Honda Civic hatch 2000-2005 used car review
The Honda Civic hatchback offers lots of space and is cheap to run.
The Honda Civic hatchback offers lots of space and is cheap to run. Used import versions with CVT automatics need closer inspection.
The Honda Civic hatchback differs from the sedan in some ways. It is taller and wider, which provides a more spacious interior and airy feel. It also features a larger 1.7-litre engine. The standard model has five doors and the rare Type R version is a three-door hatchback.
Inside and out
The Civic hatchback version looks entirely different to the sedan at the front. Like the smaller Jazz or Fit models, it is taller than a regular hatchback. Its styling is soft and rounded, with large headlights and a little grille in front of a short-front bonnet. Large plastic protection strips run down both sides. The rear hatchback has a small spoiler over the top.
Practicality is the focus of the interior. The dash features a large glovebox and storage shelves along the middle. The air-conditioning controls, CD player stereo and transmission shifter sit high on the dash in very close reach of the driver. The interior plastics feel hard – they’re very solid and still look in great shape in our review car after more than a decade of use. Fabric-covered window sills also add comfort.
The tall profile gives the Civic a slightly higher seat height than a traditional hatchback. That’s a big benefit for those with mobility issues – there is no need to lower yourself into the car, and that makes it popular with older drivers. The seats are very comfortable, both front and rear. Those in the front are roomy and supportive, and there’s plenty of legroom for back-seat passengers. The back seat has a flat base which makes the Civic one of the better small cars if you need to fit three people.
Access to the boot is excellent and there’s a decent amount of load. We believe two medium and two small cases should fit. The rear seat splits and folds 60/40 for additional storage.
On the road
New Zealand new Civic hatchbacks are all fitted with a 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine, while import versions can also have a 1.5-litre engine. New Zealand-new cars all feature a four-speed automatic and the import models have a CVT automatic or the four-speed transmission with optional four-wheel drive. The Type R model has a high-powered 2-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual. The 1.7-litre engine produces 96kW and 155Nm, a strong output for its size and age.
The engine needs to be revved to get the most from it, which can impact on fuel economy. The car is nice to drive and travel in – it’s a comfortable ride with low noise levels. The steering does not offer much feel of the road but it’s responsive and doesn’t feel vague. The brakes are also very good. We found the throttle a little stiff – it needs a harder push than in other cars, although that could be unique to our review vehicle.
Big mirrors also make the car easy to park. Reversing cameras and parking sensors were not fitted as standard to the car and we don’t think they’re necessary.
Need to tow? The Civic has a maximum tow rating for a braked trailer of 1,200kg, a small trailer boat.
Safety
The Civic hatchback (2001-2005) is listed on RightCar with a four-star ANCAP rating and a three-star used car safety rating. Safety specifications are relatively basic, with standard driver and passenger airbags, and anti-lock brakes. The New Zealand-new VTi-S also features side airbags.
Our review car had no ISOFIX child seat points, with only tether points available, mounted on the boot floor. The centre seat has a full shoulder-style seatbelt, which offers more protection than a lap-only type.
Reliability
This generation of Civic is considered very durable. The engine uses a timing chain that will not need regular replacement. Honda engines are particularly sensitive to the need for regular and correct service intervals and procedures. Sludge build-up can cause issues with the advanced variable valve timing systems.
When buying import models with the CVT automatic transmission, look out for a shudder from the engine and transmission when taking off. It suggests a common issue caused by wear to the starter clutch. In the past, it meant a new transmission was required, but now most workshops can flush the transmission and treat it with a commercially available additive – an effective fix for around $300. A total transmission unit failure is possible on very high mileage or poorly serviced cars, either through a snapped belt or collapsed mechanism.
Replacement second-hand panel and trim parts cost a lot to source in New Zealand for later model Hondas. We recommend having comprehensive insurance and leaving repairs, in the event of a minor fender-bender, to your insurers.
There have been some problems with the quality of the paint which can be soft and prone to scratching. The red colour is also known to fade and peel. Carefully inspect the paint on any car you are considering because some vendors can temporarily cover the issue with a cut and polish.
Cost of ownership
Honda recommends servicing the Civic every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. A Honda dealer quoted us $289 for that service. The cam belt needs to be replaced every five years or 100,000km, with the bill varying from $500 to $1,100 should extras like water pumps need to be done at the same time.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Civic will cost $2,040 a year to fuel. At $2 a litre, the 50-litre tank will cost $100 to fill and should take you 615km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Civic is $76.92 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a car valued at $6,190 will cost $42.73* per month. This is the same cost as for a Toyota Corolla.
Buyers’ guide
Honda Civic hatchbacks on Trade Me range from $2,500 to $10,000 for lower mileage vehicles. The Type R model is rare and current examples are priced at up to $14,000.
New Zealand-new models
- VT-X - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, CD player stereo, electric mirrors, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes
- VTi-S - Adds all wheels, leather steering wheel, leather front seats, heated front, climate-control air-conditioning and side airbags
Japanese import models
- G - Powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, CD player stereo, fabric seat, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes. G4 model adds four-wheel drive
- IE - Adds CVT automatic transmission. Adds premium fabric interior, automatic air-conditioning, and centre armrest
- X - Powered by a 1.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT automatic transmission. Adds alloy wheels, projector headlamps, body kit, fog lights and keyless entry. X4 model adds four-wheel drive
Timeline
- 2000 Launched globally
- 2003 Received cosmetic facelift
- 2005 Replaced by sedan model and later a United Kingdom-sourced hatchback
Details
2005 Honda Civic hatch VT-X
$4,000 to $8,500 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.7-litre four-cylinder, 96kW and 155NM
Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Four-star ANCAP rating
10,000km or twelve months
Space saver
7.3-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4285mm
1924mm
1495mm
1200kg (braked)
11.8m
This review covers the Honda Civic for model years 2000,2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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