Honda Civic

Name: 2008 Honda Civic
Brand: Honda

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The Honda Civic is refined and economical, with fairly nimble handling and a relatively comfortable ride. The aerodynamic styling of the Civic looks futuristic, but sacrifices ease of access. Pronounced road noise remains a complaint. Stability control is standard only on the EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models.

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Honda Civic

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet HHR

Chrysler PT Cruis...

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Ford Focus

Honda Civic Hybri...

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Fit

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Honda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Honda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Honda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2008 Honda Civic

$2,775 - $6,050

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,975 - $3,000

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

$2,825 - $3,475

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet HHR

$2,775 - $4,075

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $3,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Caliber

$2,850 - $3,500

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,050

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Fit

$4,550 - $4,825

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $2,875

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Elantra

$3,025 - $3,325

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rio

$2,850

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rondo

$2,850 - $3,300

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Spectra

$2,725 - $3,150

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda 3

$3,450 - $4,000

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,775 - $12,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,200

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Versa

$2,875 - $3,025

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac G5

$3,050 - $3,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Vibe

$4,175

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Astra

$2,775

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion tC

$4,000 - $4,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xB

$5,250

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xD

$4,550 - $5,325

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Smart ForTwo

$3,300 - $3,500

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Impreza

$3,300 - $10,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Forenza

$2,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki SX4

$2,725

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Corolla

$5,050 - $5,300

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Matrix

$4,500 - $4,900

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Prius

$5,125

EPA MPG 47 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Yaris

$3,750 - $5,275

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $3,150

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

$3,400 - $3,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo V50

$4,250 - $5,375

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

coupe

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.3-liter 4 hybrid (110 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (113 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (140 hp)
2-liter 4 (197 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
CVT
6-speed manual

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

Honda's 11th-generation Civic remains fuel efficient and brings a simpler infotainment system. It is available in both sedan and hatchback configurations. The standard engine is an adequate 2.0-liter four-cylinder, though a more powerful and quieter 1.5-liter turbo was available through 2024. For 2025, a new Hybrid model which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors delivers exceptional fuel economy. Handling is quite nimble and very secure. The Civic suffers from elevated road noise, which can become tiring on trips--the top Touring Hybrid trim has better sound insulation and is significantly quieter, but also considerably more expensive. The cabin is relatively roomy but it's awkward to get in and out due to the car's low-slung stance. The touch-screen infotainment system is very easy to use. All trims come standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, LDW, and LKA. For 2025, LCA and ACC became standard. Thanks to the 2025 freshening and suspension tweaks, nearly every Civic version got a ride comfort improvement. BSW and RCTW are now standard on all but the base LX trim.

2016-2021

2016 Redesign Year

Most Civic redesigns have been evolutions on a theme. Not this one; Honda pulled out all of the stops, building a clean-sheet design. The result is a newly refined Civic that feels more upscale and substantial than previous efforts. Base models still use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but all higher trims have a 1.5-liter turbocharged four. Both engines are refined and economical, and the CVT automatic works well. Handling is spry and responsive, and the ride isolates against most road bumps. Road noise is subdued, addressing a longtime Civic vice. The interior features nicer materials and has a spacious rear seat. Basic versions have an easy-to-use radio, but uplevel trims have an unintuitive touchscreen infotainment system that lacks any traditional knobs and buttons. Almost every trim offers the optional Honda Sensing safety suite, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. A hatchback version joined the lineup for 2017. The Civic received a number of interior and exterior styling updates for 2019, as well as standard Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment on all but the top performance versions -- the Si and Type R. Beginning with the 2020 model year, the Civic Sport Touring hatchback gets an upgraded infotainment system and is now offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Other changes for 2020 include standard Honda Sensing on the Si, as well as a new final drive ratio for the manual transmission (in an attempt to boost the Si's acceleration). Updates for the hot Type R model include various exterior and interior styling changes, suspension upgrades, and standard Honda Sensing.

2012-2015

2012 Redesign Year

For years, the Honda Civic ranked among the best small cars you could buy - until the 2012 redesign. It was a big step backwards, losing its premium feel and enjoyable nature. Instead, this Civic has a cheap interior, numb handling, and a bouncy ride. Interior road noise is also pronounced. Overly light and devoid of feedback, vague steering robbed the Civic of its sporty character. The ride is unsettled, even on the highway. Honda rushed back to the drawing board, substantially improving the car for 2013 by improving the ride, handling, and interior finish. More changes came for 2014, with a CVT automatic replacing the traditional automatic. Throughout all of the changes, a high point was the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which returned an impressive 30 mpg with the CVT and responsive acceleration. Expect 40 mpg overall from the hybrid. The sporty Civic Si has a super-slick six-speed manual and returns 29 mpg overall. There's even a natural gas version. Rear-seat room is decent, but not everyone likes the dual-tier dashboard. Stability control finally became standard.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 2006-2011 Civic was a major improvement over earlier versions, featuring a roomier and quieter interior and a better ride. Most versions have a refined and economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder, returning 28 mpg overall with the five-speed automatic and 31 mpg with the slick-shifting manual. A hybrid version gets a combined 37 mpg, but it sacrifices some trunk space and hybrid battery failures have been an issue. (We'd pick a Toyota Prius instead.) Steering is well-weighted and quick. Road noise remains noticeable. Inside is a roomy rear seat for a small car, with enough room for adults. The unique two-tier dashboard isn't to everyone's liking. The sporty Si uses a more powerful and rev-happy 2.0-liter four with a crisp six-speed manual, but its steering lacks feedback. As the years ticked by, Honda was slow to add electronic stability control (ESC) to this generation Civic, only including it on high-end EX-L and Si trims at the very end of the model run; most competitors introduced ESC earlier.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

Good performance, efficient fuel economy, and plenty of interior space make the Honda Civic a fine choice. Most versions come with a sprightly 1.7-liter four-cylinder; the uplevel EX trim makes a bit more power and returns 29 mpg overall. Hybrid versions get 36 mpg overall, but they're slower than the regular Civic and have suffered hybrid battery failures. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is a bit too firm and road noise is pronounced. The Civic Si hatchback doesn't add that much excitement, despite its 160-hp engine. Antilock brakes were standard on the EX, Si, and Hybrid.

1996-2000

1996 Redesign Year

The Civic features smooth, efficient four-cylinder engines. The cabin was fairly noisy, but the ride was comfortable. A 1996 redesign improved the handling of previous generation. The engines grew a bit larger but quieter. The interior was well thought out, too. The sporty Si Coupe joined the line for 1999.