Owners Voice Concern as to 2016 Honda Civic Initial Quality

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Are 10th Generation Civic buyers asking too much as to initial quality in what is historically an entry-level sedan or coupe? In short: What might consumers reasonably anticipate from a compact car with a beginning MSRP of $!8,640.

Bottom Line: In inflation adjusted dollars, $20,000 is the new $10,000. How much “quality” car can a manufacturer produce for under $20,000, while presenting a 5-Star safety rated personal conveyance that offers a pleasing visually captivating bodyline, tech driven personal connectivity, Infotainment ™, and a decent nice-to-the-touch, spacious interior?

Reality Check: The average bathroom remodel costs way north of $20,000

In Monday’s email inbox we find a CivicX.com reader or two questioning the initial quality of their otherwise exceptionally good looking, and decent riding, 2016 Civic Sedan. I’ve reported on this issue at length, it’s not going away! And yes, in my multiple test drives and subsequent drive reviews of the 10th generation Honda Civic, I too have noticed the occasional rattle, squeak and misaligned trim piece, but rarely.

According to fellow Forum member “mno86,” after 6,000 miles driven, “I noticed there's a lot of creaking and groaning in the plastics. If you push on just about any surface, it makes that sound like cheap plastic that's poorly glued onto something. Rattles are intermittent but more frequent at 10K mile than I'd expect, and I've had far more than I ever did in 40K miles of my 2013.(Civic)

He goes on to write: “I find that pushing gently on these panels makes them less rattle prone. I Usually do it whenever I get in the car. Maybe I'm crazy haha.” Well perhaps, but I doubt it!

Member “eXultanCe” writes: “4k miles here, and I hear rattles everywhere. I've taken it to the dealership 3 times. Some gets fixed, then reappears, others never get repaired. I'm getting sick of it, to the point I've considered trading it in and taking the loss. What sucks is that I love everything else about the car, and nothing in this price range comes close to this. I'll be taking it back to the dealership until they fix it.”

Unfortunately, the first year run of what is arguably the most advanced and refined Civic in the mark’s history has been dropped from Consumer Reports recommended buy list -- I’m sure, a short-term downfall. I drive a 2016 Honda Civic Sedan Touring with 10,000 showing on the odometer -- still, pretty tight.When ‘they’ build the perfect car...

How’s your 2016 Honda Civic satisfaction rating? Your thought provoking, civil comment is always welcome here. Me, I considered the 10th generation Civic to be an outstanding purchase value when weighed against (apples-to apples) competition. The cost per unit, profitability quotient for this car is a complicated balancing act of measurable comfort and performance exceeding the limitations of an entry-level MSRP. In the case of 2016 Honda Civic, you get exactly what you pay for.

When shopping for a new or used car

Take some personal time alone inside your car of choice without the charter of the “art of the deal” salesperson. A close look, and a solo drive with your ear to the details, will pay off in long term trouble-free satisfaction. Decide what level of quality is acceptable to you, then buy it.

Submitted by Bill J (not verified) on November 8, 2016 - 1:16AM

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I've got a 2016 Civic Touring and it's the best car I've ever owned hands down. Not a single rattle anywhere, and the fit and finish is superb. 3200 miles so far and I'm easily averaging over 36 mpg. Quiet, comfortable and quick if you need it to be, I'd buy it again and have zero regrets. Maybe there were problems before but I bought mine in September and they sure seem to have the bugs worked out.

Submitted by Tom Sloan (not verified) on November 8, 2016 - 6:47PM

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I've owned a civic Lx for ten months. I've put 16k miles on it and it has been one of the best cars I've driven. Great on gas and handles great.

Submitted by GERARD DIFIORE (not verified) on November 8, 2016 - 7:35PM

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I have 2016 Civic 1.5 liter turbo with 3280 miles. Thus is the best car I have ever owned. I thinknit is very stylish and get tons of compliments on its looks. The handling is fantastic with not a single rattle, squeak or other noises. The issues I have had are as follows: The front bumper trim piece is misaligned on the driver's side. It's hardlyr noticeable but it is definitely misaligned. I only noticed it when I was washing the car for the first time. The major problem is if I get an incoming call it completely freezes up the infotainment system. The phone will ring and ring aa long as the car is on. In factx, if I briefly shut the car off and turn it in, the phone continues to ring! It only stops ringing if the vehicle is shut off for 5 or 10 minutes. While this does drive me completely bonkers, I still absolutely love the vehicle and have zero regrets. I took it to the dealership and it is too soon to see if the problem was fixed. I have faith that Honda will resolve this issue if it persists. I would strongly recommend a new Civic and feel that Honda probably worked out all of the kinks so the 2017s should be fine.

Submitted by Jeremy (not verified) on November 8, 2016 - 8:39PM

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Got 3200 miles on my exl 2016 civic. Had a bad creaking noise from the a pillar, got it fixed at dealer, have a creaking noise from right top of windshield. Pulled back headliner myself and put foam in there...noise gone.... Now I have an intermittent noise from trunk or rear shelf area of vehicle. Horrendous quality. Owned a brand new Hyundai accent, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda 6, range Rover evoque, scion xd.... Never any creaking with any of those new cars.

Submitted by Calib (not verified) on November 8, 2016 - 9:26PM

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2016 Honda Civic - worse car ever. Less than 2k miles and new creeks/rattles daily...not to
mention gentle unfolding of interior front window frame and outcropping of driver-side vent o_0
And dare I mention the recalls...