Honda Civic Hatchback (00-05) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
This Civic may have been replaced by a snazzier model, but it's still does the job of being a family car very, very well. It still looks fresh, has a roomy, clever, interior and is fitted with zestful VTEC engines. It’s a popular with used buyers looking for a respectable family car that’s unlikely to let them down. A minor revamp for 2004 gave us quieter interiors and subtly restyled headlights. Build quality is typical Honda: well engineered and utterly reliable.
4 out of 5

Other Honda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Performance

1.4 and 1.6 petrols are adequate, but not exactly thrilling. Variable valve timing (VTEC) smoothes out the power delivery, but only the Type-S and Type-R really excite. 1.7 diesel engine is bought in from Isuzu. IMA hybrid is worthy, but slow, not economical enough and only available in saloon bodystyle (see separate review).

3.5 out of 5

Handling

The standard hatchbacks are geared more towards family comfort rather than driving pleasure - Honda leaves that to the Sport, Type-S and Type-R. Which is fine by us. Easy to drive, light steering, supple suspension and strong brakes with ABS on every model.