Hi,
I'm tossing up between the 98-99 and 2001 model civic... 98-99 is cheaper, but I hear the 2001 has a better steering ratio (didnt like the feel of the 98 I drove). I've also read on carsurvey.org that the 2001 build quality is lower and people are generally less happy with reliability etc.

I'd really like to hear peoples opinions on how they've found their car's build quality and reliability and whether the steering is much more responsive than the 98-99 model.

Thanks for your time.
Cheers

 

I've owned a 1997 Ek hatch and an 1999 EM1. I have to say that my 2003 interior looks nicer (in my opinion), has better materials and looks more modern, but i dont think it's screwed together as well as my previous two. The trim moves and flexes a bit in places, like the C-pillar interior trim which ive noticed has come adrift a couple of times, as has my instrument binnacle surround trim.

Its not a lot, and not enough to make you not buy a 2001+ if you want one, but its a difference none the less.

Reliability is great so far, but i have only had it for a couple of months or so. Time will tell, but my 1990's civics were bullitproof.

I still love my EM2 anyways.

 

I like my 2001's quality, its WAY superior to any other civic from 1990-2000, BUT IMO if u are into going fast, dont pick this car. Im very upset as there are very minimal mods to enhance the perfomance for cheap.

 

I owned a 1993 Civic EX coupe, and now own a 2001 Civic EX coupe. I must say that the interior "feels" of a higher quality build in the 2001. The audio is also of a higher standard, and the overall ride quality is much improved. The seating is extremely similar, and the overall storage space isn't greatly improved (especially since the '93 had plenty of trunk space). There are some significant benefits with the 2001 model. For instance, the anti-sway bar up front is significantly more effective, and there's actually a rear anti-sway bar, unlike the '93. So, handling is improved significantly between those generations. If you were looking for negative input on the 2001, I'd say it's largest fallback, is aftermarket support. Since the EM2 was NEVER produced for the Japanese market, you're looking at a HUGE shortage of decent aftermarket support. Mugen, Spoon, and plenty others have pretty much left this model in the dust, and that's just the start. The D17 the car comes with, shares almost nothing with it's predecessors in the D-series lineup, except for the fact that it requires air, fuel, and spark to run. This means that there's, pretty much, zero aftermarket support for power production, leaving you the options of turbo or swap. Another fallback on the D17, is that the VTEC used in it, is probably the least successful VTEC ever produced, pumping a meak 10hp at the wheels at a less than ideal RPM range. But, the car does still manage a HUGE gas mileage ability, ranging in the mid 30's to low 40's, depending on use and engine.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by toyomatt84 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I owned a 1993 Civic EX coupe, and now own a 2001 Civic EX coupe. I must say that the interior "feels" of a higher quality build in the 2001. The audio is also of a higher standard, and the overall ride quality is much improved. The seating is extremely similar, and the overall storage space isn't greatly improved (especially since the '93 had plenty of trunk space). There are some significant benefits with the 2001 model. For instance, the anti-sway bar up front is significantly more effective, and there's actually a rear anti-sway bar, unlike the '93. So, handling is improved significantly between those generations. If you were looking for negative input on the 2001, I'd say it's largest fallback, is aftermarket support. Since the EM2 was NEVER produced for the Japanese market, you're looking at a HUGE shortage of decent aftermarket support. Mugen, Spoon, and plenty others have pretty much left this model in the dust, and that's just the start. The D17 the car comes with, shares almost nothing with it's predecessors in the D-series lineup, except for the fact that it requires air, fuel, and spark to run. This means that there's, pretty much, zero aftermarket support for power production, leaving you the options of turbo or swap. Another fallback on the D17, is that the VTEC used in it, is probably the least successful VTEC ever produced, pumping a meak 10hp at the wheels at a less than ideal RPM range. But, the car does still manage a HUGE gas mileage ability, ranging in the mid 30's to low 40's, depending on use and engine.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Wow, i didnt feel like typing all that, but hes BANG ON. Interior on the 01+'s is FABULOUS. but i feel all the shortcomings of the d17 totally render the em2 a useless chassis for budget builders

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18a_CRX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wow, i didnt feel like typing all that, but hes BANG ON. Interior on the 01+'s is FABULOUS. but i feel all the shortcomings of the d17 totally render the em2 a useless chassis for budget builders</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know you love me.

 

The build quality is nicer on the 01, however in terms of reliability I would go with the older generation. Struts on the 01 are garbage. If you get an auto transmission the 01 is garbage too. The older generation is true and tried technology.

I've had a 97 and also an 01. The 97 was far more trouble free than the 01.

 

01's do have a lot of stupid little issues compared to earlier years, but it's nothing that makes me wish i didn't have mine...the only thing that really annoys me is the rocking driver seat. and the popping noise when turning the wheel after lowering the car...but i don't think that's just 01's...


Modified by FR3SHT0D3F at 10:32 PM 7/14/2006

 

my 01 has been beaten on for 2 years now, and its never given me a problem. as for the auto tranny remark, every civic/integra and IMO prelude tranny since 1988ish have been GARBAGE!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18a_CRX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my 01 has been beaten on for 2 years now, and its never given me a problem. as for the auto tranny remark, every civic/integra and IMO prelude tranny since 1988ish have been GARBAGE!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have a 94 Accord with an auto. While its not the smoothest shifting tranny it has 180k and still running fine.

I really only drive manuals, out of 10 cars I've had the Accord is the only auto.

As long as you know how to drive, honda manuals seem ok.