My Honda Civic Experience
I am a graduate student and wanted the most reliable, efficient transportation possible. After studying up on the possibilities in my price range (up to $12,000 base price), I narrowed my choice down to the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. Comparing the two, I knew I preferred the style of the Civic, and after discussing the price with both dealers and test driving both cars, the choice was very simple - the Honda Civic. There are three basic options, and I chose the middle one that came with electric everything and A/C. The only extra option I got was the keyless entry/alarm system, which I highly recommend for two reasons: safety (faster to get into your car) and anti-theft (the Civic is very popular with car thieves).
The positives of my new car include: 1)The clutch and shifting operations are incredibly smooth. I drove a friend's Saturn and there was no comparison; the Honda was much easier. 2)Fuel economy - even driving in the hills of San Francisco I am still getting an honest 30mpg, which is nice with gas costing $1.50/gal. out here. 3)Nice body style - it is modestly cute to match its engine performance and general use. 4)Performance - while certainly not a sports car, it is very fun to drive and feels quite comfortable at 90mph. 5)Resale value - looking at used cars in this area, the Hondas have way-above-average resale values, supposedly because their engines outlast the competition.
The short list of negatives include: 1)Radio - does not have a tape player. 2)The dealers seem to make their money on a variety of "extra" programs like insurance deals, special wax coatings, etc. I would guess that other dealers do the same thing, but beware. I took a few of them and ended up, with taxes, paying $16,000. Do NOT FALL FOR THESE EXTRAS. Immediately after refusing a $1500 supplemental insurance program, the dealer offered to cut the price in half!!! Don't rush, think about it, and you will walk out with a beautiful car that should serve you as well as it has served me so far.
Ernest Ellender


Amount Paid (US$): 16,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: LX