2019 Honda Civic Base — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2019 Honda Civic Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $21,207–$24,969
Fuel Economy 28 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,875/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Honda Civic Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$21,207–$24,969

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Honda Civic Base

With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2019 Honda Civic Base earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Honda Civic Base's reliability at 9.2/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.4/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $21,207–$24,969, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Civic Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: Think of the 2019 Honda Civic Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2019 Honda Civic Base ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,207 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 23%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Civic Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Honda Civic Base scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.3/10$25,698 Read review →
2024 8.4/10$24,950 Read review →
2023 8.2/10$24,201 Read review →
2022 8.3/10$23,453 Read review →
2021 8.1/10$22,704 Read review →
2020 8.1/10$21,956 Read review →
2019 (this review) 8.1/10$21,207
2018 8.1/10$20,459 Read review →
2017 7.9/10$19,710 Read review →
2016 7.9/10$18,962 Read review →
2015 7.9/10$18,213 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Honda Civic Base

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.