Is the Honda Civic Overrated? 7 Common Complaints, Explained

It’s a best-seller, but not everyone loves it—here’s what critics say and whether the Civic still deserves its reputation.

7 Reasons the Honda Civic Gets Bad Reviews (And Whether You Should Care)

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling cars of all time, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. But despite its popularity, it’s not immune to criticism. From controversial design choices to frustrating technology, some owners and reviewers aren’t shy about pointing out the Civic’s flaws.

So, should you steer clear of this iconic compact car? Or are the complaints overblown? Let’s break down the 7 biggest reasons the Honda Civic gets bad reviews—and whether they should be deal-breakers for you.

1. The Infamous Rear-End Design (Love It or Hate It)

The Civic’s redesign in recent years has sparked… opinions. While some appreciate its futuristic aesthetic, others think the rear end looks, well, questionable.

• The 10th-gen Civic (2016-2021) had a love-it-or-hate-it fastback look with oversized taillights.
• The 11th-gen (2022+) dialed it back, but some still find it uninspiring.

🚦 Deal-breaker? Only if you really can’t stand the design. Otherwise, looks are subjective, and you won’t see the back of your car while driving anyway.

2. Touchscreen Woes (Good Luck Changing the Volume)

Honda tried to go full high-tech with its infotainment system, but early models suffered from some questionable choices:

• The lack of a physical volume knob (2016-2018) frustrated drivers to no end. Honda eventually brought it back due to backlash.
• The touchscreen isn’t the most intuitive, and the system can lag compared to competitors.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you’re a tech enthusiast who demands seamless infotainment, this could be annoying. But newer models have improved significantly.

3. CVT Transmission Complaints (Where’s the Fun?)

Most Honda Civics come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over driving excitement. The biggest gripes?

• The CVT can make the car feel sluggish under hard acceleration.
• Some drivers say it has a rubber-band effect, where the engine revs high before catching up.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you want a fun driving experience, go for the manual transmission or the sportier Si and Type R models.

4. Road Noise (Turn Up the Music, Please)

One of the most common Civic complaints? It’s loud.

• On the highway, wind and tire noise seep into the cabin, making long drives less serene.
• Competing models (like the Toyota Corolla) tend to have better sound insulation.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you prioritize a quiet cabin, this might be a red flag. But if you crank up the tunes or drive mostly in the city, it’s less of an issue.

5. Rear Visibility Issues (Where Did That Car Go?)

Certain Civic models, especially the 10th-gen hatchback, have a huge blind spot due to their sloping rear design.

• The thick C-pillars and small rear window make parking and lane changes trickier.
• Rearview cameras help, but some drivers still struggle with visibility.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you rely on mirrors and cameras, this won’t be a huge issue. But if you prefer a clear, unobstructed view, it’s something to consider.

6. Cheap Interior Materials (Looks Fancy, Feels Flimsy)

At first glance, the Civic’s interior looks modern and well-designed. But touch some surfaces, and… well, it’s not exactly luxury-grade.

• Hard plastics are common, especially on lower trims.
• Some owners report rattles and creaks developing over time.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you expect premium materials, you’ll be disappointed. But for a budget-friendly compact car, this is pretty standard.

7. Price Creep (Not as Affordable as It Used to Be)

One of the Civic’s biggest selling points has always been affordability—but that’s changing.

• Higher trim levels can get pricey, reaching well beyond $30K.
• Some competitors (like the Hyundai Elantra or Mazda3) offer similar features at a lower price.

🚦 Deal-breaker? If you’re on a tight budget, you might find better value elsewhere. But the Civic still delivers solid resale value and long-term reliability.

Final Verdict: Is the Civic Right for You?

Despite its flaws, the Honda Civic remains one of the most well-rounded compact cars on the market. While it’s not perfect—no car is—most of its downsides are subjective or minor inconveniences rather than major deal-breakers.

✅ Buy it if: You want a reliable, fuel-efficient car with strong resale value.
❌ Skip it if: You prioritize luxury, a whisper-quiet ride, or an ultra-engaging driving experience.

At the end of the day, the Civic’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses—but now you know what to watch out for.