Honda Civic Hatchback (1995 - 2001) 1.4i 3d (AC) (1997/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Unfortunately, it came in from Japan with a big, fat exhaust which is really loud, so I guess it says that I have boy racer pretensions, which is untrue. Without this, it would say nothing at all about me. It is indeed quite a bland vehicle to behold.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Dunno what my friends or neighbourinos think, but my family all reckon it's the business. 9 years of daily service including commuting and many a longer trip, with almost no expense or issues at all? if that's all you ask of a car, than I can say nothing bad about this little motor.

Would you buy this car again and why?

nah. I'm too long in the tooth to be rocking a hatchback these days. I enjoy a bit more in the way of refinement, performance and styling etc. To go with my pipe and slippers! If I DID need a hatchback for work or some manner of practical reason, I'd get something with a little more poke. Civic VTi or Type-R perhaps?

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm pretty sold on Hondas right now. Recently acquired another 2.2L Accord Coupe (should never have sold my first one!!). Down the line, I'd like a Prelude V-Tec, or better still, a big ol' Honda Legend coup from the early 90s - what I deem to be attractive styling, a 3.2L V6, all the comforts I could want, and all coupled with Honda's awesome reliability.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

August 1999

Did you get a good deal and why?

I reckon so. It was a Jap import and so was specced higher than an Irish car of the same price - AC, all electrics etc. Atthe time, my Mom got it reasonably cheap too.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My Mom needed a new motor and drives small hatchbacks.

What was the dealer like?

Grand.

What's it like to drive?

Its fun to drive, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Steering is vague at best and incredibly light. A roundabout taken at speed is frigtening. In the wet, its nought short of dangerous. Understeer is always on the cards. All that aside though, its fine. its a 1.4L hatchback with stock suspension, small wheels and no tuning. Whadaya want? Its faster than taking the bus.

What's it like to park?

Perfect baby. Perfect.

Have you had any problems with the car?

We still own this car, and in the 9 years since we got it, the only guff it has given was a battery drain that has since been sorted. My sister owns it now and is less than considerate when it comes to maintainance schedules. So much so in fact, that the little Honda hadn't been serviced in nigh on three years! Unbelievably, despite the zero love it had been shown, it sailed through its NCT with no issues at all! I borrowed the car off her for a year, and when i got it, the engine had almost NO oil in it!!! Still never missed a beat...Ridiculous reliability.

What's most practical about your car?

hatchback and folding rear seats. All manner of luggage, kitchen appliances and drumsets can be squeezed it...

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

A/C without a doubt. Blows ice cold and is killer on hot summer days. Electrics are handy too.