Honda Civic 7th generation (2001–2006)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
5,267
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2001–2006
98
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Overview
Honda Civic (7th generation, 2001-2006)
Overall Sentiment
Owners generally view this generation as a solid, dependable economy car that can last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The dominant praise centers on cheap parts, easy DIY repair, and strong reliability compared to era competitors. However, the D17 engine's head gasket failures at higher mileage are a well-known concern that owners frequently discuss, and the automatic transmissions on early models (2001-2003) are considered weak points. Later model years (2004-2005) are seen as improved, particularly for the transmission revision.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Toyota Corolla, Acura RSX-S, Subaru Impreza, Mazda Protege5
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners position the 7th generation Civic as more reliable and cheaper to maintain than most equivalent economy cars of the era, with one owner noting "compared to the other economy cars of the era you can certainly get something much worse in terms of reliability." The RSX-S is mentioned as more powerful and better-looking than the Civic Si of this generation. The Subaru Impreza is noted as having poor fuel economy and strong depreciation resistance that makes it less practical. The Civic is described as handling quite well "for just a regular car."
Best Version According to Owners
The 2004-2005 model years with the manual transmission are viewed most favorably. Owners specifically note the automatic transmission improved with a design revision for 2004-2005. The 2001 model year is singled out as having significant automatic transmission issues. The Si trim (EP3) is described as a "black sheep" among Honda enthusiasts — not considered a "real" VTEC by some, but owners of the EP3 defend it and one notes it will appreciate in value.
Recommended Configurations
Owners recommend the 2004-2005 model years with the manual transmission. The 2001 automatic is specifically warned against due to transmission problems. For the Si, owners note the US EP3 did not get the K20 engine that the 8th generation (2006-2011) Si received, which is considered superior. One owner with a 2001 manual reports it was "very dependable."
General Recommendations
This generation is recommended for budget-conscious buyers who want a cheap, reliable car with inexpensive parts and simple DIY maintenance. Owners advise getting a pre-purchase inspection before buying, checking for oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan, timing cover), verifying timing belt and water pump replacement history, and being aware that head gasket failure is common at higher mileages (150k+). The 2001 model year should be avoided, particularly with automatic transmission. Owners also warn against buying first-year models of any Honda generation. A car with known history is valued over a cheaper unknown car, as one owner notes "at least they know the history, most cars in that price you're buying someone else's problems."
Reported Issues
Remarks
Owners frequently debate whether repairing a blown head gasket on a high-mileage example is worth it, with the consensus being that if the rest of the car is sound, repair is cheaper than replacement. Several owners report their cars exceeding 200,000 miles with continued reliability. The EP3 Si is noted as having a poor exhaust note from the factory. The dashboard design of this generation is praised as "logical, uncluttered, utilitarian, inoffensive, and well assembled." One owner notes the 2006-2007 models are considered the worst Civics, with engine failure reported, but this is a different generation and should not be attributed to the 2001-2006 range covered here.
Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2,866 | 17 | engine |
| 2005 | 362 | 15 | air bags |
| 2004 | 386 | 15 | air bags |
| 2003 | 525 | 24 | air bags |
| 2001 | 1,128 | 27 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V268000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been ins
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V502000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-
2006 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 06V270000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V378000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V545000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V030000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybri
2006 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 16V346000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally
2006 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ringcampaign 07V399000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HOUSING USES AN O-RING SEAL TO PREVENT LEAKAGE TO OR FROM THE WHEEL BEARING. IF ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARING AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BEARING, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE USE OF ROAD SALT IS PREVALEN
2006 · exterior lighting:brake lights:switchcampaign 07V402000
ON CERTAIN SEDAN AND HYBRID (CNG) VEHICLES, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN MECHANISM MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-LUBRICATED WITH SILICONE GREASE. OVER TIME, SOME OF THIS EXTRA GREASE MAY DRIP ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSING THE SWITCH TO FAIL.
2006 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 05V509000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PEDAL WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY COME LOOSE AT THE FLOOR MOUNTING.
2006 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 06E023000
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
2006 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E064000
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.