’t shake its image as the car brand for those with a blue rinse and a pension book. It’s a shame, too, because getting around in one of these is far more pleasurable than using your bus pass.

The fact is, there’s also plenty to like for those who aren’t quite so long-of-tooth. The styling might be fussy in places, but we like the fact that it looks like nothing else in the class, especially when that class is packed full of such conservative-looking machines.

One of the biggest boots in the class also means it does a thoroughly decent job on practicality, while the list of cutting-edge safety kit you get as standard might have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Honda’s record on reliability is the envy of the motor industry, which should provide plenty of peace-of-mind, and you get all this in a car that’s very competitively priced.

What’s most impressive about the Civic, though, is how good it is to drive. It’s comfortable enough to keep the family happy, yet nimble enough to keep its driver entertained. The engines, meanwhile, deliver a very tempting mix of flexibility, refinement and economy.

Don’t get us wrong, things are by no means perfect. The interior is rather drab, especially considering the glitziness of the outside, while the rear visibility is shocking and the entry-level trims are poorly equipped. The infotainment system, meanwhile, is nothing short of pathetic, and whoever signed it off should've fallen on their sword long ago.

However, while these shortcomings prevent the Civic being the best car of its type, they don’t prevent it from being a very good car overall. And if its attributes sound appealing to you, it’s well worthy of your consideration.

Ask Honest John

Can I have a courtesy car while my car is in for recall work?

"My Honda Civic has a recall needing minimum 2 days work. Car is just over 3 years old. Will I be entitled to a hire car? "
It is up to the individual dealership as to whether they will offer a courtesy car while repair work is being carried out, but we would suggest making it clear to the dealership from outset that you will require a courtesy car so they can ensure one is available for you.
Answered by David Ross

Which family cars are good for high mileage?

"I'm looking to buy a used car (<3 years old) that I can use for commuting (70miles 3-4 days pw) and can be used for family trips. My Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost 2016 is nearly at 100k and starting to cost too much to maintain (new cat needed & upcoming wet belt). I've only had it for 4 years so really want to get something that is more likely to keep running into higher millage without the big costs."
Given your mileage, a diesel car may be a better option for you and modern diesels are all compliant with upcoming and existing emissions legislation. With the ban on petrol and diesel cars now being moved back to 2035, there's less of a concern about their mid-term viability. In which case, if you like the Focus then one with a diesel engine could be the perfect option. If not, then Toyota and Honda models have superb reliability records and could well be perfect for your needs - the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a bit dull, but very capable and the Honda Civic is both hardy and fun to drive. We'd also look closely at the Skoda Octavia and Kia Ceed, both of which would suit your needs.
Answered by Craig Cheetham

What do you suggest as a good value but economical second car?

"We have a Honda CR-V 1.6 diesel that we like and gives us about 55mpg. We also have a Mazda 1.6 diesel worth about £2K. Can you recomend a vehicle to replace the Mazda preferably second hand and smaller than the Honda SUV that would also give us around 50mpg? We have about £5K to add to the Mazda value"
A Honda Civic will be a frugal choice. It's a very reliable hatchback, available with the same 1.6-litre diesel as your CR-V - our readers report an average of around 65mpg in the real world. Alternatively we'd suggest looking at a diesel Kia Cee'd or Hyundai i30. See here for real-world fuel economy figures: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/real-mpg/
Answered by Andrew Brady

What is the best used front wheel drive automatic?

"I'm looking to buy a used front-wheel drive petrol automatic for between £15k and £20k. Please advise which small/medium sized cars I should be considering. I have always driven manuals and so know little about which automatics are the most reliable."
A Honda Civic could be a good choice. Your budget will get you a 2017-2021 model with a reliable CVT automatic gearbox. We'd also recommend a Mazda 3 - it's a very underrated hatch available with a reliable torque-converter automatic gearbox.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Honda Civic (2017 – 2021) cost?