2017 Honda Civic vs 2016 Honda Civic

2017 Honda Civic wins — The 2017 Civic is the preferred buy over the 2016 for the same money — Honda addressed several first-year issues in the …

Scores: 2017 Honda Civic 7.5/10 · 2016 Honda Civic 6.5/10

The 2017 Civic is the preferred buy over the 2016 for the same money — Honda addressed several first-year issues in the 2017 production run, and the minor feature additions make the 2017 a slightly more complete car.

2017 Honda Civic lists at $118 while 2016 Honda Civic lists at $149 — 2017 Honda Civic undercuts 2016 Honda Civic by $31 (26%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

2017 Honda Civic2016 Honda Civic
Base Engine2.0L NA I4, 158 hp2.0L NA I4, 158 hp
Turbo Engine1.5L turbo, 174 hp1.5L turbo, 174 hp
Combined MPG (1.5T)~32 MPG~32 MPG
Honda Sensing on LXStandard (sedan)Not available
Consumer Reports Reliability4/53/5
NHTSA Overall5 stars5 stars

2017 Honda Civic

What works

  • Honda Sensing standard on LX trim sedan — broader availability
  • 1.5T oil dilution TSB applied from factory on later build dates
  • CVT retuned for better response at moderate acceleration

What doesn't

  • Effectively the same vehicle as the 2016 — not a meaningful upgrade
  • 1.5T oil dilution still present on early 2017 build dates (pre-July 2017)
  • CVT still has rubber-band behavior under hard acceleration

2016 Honda Civic

What works

  • Often available at $500-1,000 less than comparable 2017 examples
  • Mechanically identical for most practical purposes
  • Higher production volume — parts and service knowledge widespread

What doesn't

  • 1.5T oil dilution issue prevalent — verify TSB 17-082 was performed
  • Honda Sensing not available on LX base trim
  • Below-average Consumer Reports reliability score for model year

Bottom line

Our pick: 2017 Honda Civic.

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