The 2004 Honda Civic was the 7th generation of the popular Civic model. It came in several body styles including coupe, sedan, hatchback, and hybrid. Some key features of the 2004 Civic included:
- Fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines, including a hybrid version
- Front wheel drive
- Smooth, responsive handling
- Good interior room for its class
- Standard safety features like ABS and airbags
- Reliable, low-maintenance operation
The 2004 Civic was well-received for its blend of economy, practicality, and performance. It earned high reliability ratings and became one of Honda’s top selling models.
Read on to learn all the details about the 2004 Honda Civic.
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2004 Honda Civic Model Lineup
Table of Content
- 1 2004 Honda Civic Model Lineup
- 2 2004 Civic Engines and Performance
- 3 2004 Civic Fuel Economy
- 4 2004 Civic Dimensions and Weight
- 5 2004 Civic Safety Ratings
- 6 2004 Civic Standard Features
- 7 2004 Civic Options and Packages
- 8 2004 Honda Civic Reliability and Recalls
- 9 2004 Honda Civic Pricing and Value
- 10 2004 Civic Common Problems
- 11 2004 Honda Civic Model Year Changes
- 12 2004 Honda Civic Generations and History
- 13 Should You Buy a 2004 Honda Civic?
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions About the 2004 Honda Civic
The 2004 Civic came in several models:
Civic Coupe and Sedan
- DX – Base model with 115 hp engine and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
- LX – Mid-level model adds air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control
- EX – Top trim level with 127 hp engine, moonroof, 6-speaker audio, and alloy wheels
Civic Hybrid
- Integrated Motor Assist hybrid powertrain with CVT transmission and improved fuel economy
Civic Hatchback
- Only came in Si performance model with 160 hp engine, 6-speed manual, upgraded brakes/suspension
2004 Civic Engines and Performance
The 2004 Civic came with a choice of efficient 4-cylinder engines:
- 1.7L 4-cylinder – Standard in DX and LX models, made 115 hp
- 1.7L 4-cylinder VTEC – Optional in EX models, made 127 hp
- 1.3L 4-cylinder hybrid – Standard in the Civic Hybrid, made 93 hp combined with the electric motor
- 2.0L 4-cylinder VTEC – Standard in the Civic Si, made 160 hp
The base engine provided good everyday performance while the VTEC engines delivered more potent acceleration. The Si was tuned for sporty handling to match its high-revving engine. Fuel economy ranged from 32 mpg combined for the sedan/coupe to 51 mpg for the hybrid.
2004 Civic Fuel Economy
Here are the EPA fuel economy estimates for each 2004 Civic model:
- Civic coupe/sedan LX (automatic): 32 mpg combined
- Civic coupe/sedan LX (manual): 33 mpg combined
- Civic EX coupe/sedan (automatic): 30 mpg combined
- Civic EX coupe/sedan (manual): 32 mpg combined
- Civic Hybrid: 48 mpg city/47 mpg highway
- Civic Si coupe: 28 mpg combined
So you can see the standard civic models achieved excellent gas mileage, especially the DX and LX. Going with a manual transmission further improved efficiency. The Hybrid was exceptionally frugal at over 50 mpg in the city. Only the sport-tuned Si had lower fuel economy.
2004 Civic Dimensions and Weight
The 2004 Civic varied in size depending on the body style:
- Civic Coupe: 174 inches long, 68 inches wide, 56 inches tall with curb weight of 2,616 lbs
- Civic Sedan: 175 inches long, 68 inches wide, 57 inches tall with curb weight of 2,701 lbs
- Civic Hybrid Sedan: 175 inches long, 68 inches wide, 56 inches tall with curb weight of 2,737 lbs
- Civic Hatchback: 160 inches long, 67 inches wide, 60 inches tall with curb weight of 2,767 lbs
So you can see the coupe and sedan had very similar exterior dimensions, with the hatchback being considerably smaller. Interior room was ample for a compact car, able to seat up to 5 people fairly comfortably. The hatchback offered enhanced cargo versatility with its fold-down rear seats.
2004 Civic Safety Ratings
Here are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2004 Civic’s safety performance:
- Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 stars
- Side Crash: 5 out of 5 stars
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also rated the Civic as “Good” – its highest rating – for frontal offset and side impact protection.
Standard safety features included:
- Dual front airbags
- Side airbags
- Antilock brakes
- 3-point seatbelts for all positions
So the Civic provided good occupant protection for its class thanks to its solid structural design and standard safety equipment. Adding the side airbags further enhanced protection in side impacts.
2004 Civic Standard Features
Here is an overview of the standard equipment included on each 2004 Civic trim level:
Civic DX:
- 1.7L 115 hp engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 14-inch steel wheels with covers
- 4-speaker AM/FM stereo
- Manual windows and locks
- Cloth upholstery
- Driver’s seat height adjustment
- Fold-down rear seat
Civic Hybrid (added features over DX):
- Integrated Motor Assist hybrid powertrain
- Continuously variable transmission
- Automatic climate control
- Power windows, mirrors and locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Anti-theft engine immobilizer
Civic LX (added features over DX):
- Air conditioning
- Power windows, mirrors and locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Map lights
- Center console with armrest and storage
Civic EX (added features over LX):
- 1.7L 127 hp VTEC engine
- Moonroof
- 6-speaker 160-watt audio system
- Alloy wheels
- Heated mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Driver’s seat lumbar adjustment
So lower trims offered an excellent set of standard amenities while higher trims added luxury and convenience features. The Hybrid also came generously equipped owing to its higher pricing.
2004 Civic Options and Packages
Here are some of the main factory options and packages available for the 2004 Civic:
- Automatic Transmission – 4-speed auto was available on all coupe/sedan models for $800. The Hybrid came standard with a CVT.
- Side Airbags – Optional side airbags cost $250 on LX models, standard on EX.
- Security System – A security alarm with remote activation was a $400 option.
- Sunroof – A power sliding sunroof was available for $700 on DX and LX models.
- Premium Package – For EX models, this $2,000 package added leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
- Navigation System – A hard drive-based navigation system was optional for $2,000 on EX coupes.
There were also some dealer-installed accessories like roof racks, tailgate spoilers, fog lights, and remote starters available.
2004 Honda Civic Reliability and Recalls
The 2004 Civic scored very well in reliability according to Consumer Reports and other sources. It achieved an overall 4.5 out of 5 predicted reliability score from CR, with owners reporting few significant issues. Some minor problems included window switches, brake squeaks, and sun visors breaking. But overall it proved very dependable, especially for a first-year redesign.
There was one safety recall issued for the 2004 Civic:
- Driver’s airbag inflator – Affected vehicles had airbag inflators that could potentially rupture during deployment. Dealers inspected and replaced airbags as needed.
So the Civic had excellent reliability and just one minor recall. This confirms its reputation as a dependable, trouble-free vehicle. Proper maintenance is recommended to keep a 2004 Civic running smoothly past 200,000 miles.
2004 Honda Civic Pricing and Value
When new, here were the base MSRP prices for 2004 Civics:
- Civic DX Coupe – $13,860
- Civic DX Sedan – $14,060
- Civic LX Coupe – $15,910
- Civic LX Sedan – $16,110
- Civic EX Coupe – $18,210
- Civic EX Sedan – $18,410
- Civic Hybrid – $19,650
- Civic Si – $19,840
Adding options like the automatic transmission and sunroof pushed prices closer to $20,000 for higher trim coupes and sedans. The well-equipped Hybrid commanded a premium over standard models.
Today, used 2004 Civic values range from $3,000 for higher-mileage coupes and sedans in DX and LX trim, up to around $7,000 for lower-mile EX and Si models in good condition. The Hybrid tends to retail for $4,000-$8,000 depending on mileage and equipment. So the Civic delivers great value, with even 10+ year old examples still commanding respectable prices.
2004 Civic Common Problems
While the 2004 Civic has proven very reliable, there are a few common issues to look out for:
Failed ignition coils – Ignition coils can fail prematurely, causing a misfire and check engine light. Replacements cost around $200.
Warped front brake rotors – Excessive front brake rotor warping is not uncommon. This causes vibration when braking. Replacement rotors are around $150 per pair.
Cracked engine mounts – The engine mounts can crack and fail over time. These allow excessive engine movement. OEM replacements are about $125 each.
Wheel bearing wear – Premature wheel bearing failure is possible. This causes rumbling noise at highway speeds. Each bearing costs $100-$150 to replace.
Faulty power window regulators – The window regulators can break, preventing windows from moving up or down. A regulator repair costs around $200 per window.
Failed A/C compressors – The air conditioning may stop blowing cold due to a failed A/C compressor. Replacement costs about $350 for the part.
So while not flawless, most 2004 Civics hold up very well with proper maintenance. Addressing any issues promptly is recommended.
2004 Honda Civic Model Year Changes
The 2004 model year marked the debut of the redesigned 8th generation Honda Civic. It featured:
- All-new bodywork with more aggressive styling
- New interior design with improved materials
- New engines including VTEC and Hybrid powertrains
- Greater feature content across the lineup
- Enhanced handling and braking performance
There were no major changes during the model year run. Overall the new 2004 redesign represented a sizable improvement over the previous generation, with better performance, efficiency, quality and value.
2004 Honda Civic Generations and History
The Honda Civic has gone through these generations since its 1973 debut:
Generation | Model years |
|---|---|
First generation | 1972-1979 |
Second generation | 1980-1983 |
Third generation | 1984-1987 |
Fourth generation | 1988-1991 |
Fifth generation | 1992-1995 |
Sixth generation | 1996-2000 |
Seventh generation | 2001-2005 |
Eighth generation | 2006-2011 |
Ninth generation | 2012-2015 |
Tenth generation | 2016-2021 |
Eleventh generation | 2021-present |
Honda has maintained the Civic’s fun, economical, and reliable qualities while evolving styling and features over these generations. The 2004 model kicked off the well-regarded 8th generation Civics that would span until 2011. These Civics continued the model’s success through their blend of quality, efficiency, practicality and value.
Should You Buy a 2004 Honda Civic?
The 2004 Civic makes an excellent used car purchase. It delivers everything you need in basic transportation – great fuel economy, lots of space, time-tested reliability – without breaking the bank. Performance is surprisingly sprightly. Finding a manual transmission example would provide an even more enjoyable driving experience. If you take care of it, a 2004 Civic should easily run for 15+ years and 200,000+ miles. So for an economical, fuss-free commuter, the Civic shines. Shop for the cleanest, lowest mileage one you can find and enjoy years of carefree driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2004 Honda Civic
Now let’s take a look at some common questions about the 2004 Honda Civic:
How much is a 2004 Honda Civic worth?
Used 2004 Civics typically range from about $3,000 for a high-mileage DX or LX model up to around $7,000 for a lower mileage EX or Si in good condition. The Hybrid tends to retail for $4,000-$8,000 depending on mileage and equipment level.
Is the 2004 Honda Civic a good car?
Yes, the 2004 Civic is a very good, reliable used car. It gets excellent fuel economy, has ample interior space, handles well, and has proven very durable over the years. As long as maintenance is kept up, a 2004 Civic can easily reach 200,000 miles or more.
Does a 2004 Honda Civic have an aux port?
No, a factory stereo equipped 2004 Civic does not have an aux audio input jack. However, some models may have had an aftermarket head unit added that includes an aux port. Adapter kits are also available to add an aux input.
Are 2004 Honda Civics reliable?
The 2004 Civic has proven to be a very reliable used car. It scores highly in dependability surveys and typically does not have many issues as long as maintenance is kept up. The engine, transmission, and most other components are designed for longevity.
How many miles can a 2004 Honda Civic last?
With proper maintenance, a 2004 Civic can easily surpass 200,000 miles or more. Many are still on the road today with 250,000+ miles. Oil changes, transmission service, timing belt/water pump replacement, and attending to issues early all contribute to long Civic lifespans.
How much horsepower does a 2004 Civic have?
It depended on the engine. Output was as follows:
- 115 hp – 1.7L DX/LX engine
- 127 hp – 1.7L EX engine
- 160 hp – 2.0L Si engine
- 93 hp (combined) – 1.3L Hybrid engine
So the regular models had modest but adequate power while the Si provided energetic acceleration. Even the base engine delivers decent performance for commuting and highway driving though.
What kind of transmission does the 2004 Civic have?
Most 2004 Civics have either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission. The only model with a different manual gearbox is the Si which has a 6-speed.
Is the 2004 Honda Civic front wheel drive?
Yes, the 2004 Civic is a front wheel drive vehicle. Power is delivered exclusively to the front wheels rather than the rears or all four wheels. This helps maximize interior room in the Civic.
I hope this overview helps give you a comprehensive understanding of the 2004 Honda Civic! Let me know if you have any other questions.
