Best Honda Civic Generation to Buy Used in 2025

The Honda Civic has been one of the most reliable, affordable, and fun-to-drive compact cars for decades. When buying used in 2025, the “best” generation depends on your priorities: bulletproof reliability, modern tech and safety, performance, fuel economy, or modification potential. After analyzing long-term owner data, resale values, common issues, and real-world maintenance costs, three generations consistently rise above the rest: the 10th (2016–2021), the 11th (2022–present), and — surprisingly for budget buyers — the 8th (2006–2011) in specific trims.

Why the 10th Generation (2016–2021) Is the Sweet Spot for Most Buyers

The 10th-gen Civic is widely considered the best all-around used Civic you can buy today. Honda fixed almost every complaint from the controversial 9th generation while introducing turbocharged engines, vastly better interior quality, and Honda Sensing safety suite as standard equipment from 2019 onward.

The 1.5L turbo (L15B7) in EX, EX-L, Touring, Sport Touring and Si models produces 174–180 hp and achieves 32–42 mpg in real-world driving, with almost no turbo lag thanks to its small size. The naturally aspirated 2.0L (K20C2) in base LX and Sport models is nearly indestructible and still returns 30–38 mpg.

Common concerns like oil dilution in early 2016–2016–2018 1.5T engines were largely resolved by a software update and improved piston rings in 2019+. Carbon-build-up on intake valves is minimal compared to other direct-injection turbo engines. Transmission choices include a slick 6-speed manual (especially in Si and Type R) or a CVT that is one of the best in the industry — smooth, responsive, and proven durable past 200,000 miles.

Interior space is class-leading, ride quality is comfortable yet sporty, and the 2019–2021 refresh brought a much better infotainment system, physical volume knob, and improved materials. Crash safety is excellent — IIHS Top Safety Pick every year.

Most reliable trims in order:

• 2019–2021 EX/EX-L/Touring 1.5T

• 2019–2021 Sport 2.0L

• 2017–2021 Civic Si

• 2017–2021 Type R (if you can afford insurance)

Avoid 2016–early 2017 1.5T models unless service records show the oil-dilution update was performed.

Current used prices (2025):

• Clean 2019–2021 EX sedan: $18,000–$23,000

• 2020–2021 Civic Si: $24,000–$28,000

• 2017–2020 Type R: $38,000–$48,000 (still holding value incredibly well)

11th Generation (2022–Present) — The Most Modern and Safest Choice

If your budget reaches $24,000–$32,000 and you want the newest tech, the 11th-gen Civic is unbeatable. It builds on everything great about the 10th gen but adds a stiffer chassis, even better noise insulation, a gorgeous interior design, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and standard Honda Sensing on every trim.

The same 1.5T and 2.0L engines carry over with minor improvements, but the CVT was retuned for better low-speed feel and the 6-speed manual in the 2025 Si and upcoming FL5 Type R is outstanding.

The 11th gen finally offers a proper hatchback again (unlike the weird 10th-gen hatch), and cargo space is massive. The 2023+ models added a stronger hybrid powertrain (204 hp combined, 50+ mpg) that is proving extremely reliable in early data.

Downsides: higher insurance rates, slightly firmer ride on 18-inch wheels, and you’re paying a premium for low-mileage examples. Still, depreciation has been gentle — a 2022 EX with 30k miles still commands $25,000+.

Best 11th-gen buys right now:

• 2022–2024 EX or Touring sedan/hatch 1.5T

• 2023–2025 Civic Hybrid (if real-world 50 mpg matters more than fun)

• 2025 Civic Si (new 11th-gen version just launched with improved suspension)

8th Generation (2006–2011) — The Budget King and Future Classic

Don’t sleep on the 8th-gen Civic, especially the 2006–2011 Si and the ultra-reliable R18-powered base models. The 1.8L R18A1 engine routinely exceeds 300,000–400,000 miles with basic maintenance, burns almost no oil, and gets 28–36 mpg. Timing chain, not belt, and parts are dirt cheap.

The 2006–2011 Civic Si (K20Z3) with 197 hp, factory limited-slip differential, and legendary 8,000-rpm redline is one of the best front-wheel-drive performance bargains ever made. Clean FA5 sedans and FG2 coupes are already appreciating among enthusiasts.

Rust is the only real enemy (check rear wheel arches and rockers in salt-belt cars), and the interior plastics scratch easily, but mechanically these cars are tanks.

Current prices:

• Clean 2009–2011 EX/LX sedan: $6,000–$10,000

• 2006–2011 Civic Si coupe/sedan: $9,000–$16,000 (clean low-mile examples climbing fast)

9th Generation (2012–2015) — Skip Unless Price Is Rock-Bottom

The 9th-gen Civic is the weak link. Honda rushed it to market after criticism of the 8th-gen’s conservative design, and it shows: cheap interior materials, excessive road noise, underpowered 140-hp 1.8L (except Si), and tiny 6.5-inch screen on higher trims that looks dated. The 2013–2015 refresh helped, but resale values are the lowest of any modern Civic for a reason.

Only consider a 2013–2015 Si or a dirt-cheap commuter with full service history.

Quick Recommendations by Budget (2025 used market)

Under $12,000 → 2008–2011 EX or Si (8th gen)

$15,000–$22,000 → 2018–2021 EX/Touring or 2019–2021 Si (10th gen)

$24,000–$30,000 → 2022–2024 EX/Touring or Hybrid (11th gen)

$35,000+ → 2023–2025 Type R FL5 or low-mile 2017–2020 FK8 Type R

The 10th-generation Civic (especially 2019–2021 models) offers the best balance of reliability, efficiency, technology, driving fun, and long-term cost of ownership in 2025. If you want newer or cheaper, the 11th and 8th generations are excellent alternatives that still dominate their price brackets.