Honda Civic

Hatchback, with saloon and estate versions offered in earlier generations · 1972 to present

The Honda Civic has been a familiar sight on UK roads since the early 1970s, evolving from a compact economy hatchback into a well-regarded family car known for build quality and reliability reputation. Over successive generations it has been sold as a hatchback, saloon and estate, with UK buyers mainly choosing the five-door hatchback. Engine options have included petrol, diesel and, more recently, Honda's e:HEV full hybrid system, which now powers the current generation sold new in the UK. The Civic Type R has long been a cult favourite among enthusiasts for its sharp handling and turbocharged petrol power. Positioned against rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the Civic has built a loyal following in the UK used market, with plentiful examples available across most model years and trim levels, from basic S specification to higher-end Sport and EX variants.

Body type

Hatchback, with saloon and estate versions offered in earlier generations

Years (UK)

1972 to present

Typical engine

1.5-litre turbocharged petrol or 2.0-litre hybrid (e:HEV) four-cylinder, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the Type R performance model

Fuels available

3 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The Honda Civic is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Hybrid

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Honda Civic. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear subframe and suspension mounting points, particularly on older pre-2012 models
Inspect tyre wear patterns on Type R models, as aggressive alignment settings can cause uneven edge wear
Test the operation of the electric parking brake fitted to later generations for correct engagement and release
Look for play or noise from the front suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links, a common wear point
Verify headlight alignment and condition, especially on facelifted models with LED or automatic units

Frequently asked questions

Is the Honda Civic generally reliable?

The Civic has a strong reputation for dependability, but reliability varies by generation and how well a specific car has been maintained. Rather than relying on general claims, check the vehicle's official DVSA MOT history on gov.uk for a factual record of past advisories and failures.

What should I check before buying a used Civic?

Review its full MOT history, service records and any recall notices through the official gov.uk vehicle check service, and inspect the specific areas known to wear on its generation, such as suspension components or bodywork corrosion.

Why did my Civic fail its MOT?

Common reasons can include worn suspension bushes, tyre condition, lighting faults or emissions-related issues on older diesel models. The exact reason will be listed on your MOT certificate, and full details can also be checked via the DVSA MOT history service online.

Are diesel Civics still available to buy used?

Yes, diesel Civics were offered in earlier generations, though Honda has since moved to petrol and hybrid power for its current UK range. Used diesel examples remain available, particularly from the 2012 to 2022 model years.

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