Jump LinksComfortable And Affordable For The MassesIt Goes Back To Simpler TimesValues Are Slowly ClimbingReliable On The Whole, With Some ExceptionsCheaper Than You'd ThinkYou Can Feel Confident In An EK CivicThe stereotype of Japanese cars being a palate cleanser between the large and gas-guzzling American V8s was even more prevalent in the 90s, and it's what has made these cars popular again recently. Paired with the incredible modifying scene of the early 'noughties' thanks to films like Fast & Furious, and you had everyone hankering for a slice of Japan. The Honda EK generation of Civic was a shining example of this.With nostalgia for the 90s at an all-time high, these humble Honda Civic EK models are resurfacing. Relatively easy to work on compared to modern cars and with a solid parts bin, they can go on practically forever with the right care. If you're thinking about picking up one of these legendary cars for yourself, this handy guide will give you all the info you need to find a model that will suit you perfectly.We've used reputable sources to determine the value of the EK-generation Honda Civic and its reliability record. As with any used car purchase, your results may vary and CarBuzz advises used-car buyers to do due diligence before buying. A Brief History Of The EK Civic: Sixth Generation Honda Comfortable And Affordable For The Masses 1995-2000 Honda Civic EKThe sixth generation of Honda Civic was launched in September 1995 to capitalize on the success the Japanese marque had created with the previous variant. This time, though, the company decided to give the EK Civic coupe, sedan, and hatchback the same 103-inch wheelbase, meaning the humble hatch moved into family territory. It was even the first Civic to feature a CD player. Although the most famous version of the EK Civic is the Si, which came along with a facelift after 1999.The 1.6L engines make 160 horsepower and featured the famous VTEC variable camshaft system mated to a five-speed manual. A seven-second 0–60 mph time was easily possible thanks to the lightweight construction, and it had some special features like stiffer suspension and even keyless entry. Yes, there are examples of imported Type-R models from Japan, too.Other trim levels feature a similar 1.6L engine but with single-overhead camshafts, making anywhere between 106 and 127 horsepower. These cars are just as tunable as the Si model, making them desirable for the tuner crowd. Some have even swapped in other Honda engines. After 1999, the facelift brought small changes, but the Honda EK generation was replaced by the seventh-generation model. Why Should You Own A Honda Civic EK? It Goes Back To Simpler Times Honda Cars now are more comfortable, safer, and more efficient. They're also not as engaging (usually) or as simple to work on, making 90s cars the right choice for many people - those that like to get their hands dirty by tweaking their ride for the best enjoyment especially. Having a car from this era means that you're not as worried that it won't start on your way to work like older vehicles, but when it does go wrong, most things are a simple fix.This Honda is the embodiment of that. With the large tuner scene and huge sales numbers, most parts are still available online, and if you're a first-time mechanic, there's a tutorial for everything. The engines are also still quite strong for their age, so you won't be fearful of a highway overtake, either. How Much Is An EK Civic? Values Are Slowly Climbing Honda You'd expect cars like this, which were just family cars in the 90s, to be dirt cheap, but with a cult following, their values are starting to rise. A 30-year-old Honda Civic, as with any car from this period, can vary massively between adverts, but there are some common takeaways from the classifieds.High-mileage examples are aplenty, with a 228k B18C-engine example going for $17k on BringATrailer, but there are still many like-new cars that you can buy. A single-owner automatic with 40k mileage went for $13,500, which may be more than you were expecting. These vehicles make great first cars, though, or a strong basis for modifications.Of course, there are some imported vehicles not from Japan, the most famous of which is the Type-R EK hatch. This car's engine makes 180 horsepower and is famous in pop culture and for looking infinitely cool with its sporty credentials. Prices for these range from just $20k to a massive $50k depending on condition and modifications. Common Problems To Look Out For Reliable On The Whole, With Some Exceptions HondaHonda has always been known for reliability, and it's said that they peaked in the 80s and 90s thanks to massive engineering budgets and a willingness to stand out. As with any car, though, there are always things you should be aware of when you're approaching one of these cars to buy. Here are a few:Rust: You probably won't be surprised to hear that the EK coupe, hatch, and sedan are massively susceptible to rotting away, especially in wetter climates. The main places to check for this are towards the back, such as the wheel arches, trunk floor, and side sills. The design of this car means water and grime can be stuck inside the panels. Check the jacking points too. Rear Suspension: The sixth-gen Civic had some clever multi-link rear suspension, and it's one of the big changes between the old EG vs EK. Rust and poor maintenance can mean this system doesn't work as intended, so clear history and an inspection are highly worth it. HondaEngine trouble: All engines in the EK generation of Civic are quite reliable, although there are some things to note. Check the engine mounts (these are weak especially towards the rear of the engine) and for any blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. The latter means the piston rings may be gone, which is an expensive fix. Other small issues: Most interiors are solid, but the driver's bolsters can be heavily worn after 30 years of use. You should also check the rear light seals, as when these go, they can let water into the taillights and trunk. Make sure the VTEC system is working on engines equipped with it, and it should kick in before 6000 rpm. Honda Civic EK Running Costs Cheaper Than You'd Think BringATrailerWhile no car is perfect, this period of vehicle can be cheaper to buy and maintain thanks to an abundance of parts, relatively simple construction, and a lack of complicated electrical systems. The engines are known to 'last forever' (though, in truth, your mileage may vary), but that is from routine maintenance being done on time. A full service can easily be done on your driveway.A vast number of owners on forums talk about changing the timing belt, as this is a relatively cheap job and can seriously help with making sure the car is working properly. The big issue with this car is rust, although getting it coated before it gets too bad can save you a lot of trouble in the future.The slightly higher price (compared to other cars from this era) is a testament to how reliable the EK Civic coupe, hatchback, and sedan are. You shouldn't even feel scared of buying a high-mileage car with regular maintenance, as these engines are known to go for hundreds of thousands of miles. Summary: A Solid Used Purchase You Can Feel Confident In An EK Civic HondaWith nostalgia for the peak modifying years at a high, the EK-generation Honda Civic can be a great base for your first time tuning and making it your own. The engine is known to take a beating even at high rpms, and with regular maintenance, it's one of the most reliable cars on the market.If something goes wrong, you can probably fix it with a few wrenches and someone who knows what they're doing. If you're looking for your first car and don't want to go for something obvious, this might be a good choice for you. Or, if you just want to go back to a time when cars weren't filled with a million screens and difficult-to-understand powertrains, check out the market for EK Civics.Sources: Honda, Hagerty, What Car?