'It’s a Very Good Car for the Money:' Man Says This Generation Is ‘the Last of the Good Honda Civics.’ Then He Explains Why

• Honda

Before the screens got bigger and the engines got smaller, Honda built something that still turns heads for all the right reasons. A TikTok creator calls it “the last of the good Civics,” and he might be onto something. But what makes this generation so beloved, and is now the right time to buy?

In a clip that’s been viewed more than 9,000 times, New York-based auto enthusiast Thomas (@carsrme2) gets behind the wheel of a ninth-gen Civic and speaks positively and straightforwardly about the CVT transmission, and other bonus points he sees.

“This one's already 10 years old, and you could barely even tell. It looks almost brand new,” he says.

That sense of timelessness isn’t just a lighting trick. Produced from 2011 to 2015, the ninth-generation Honda Civic was widely seen as a transitional vehicle, bridging the compact sedan’s analog roots with emerging digital conveniences. Bluetooth audio, backup cameras, and steering-wheel controls became standard on more trims. At the same time, the overall exterior design remained relatively understated, especially compared to the aggressive redesign that followed with the 10th-gen launch in 2016.

Despite some lukewarm critical reception at the time—Car and Driver said the early 2012 sedan lacked “the passion, soul, and entertaining driving dynamics of its predecessor” compared to its predecessor—the car quickly won back favor following a substantial mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 model year. Those later models featured interior material upgrades, chassis tuning improvements, and better noise insulation, all of which contribute to why they still feel solid a decade later.

For many Civic fans, the ninth generation hits a sweet spot: it still feels like a Honda, before rising prices, increasing curb weights, and ever-expanding infotainment systems started to change the brand’s small-car DNA.

A “Good CVT”? They Apparently Exist

The comment sure to catch most gearheads by surprise is Thomas’ endorsement of the CVT, the continuously variable transmission that often draws criticism in online forums and repair shops alike.

“These are the first ones that have the CVT. These are the best ones that have the CVT,” he says in the video, noting he recommends servicing the transmission every 40,000 miles to preserve its longevity.

He’s not wrong about the timeline. Honda began introducing its own CVT in earnest starting with the 2014 Civic, transitioning away from conventional automatics for many trims. While rivals like Nissan were battling widespread issues with their Jatco CVTs, resulting in lawsuits and widespread reputation damage, Honda’s implementation has generally held up better.

Still, CVTs come with caveats. They’re known for requiring consistent fluid changes and can become costly to repair or replace if neglected. Honda itself recommends CVT fluid inspections at 25,000-mile intervals, especially in severe driving conditions.

Solid Prices, Solid Value

The strongest selling point of the ninth-gen Civic in 2025 is simple: price. Thomas says you can often find models in the $7,000–$8,000 range, although they rarely with mileage under 60,000.

According to a July 2025 report from iSeeCars, used Honda Civics continue to hold strong resale value compared to most other compact cars in their segment. Meanwhile, Civic models from this generation still deliver upwards of 40 mpg depending on engine and transmission choice, according to the EPA.

That fuel economy can make them especially attractive to younger drivers, budget-conscious commuters, or anyone spooked by the new car prices. Kelley Blue Book lists the average transaction price for new cars as hovering near $48,000 as of mid-2025.

Thomas does flag one ongoing problem with this generation of Civics: paint quality.

“This one has paint peeling in a lot of different spots,” he admits while panning over the body. “But if you're just looking for a car that's gonna get good fuel economy and is going to last, this is gonna be it.”

That paint issue has been the subject of multiple class action lawsuits, particularly involving Honda vehicles in white, black, and blue finishes manufactured between 2006 and 2015. The common complaint involves clearcoat delamination, particularly in sunny climates.

Still, for many buyers, a faded hood is a small price to pay for a mechanically sound, comfortable, and affordable ride. DIY repainting tutorials on Reddit and YouTube can offer temporary fixes for those not ready to invest in a full respray.

Motor1 reached out to Thomas via email. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.