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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,249–$33,819 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2020 Honda Civic S earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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 S's reliability at 9.0/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 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 $25,249–$33,819, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Civic S sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 6 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 2020 Honda Civic S 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 →
The 2020 Honda Civic S 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 $25,249 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Honda Civic S scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $29,552 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.4/10 | $28,692 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $27,831 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $26,970 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $26,109 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $25,249 | |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,388 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $23,527 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $22,666 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $21,806 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $20,944 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.