Used Car Review: Honda Civic 2002-06
Conservative looks won’t excite but Japanese hatch will appeal to careful owner.
Early versions of the Honda Civic redefined the way we thought about small Japanese cars but the Civic launched here in 2000 was a much more dour effort.
The three-door hatch, considered so sporty in the previous model, was dumped and, in its place, the volume seller became a sensible five-door hatchback. The staid-looking sedan continued, too, but the hatch is the better buy even if it looks almost like a small people-mover.
Because the cars went conservative, so did the buyer profile and, given the choice, we would take a second-hand Civic from an older, careful owner any day.
One of the things that made the Civic a bit more grown-up was its interior space. The wheelbase was stretched 60 millimetres and, as a result, front-seat room, rear-seat legroom and luggage space were all good.
The other reason for buying the hatchback was under the bonnet. While the sedan got an 88kW version of the 1.7-litre four-cylinder, the hatchback used the same motor but with Honda's celebrated VTEC variable valve-lift technology.
It endowed the unit with 96kW and a little extra torque but also gave it a much more entertaining feel and ability to rev smoothly and remain refined.
A conventional MacPherson strut suspension replaced the sporty double-wishbone set-up of the previous model, giving the car a better ride and more interior space.
But with the improved ride came a softer feel - it no longer cornered as confidently.
Gearbox choices amounted to an acceptable four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual that was the driver's choice. VTEC is good technology but it does impose an obligation to ensure the engine oil is clean at all times.
Since it works on oil being forced through very small galleries under pressure, any dirt in, or thickening of, the oil will soon spell the end of the components.
Civics have been known to warp front brake rotors, which then need either machining or, more likely, replacing. The first sign is a vibration when you apply the brakes.
Check, too, for worn-out driveshafts as these can be expensive to replace. Any clicking noises on full left or right-hand lock while crawling forward is a sure sign they are worn out.
Rough running and vibrations on take-off could be due to broken or worn engine mounts.
The Civic was subject to a few recalls. The most critical one was to replace a headlight switch that could deteriorate with time and eventually fail.
There was also a recall to inspect cars for a fuel leak from the fuel-filler neck, while a batch of cars was recalled for a possible fault in the airbag deployment system. There was also a warning that the ignition key could sometimes be removed without the gear selector in the automatic version locked in the park position.
As a car for younger drivers, the Civic stacks up pretty well. It has dual front airbags but curiously only the hatchback initially got anti-lock brakes, which makes it an even more compelling choice. The sedan added anti-lock brakes in later 2002 models.
The Civic of this era had lost the sparkle that had once made it such a favourite. All cars eventually grow up but sometimes it's not much of an improvement.
Nuts and bolts
Engine 1.7-litre, 4-cyl
Transmissions 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
Fuel economy 7.3L/100km (combined)
Safety Rating: 4/5 (howsafeisyourcar.com.au)
Likes:
- Spacious, versatile layout.
- VTEC engine sparkled.
- Better-than-average reliability.
- Good fuel economy.
Dislikes:
- No anti-lock brakes on early sedans.
- Soft ride meant body roll.
- Where was the fun?
- The competitors:
Competitors
Toyota Corolla
Equally sensible and equally appealing to conservative buyers, so it's also a great used-car buy. Make sure it isn't a former fleet car and hasn't done a million kilometres in a variety of hands. Rating 3.5/5
Mazda3
Classier than average and a decent drive, too. Works well as an auto if that's important. Engine not the high point, though, and a little thirstier than it should be. Rating: 4/5
Ford Focus
Euro hatchback is a great handler let down a little by a lukewarm engine. Sedan is just ugly. Interior bland but they're cheap now and a good all-round buy. Rating: 4/5
What to pay:
Model Year New Now
Sedan 2002 $26,950 $5900
Sedan 2003 $26,950 $6600
Sedan 2004 $24,950 $7200
Sedan 2005 $23,990 $8400
Sedan 2006 $23,990 $9600
Hatch 2002 $27,950 $6000
Hatch 2003 $27,950 $6700
Hatch 2004 $27,950 $8200
Hatch 2005 $26,950 $9700
Hatch 2006 $26,950 $11,000
Source: Glass's Guide