The 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan belongs to the eighth generation (2006-2011) of Honda's highly acclaimed compact car. This popular four-door sedan body style offered a blend of practicality and efficiency, making it a perennial favorite. Key trims included the DX, LX, EX, and the sporty Si. Known for its legendary reliability, strong fuel economy, and user-friendly driving dynamics, the Civic LX stood out as an accessible and dependable choice for a wide demographic, typically found in the used market today for $6,000-$9,000 depending on condition and mileage.
The Good
The 2010 Civic LX offers exceptional fuel efficiency, robust Honda reliability, and a comfortable, practical interior. Its nimble handling appeals to emotional drivers seeking a fun ride, while its low ownership costs and strong resale value satisfy practical buyers. The straightforward yet attractive design has also aged gracefully.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses for the 2010 Civic LX include a somewhat firm ride, noticeable road noise at highway speeds, and an interior that might feel basic compared to some rivals. Certain models within this generation were also susceptible to cracked engine blocks or clear coat paint issues, warranting careful inspection.
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan is primarily equipped with one engine choice for the LX trim: a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: This 1.8L engine produces 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm.
- Transmission: The LX trim was available with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission.
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates):
– With 5-speed manual: Approximately 26 MPG city / 34 MPG highway / 29 MPG combined.
– With 5-speed automatic: Approximately 25 MPG city / 36 MPG highway / 29 MPG combined. - 0-60 MPH Acceleration: For the Civic LX with the 1.8L engine and automatic transmission, 0-60 mph times typically ranged in the high 8 to low 9-second range, which is competitive for its class.
- Towing Capacity: Honda generally does not recommend or rate the Civic for towing. It is not designed for towing and attempting to do so can void warranties and cause damage.
- LX Trim-Level Features: The LX trim, being a step above the base DX, offered a good balance of features for daily driving:
– 16-inch steel wheels with full covers
– Power windows with auto-up/down driver's window
– Power door locks
– Remote entry system
– Air conditioning with air-filtration system
– AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers
– Auxiliary input jack
– Cruise control
– Tilt and telescopic steering column
– Center console with sliding armrest and storage
– Front and rear cup holders
– Illuminated vanity mirrors
– Fold-down rear seatback (one-piece)
– Outside temperature indicator
– Digital speedometer and analog tachometer
– Cloth seating surfaces
– Body-colored power side mirrors
– Variable intermittent windshield wipers
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2010 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Civic LX 4dr Sedan |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Subcompact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | GREENSBURG |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2754 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 56.50 inches |
| Overall Length | 177.30 inches |
| Overall Width | 69.00 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 106.30 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 1.8-L L-4 SOHC 16V |
| Engine Size | 1.8L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $18,405 |
| Invoice Price | $16,956 |
| Delivery Charges | $710 |
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What Problems Does the 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Have?
While the 2010 Honda Civic LX generally upholds Honda's reputation for reliability, a few specific issues have been frequently reported for the eighth-generation Civic, including the 2010 model year. One of the most significant concerns for the 2006-2009 models, which could potentially affect later 8th gen years depending on specific production batches, was the issue of cracked engine blocks in the 1.8L R18A engine. This serious defect led to a class-action lawsuit and extended warranty coverage by Honda for affected vehicles. Owners should verify if their specific VIN was covered or inspected for this problem.
Another common complaint pertains to paint defects, specifically the clear coat peeling, particularly on darker colors and horizontal surfaces like the hood and roof. This is a cosmetic issue but can be widespread.
Other reported long-term reliability concerns include premature wear of the rear lower control arm bushings, leading to alignment issues and uneven tire wear. Owners might also experience issues with the AC compressor failing earlier than expected, resulting in a loss of air conditioning. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) light illuminating due to faulty wiring or sensors is another known problem. Furthermore, some owners have noted rattles from the suspension or interior components as the vehicle ages.
Regarding recalls, the 2010 Civic had a notable recall related to the power window master switch, which could potentially overheat and cause a fire. This recall affected numerous Honda models. Another recall involved a potential issue with the propeller shaft on certain 2010 models, though this was less common for the standard FWD sedan. It's crucial for prospective buyers to check if all outstanding recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle via Honda's official recall lookup tool using the VIN.
Another common complaint pertains to paint defects, specifically the clear coat peeling, particularly on darker colors and horizontal surfaces like the hood and roof. This is a cosmetic issue but can be widespread.
Other reported long-term reliability concerns include premature wear of the rear lower control arm bushings, leading to alignment issues and uneven tire wear. Owners might also experience issues with the AC compressor failing earlier than expected, resulting in a loss of air conditioning. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) light illuminating due to faulty wiring or sensors is another known problem. Furthermore, some owners have noted rattles from the suspension or interior components as the vehicle ages.
Regarding recalls, the 2010 Civic had a notable recall related to the power window master switch, which could potentially overheat and cause a fire. This recall affected numerous Honda models. Another recall involved a potential issue with the propeller shaft on certain 2010 models, though this was less common for the standard FWD sedan. It's crucial for prospective buyers to check if all outstanding recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle via Honda's official recall lookup tool using the VIN.
How long will the 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan last?
A well-maintained 2010 Honda Civic LX is renowned for its longevity, often reaching 200,000 to 250,000 miles or more with consistent service. Many owners report their Civics serving reliably for 15+ years. Key to this durability is adhering to Honda's maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, fluid checks, and timely component replacements like timing belts (if applicable) and spark plugs. While the engine and transmission are generally robust, long-term weaknesses can include premature wear of suspension components like bushings and struts, leading to a less composed ride. The clear coat paint can also degrade over time. Interior plastics, though durable, may develop minor squeaks or rattles. However, these issues are typically manageable and don't detract from the Civic's fundamental mechanical soundness, making it a strong long-term investment.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2010 Honda Civic LX, while not cutting-edge by today's standards, offered a practical array of built-in tech, entertainment, and safety features for its time. Standard tech and entertainment included an AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers and an auxiliary input jack, allowing for connection of external music devices. Cruise control was a standard convenience, as was power steering, power windows, and power door locks. The instrument panel featured Honda's distinctive two-tier design, with a digital speedometer positioned above the analog tachometer, a unique styling cue for this generation.
Driver-assistance features were minimal, as advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist were not common in this segment a decade ago. The focus was more on fundamental safety.
Safety was a strong suit for the 2010 Civic LX. Standard safety features included:
Crash-Test Ratings:
The 2010 Honda Civic 4-door sedan generally performed very well in independent crash tests:
Optional features on the LX were primarily limited to the automatic transmission.
Driver-assistance features were minimal, as advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist were not common in this segment a decade ago. The focus was more on fundamental safety.
Safety was a strong suit for the 2010 Civic LX. Standard safety features included:
- Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS)
- Front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system (OPDS)
- Side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
- Child-proof rear door locks
Crash-Test Ratings:
The 2010 Honda Civic 4-door sedan generally performed very well in independent crash tests:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
– Frontal Driver: 5 Stars
– Frontal Passenger: 5 Stars
– Side Driver: 5 Stars
– Side Rear Passenger: 5 Stars
– Rollover: 4 Stars - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
– Moderate Overlap Front: "Good"
– Side: "Good"
– Roof Strength: "Good"
– Head Restraints & Seats: "Good"
The Civic earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award for 2010, underscoring its excellent crashworthiness.
Optional features on the LX were primarily limited to the automatic transmission.
What Colors Options are Available?
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In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan typically had an MSRP ranging from approximately $18,400 to $19,200, depending on whether it had a manual or automatic transmission. Today, in the used market, current prices for a 2010 Civic LX can range from $6,000 to $9,000, largely influenced by mileage, condition, and regional demand. This represents significant depreciation from its original value, as expected for a 14-year-old compact car.
However, the Civic boasts excellent depreciation insights for its class, holding its value better than many rivals. Factors positively affecting its resale value include its renowned reliability, strong fuel economy, and Honda's brand reputation. A clean title, complete service records, and good cosmetic condition significantly bolster resale value. Conversely, high mileage, prior accidents, or neglected maintenance will naturally depress its market price.
However, the Civic boasts excellent depreciation insights for its class, holding its value better than many rivals. Factors positively affecting its resale value include its renowned reliability, strong fuel economy, and Honda's brand reputation. A clean title, complete service records, and good cosmetic condition significantly bolster resale value. Conversely, high mileage, prior accidents, or neglected maintenance will naturally depress its market price.
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Cost of Ownership
The 2010 Honda Civic LX is widely considered an exceptionally economical vehicle to own long-term. Insurance costs are typically low due to its excellent safety ratings, low theft rates, and affordable repair costs. Fuel costs are minimal thanks to its impressive EPA-estimated 25-26 MPG city / 34-36 MPG highway. Maintenance is generally inexpensive, with parts being readily available and labor costs reasonable at independent shops. Repairs are infrequent for well-maintained models, and when needed, parts are not exorbitant. Its reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected major expenses. Overall, the 2010 Civic LX offers one of the lowest total cost of ownership figures in its segment, making it a very wallet-friendly choice.
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
13.20 gallons
City Mileage
25 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
36 miles/gallon
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
36 months / 36,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
60 months / 60,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Insurance
Insurance for a 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan stands as a benchmark in the compact car segment, often compared to rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus.
Performance: The Civic LX's 1.8L engine offers a good balance of 140 horsepower and fuel efficiency. It feels nimble and refined for daily driving. The Toyota Corolla (1.8L, 132 hp) offers similar, albeit slightly less engaging, performance. The Mazda 3 (2.0L, 148 hp or 2.5L, 167 hp) often outshines the Civic in handling and driving dynamics, providing a sportier feel. The Hyundai Elantra (2.0L, 138 hp) is comparable but typically less refined, while the Ford Focus (2.0L, 140 hp) offers decent handling but had varying reliability depending on the transmission.
Features: The Civic LX provides a solid set of standard features for its class, including AC, power accessories, and cruise control. The Corolla offers a very similar feature set, emphasizing practicality. The Mazda 3 often felt a bit more upscale inside, sometimes offering more premium optional features. The Elantra typically provided a strong value proposition with slightly more features for the money, though interior materials might not match Honda's. The Focus was competitive but could feel dated in its interior design.
Reliability: This is where the Civic, along with the Corolla, truly shines. Both are legendary for their long-term durability and low incidence of major mechanical failures, assuming regular maintenance. The Mazda 3 is also generally reliable but sometimes has minor electronic or rust issues with age. The Hyundai Elantra of this vintage improved greatly but might not quite match Honda/Toyota for sheer longevity. The Ford Focus from this era had known issues, particularly with automatic transmissions.
Price: New, all these cars were competitively priced. In the used market today, the Civic and Corolla generally command the highest resale values due to their reliability reputation. The Mazda 3, Elantra, and Focus are often found at slightly lower prices, offering good value for money but sometimes with trade-offs in long-term reliability or brand appeal.
Recommendations:
Performance: The Civic LX's 1.8L engine offers a good balance of 140 horsepower and fuel efficiency. It feels nimble and refined for daily driving. The Toyota Corolla (1.8L, 132 hp) offers similar, albeit slightly less engaging, performance. The Mazda 3 (2.0L, 148 hp or 2.5L, 167 hp) often outshines the Civic in handling and driving dynamics, providing a sportier feel. The Hyundai Elantra (2.0L, 138 hp) is comparable but typically less refined, while the Ford Focus (2.0L, 140 hp) offers decent handling but had varying reliability depending on the transmission.
Features: The Civic LX provides a solid set of standard features for its class, including AC, power accessories, and cruise control. The Corolla offers a very similar feature set, emphasizing practicality. The Mazda 3 often felt a bit more upscale inside, sometimes offering more premium optional features. The Elantra typically provided a strong value proposition with slightly more features for the money, though interior materials might not match Honda's. The Focus was competitive but could feel dated in its interior design.
Reliability: This is where the Civic, along with the Corolla, truly shines. Both are legendary for their long-term durability and low incidence of major mechanical failures, assuming regular maintenance. The Mazda 3 is also generally reliable but sometimes has minor electronic or rust issues with age. The Hyundai Elantra of this vintage improved greatly but might not quite match Honda/Toyota for sheer longevity. The Ford Focus from this era had known issues, particularly with automatic transmissions.
Price: New, all these cars were competitively priced. In the used market today, the Civic and Corolla generally command the highest resale values due to their reliability reputation. The Mazda 3, Elantra, and Focus are often found at slightly lower prices, offering good value for money but sometimes with trade-offs in long-term reliability or brand appeal.
Recommendations:
- Similar Alternative: The 2010 Toyota Corolla is a direct and excellent rival, offering nearly identical reliability, fuel economy, and practicality, albeit with a slightly less engaging driving experience.
- Better Alternative (Driving Dynamics): For those prioritizing a sportier drive, a 2010 Mazda 3 would be a better choice, though its long-term reliability might be marginally below the Civic's.
- Better Alternative (Value/Features): A 2010 Hyundai Elantra offers strong value and decent features for a lower price, but may not have the same legendary longevity.
Final Verdict: Is the 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan a Good Sedan?
The 2010 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan is an ideal vehicle for budget-conscious commuters, first-time drivers, and small families seeking an exceedingly reliable and economical daily driver. It's perfect for those who value low running costs, great fuel efficiency, and a comfortable, no-frills experience over high-tech gadgets or blistering performance. Given its age, it is unequivocally worth buying as a used vehicle, provided it has a clean title and documented maintenance history.
Conditions for buying: Focus on models that have clearly been well-maintained, ideally with fewer than 150,000 miles. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic to check for common issues like clear coat peeling, suspension wear, or any signs of the cracked engine block issue (though less common for 2010, still worth checking). The LX trim specifically offers the best balance of essential features and value without the added cost or complexity of higher trims. Avoid vehicles with significant rust or signs of neglect. If you find a well-preserved example, it's a smart, durable investment.
Conditions for buying: Focus on models that have clearly been well-maintained, ideally with fewer than 150,000 miles. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic to check for common issues like clear coat peeling, suspension wear, or any signs of the cracked engine block issue (though less common for 2010, still worth checking). The LX trim specifically offers the best balance of essential features and value without the added cost or complexity of higher trims. Avoid vehicles with significant rust or signs of neglect. If you find a well-preserved example, it's a smart, durable investment.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.