This asymmetric three-door splits into two personalities: buy the base 2.0L and you get a buzzy economy car that looks quick but drives like it's apologizing, while the Turbo and especially the N deliver genuine hot-hatch thrills that embarrass cars twice the price. The 2013s grenaded engines with rod knock and bearing failures, avoid completely. Later first-gen models (2015+) and the second-gen (2019-2021, now discontinued) are far more solid, but every year suffers from comically persistent horn failures that need replacement after replacement, even under warranty. If you're considering a 2015+ Turbo or any N, commit to 4,000-mile oil changes and accept the horn lottery, you'll get a legitimately fun driver's car for used Civic money. Skip the base model unless you need cheap transport and nothing more.
This fastback EV nails the fundamentals that matter long-term: the drivetrain and battery are bulletproof past 50k miles, the minimalist Scandinavian design still turns heads years later, and the dual-motor setup delivers genuinely fun acceleration and handling. The tradeoff is infotainment frustration on pre-2024 models, backup camera glitches, laggy screens, random reboots that'll make you curse Swedish engineers. The 2024 facelift fixed most of those gremlins, so if you're buying used, hunt for one with the latest software or budget for occasional annoyance. Rear seats are tight and the ride's stiff, but mechanically this thing's a tank. Best for drivers who prioritize driving dynamics and build quality over rear-seat comfort, and who can either afford the 2024+ or tolerate quirky software for steep used discounts.