Used Honda Civic review: 2006-2011

That the Civic Honda launched in 2006 was the eighth generation of the popular nameplate says much about the small car.

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It's been around since the early 1970s and has become one of the most popular small models with Australian customers, but perhaps most important of all it says that Honda has heaps of experience building small cars. That experience shines through with the eighth generation, which is a great all-rounder that does everything well.

The Civic range takes in a broad range of models, including sports hatches and a hybrid, but the models most people are familiar with are the sedans that form the bulk the range. They begin with the VTi entry-level, the most popular model, and climb through the more up-market VTi-L and come to a climax with the range-topping Sport.

In an age when looks have at times been challenging Honda has made the Civic an appealing little car with clean lines and a smart shape. Inside, the cabin is quite roomy for the Civic's size and has an airy feel. Four adults can be accommodated in comfort, five at a squeeze, but only if really needed.

The dash and controls are well laid-out and easy to read and use. A 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine delivers an appealing blend of performance and economy in the VTi and VT-L sedans. For those who desire more performance there was the Sport with its 2.0-litre engine.

Both engines are free revving, willing units that are a joy to drive, coupled as they are with either Honda's sweet five-speed manual or the smooth five-speed auto. On the road the Civic is assured, with light steering and agile handling, and a firmish, but not uncomfortable ride.

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The eighth generation Civic was built in Thailand, not japan, but the shift in production doesn't appear to have any adverse impact on the build quality or the reliability.

Few complaints have reached us at Carsguide, which suggests that Civic owners are generally a happy lot. Regular serving is the key to a long and happy life with any car, but particularly so with the Civic with its high-tech engines.

Honda recommends servicing the Civic every 10,000 km, or every six months, which is more frequently than some other makes. But sticking to that routine should mean more reliable motoring over the long term. Check your potential purchase for a credible service record.

Honda recalled the Civic in 2007 to check the stop lamp switch, which was prone to failure, which could result in the stop lamps not working. While the Civic can be approached with confidence as a solid used car buy, it's nonetheless important to conduct a thorough inspection and test drive before parting with your cash.

Your visual inspection should focus particularly on anything that appears to suggest the car has been involved in a serious crash. Minor scrapes are not usually of concern, but a major crunch can often leave a car with issues that aren't necessarily visible on the surface. It's best to walk away if you suspect a car has been damaged in a collision.

When road testing your chosen car put it through its paces in as many and varied conditions as you can. That way you stand a better chance of identifying an issue the car might have before you're left with a potentially expensive repair.

SMITHY SAYS

A great all-rounder that delivers an appealing blend of performance and economy.

Honda Civic 2006 - 2011
Price new: $22,990 to $31,990
Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, 103 kW/174 Nm; 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 114 kW/188 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed man, 5-speed auto, FWD
Economy: 6.9 L/100 km (1.8), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0)
Body: 4-door sedan
Variants: VTi, VTi-L, Sport
Safety: 4-star ANCAP