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

What does this car say about you?

In it's simplest form, this car is a 'blank canvas', and is one of the most easily modified cars going. The car seems to say 'I'm understated and I don't look too special, but when it comes down to it I've got a lot to give!'

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

As my parents were the ones buying the car for a new driver, they took safety and suitability into account, and seem to think that this car fits the bill nicely. My boyfriend used the term 'blank canvas' and he seems pretty fond of it; he likes the fact that it's a decent nippy little thing which has a lot of ptoential for modification!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would definitely buy this car again, as it's such a good all-rounder, but, being a woman, I'd get it in a different colour (I can't stand silver cars)!

What are you likely to buy next?

Having experienced this basic civic, I'm looking to buy the EK9, I love the civic style and reputation, but want more in terms of performance and styling.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,300

When did you buy the car?

November 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looking for a good first car for a new driver

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

It's comfy, the seat's pretty adjustable, and the suspension isn't too hard. It drives well in most environments, but sometimes has trouble in slow moving traffic, it doesn't seem to like 1st gear too much! It's pretty small size and robust shape means it's great to manouvre and the squat shape really helps with handling. The steering is fairly light, but responsive enough not to cause problems. It cruises nicely in 4th gear, but gets a little shaky at high speeds on motorways (maybe just because of its age). It's nice and revvy and pulls away with good acceleration.

What's it like to park?

Because the visibility is so great, it makes parkings a lot easier. Seeing as women can't park, I'm not really one to comment, but it hasn't been too bad!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only had one problem since buying it. The chassis and other areas such as the wheel arches were a bit rusted, and a huge hole developed in the mid-section of the exhaust. It was fixed with no problem

What's most practical about your car?

Visibility is great, the rear windows are huge and you can see almost everywhere, which is handy for parking

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The sunroof! It's unusual for such a cheap, simple car to have one, and it's especially great as there's no air conditioning! The head unit is also pretty good, I replaced the original one with relative ease and now I can link up my ipod which is great!