The Honda Civic was at the top of the great-deal, efficient-wheels scene in 2004. Eight years later, the Civic and bigger sibling Accord are not what they once were. While both the Civic and Accord are still great sellers, there's now plenty of competition.
The one still bright beacon for Honda continues to be is always-strong resale value and equally strong reputation. Which is why, of course, the 2004 Honda Civic is the best used car available in the United States for less than $8,000 — at least according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
The well-known company gave the 2004 Honda Civic its highest ranking and estimated the car's purchase price at $7,970.
And assessing the car's value and touting its recommendation, KBB's editors commented:
"If you have 24 hours and $8,000 to acquire some new wheels, just go buy the nearest used Civic and you’re likely to enjoy many years of trouble-free transportation. Sure beats shopping on death row."
The Weekly Driver didn't review the gas-powered Civic, but we did review the 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid.
To read the review, visit: Honda Civic 2004 Hybrid
Facts & Figures: 2004 Honda Civic
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-cylinder, 1.7L |
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city / 36 hwy / 32 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
Article Last Updated: March 29, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.