Is the 1998 Honda Civic LX a good car?

Yes—if you find a well-maintained example, the 1998 Honda Civic LX remains a good car for basic, economical transportation: it’s renowned for durability, inexpensive maintenance, and strong fuel economy. That said, it’s a 27-year-old vehicle with dated safety tech, potential rust and wear issues, and increased theft risk, so condition and history matter more than the badge.

What the 1998 Civic LX offers

The 1998 Civic LX sits in the sixth-generation Civic lineup (1996–2000) as a mid-level trim above the DX. It typically includes power windows and locks, air conditioning, and the 1.6-liter SOHC engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Its appeal today is largely about simplicity: straightforward mechanicals, excellent parts availability, and a reputation for running past 200,000 miles with routine care.

Reliability and running costs

As a platform, the late-’90s Civic has a strong reliability record. The LX’s 1.6-liter engine is understressed and known to last when serviced on schedule. Consumables are inexpensive, and independent mechanics are familiar with the car, keeping labor costs reasonable. Insurance is typically affordable, though theft rates for 1990s Civics are high in many regions, which can nudge premiums up or require additional security measures.

Performance and fuel economy

This Civic prioritizes efficiency over speed. Acceleration is modest by modern standards, but the car feels light and responsive, especially with the manual transmission. Expect real-world economy in the high-20s to low-30s mpg combined, with highway figures often in the mid-30s when driven gently, depending on transmission, tires, and maintenance state.

Safety and equipment

Safety is the clearest weakness versus modern small cars. The 1998 Civic LX lacks today’s advanced driver-assistance systems and side airbags. Crash protection reflects late-1990s standards, which means acceptable for its era but behind contemporary subcompacts. Anti-lock brakes were optional on some trims and markets, so verify equipment on any specific car. If safety technology is a priority, a newer model will be a better fit.

Common problems to watch

Every 1998 Civic LX will be defined by its condition. Age- and mileage-related issues are more relevant than design defects at this point, and rust history varies widely by climate and care.

The list below highlights common trouble spots owners and shoppers frequently encounter with this model and generation.

• Rust at rear wheel arches, quarter panels, and underbody, especially in road-salt regions.
• Worn suspension components (rear trailing arm bushings, struts, control arm bushings) causing clunks or poor alignment.
• CV axle boot splits and joint wear, leading to clicking during tight turns.
• Cooling system neglect (radiators, hoses, water pumps) and delayed timing-belt service; age alone can necessitate replacement.
• Evaporative emissions system faults (EVAP purge/vent issues) and aging catalytic converters triggering check-engine lights.
• Interior wear (seat fabric, headliner sag) and failing window regulators or lock actuators.
• Electrical aging such as alternators, starters, and grounds causing intermittent issues.
• Theft vulnerability—older Civics are among the most stolen vehicles; use immobilizers/alarms and VIN etching where possible.

None of these items are inherently deal-breaking; rather, they’re predictable age-related needs. A car with documentation showing proactive maintenance typically provides a far better ownership experience.

Recalls and safety notices

Honda issued multiple recalls across the late-1990s lineup, including ignition switch failures that could cause stalling on some 1997–1999 vehicles, and various airbag-related actions have periodically expanded to certain older models by VIN. Because coverage depends on build details, always run the VIN through your country’s official recall portal or a Honda dealer to verify open campaigns and repair status.

Pros and cons at a glance

The following list summarizes the main strengths and weaknesses to help you weigh whether a 1998 Civic LX fits your needs.

• Pros: Proven reliability, inexpensive parts and repairs, excellent fuel economy, simple mechanics, and strong community support.
• Pros: Light, maneuverable driving feel and good visibility make city driving easy.
• Pros: Values remain stable for clean, unmodified cars due to enthusiast interest and scarcity.
• Cons: Dated safety performance and limited crash protection versus modern vehicles; lacks modern driver aids.
• Cons: Age-related rust and wear are common; buying on price alone can be costly if deferred maintenance is significant.
• Cons: High theft risk; insurance or security upgrades may be prudent.

If the pros align with your priorities and you can verify condition and service history, the Civic LX is still a smart, frugal choice; if modern safety tech is essential, consider a newer model.

What to check before you buy

Use the checklist below to quickly assess whether a specific 1998 Civic LX is worth pursuing and to avoid common pitfalls with high-mileage, older vehicles.

1. Service records: Confirm regular oil changes and that the timing belt, water pump, and coolant were replaced on schedule or by time (often 7–10 years), not just mileage.
2. Rust inspection: Look closely at rear arches, rocker panels, floor pans, subframes, and suspension mounting points; rust repair can exceed the car’s value.
3. Suspension and steering: Test for clunks, uneven tire wear, wandering, or rear-end instability; budget for bushings and dampers if original.
4. Engine and transmission: Check for oil leaks, misfires, and smooth shifting; a manual often ages better than the period automatic if maintained.
5. Cooling system: Verify steady temperature, no coolant odors, and a clean radiator; aging plastic tanks and hoses often need refresh.
6. Emissions and OBD-II: Scan for codes; EVAP and catalyst inefficiency codes are common and can affect inspection readiness.
7. Electrical and interior: Test all power windows/locks, instrument lights, and HVAC; look for headliner sag and brittle plastics.
8. Recalls and theft prevention: Check VIN for open recalls and consider adding an immobilizer, hood lock, or steering lock.
9. Modifications: Prefer lightly or unmodified cars; poorly executed mods can reduce reliability and value.
10. Price and comparables: Compare local listings for mileage, rust, and documentation; paying more for a rust-free, maintained example is usually cheaper long-term.

Going through this list upfront narrows your search to better candidates and helps you budget realistically for any immediate repairs.

Market values and availability

Values vary widely by region and condition. As of 2025, driver-quality 1998 Civic LX sedans typically list in the roughly $2,500–$6,000 range, with rust-free, low-mile, manual-transmission, or exceptionally well-documented examples commanding more. Pristine or enthusiast-kept cars can push higher, while rusty or neglected examples are best avoided regardless of price.

Verdict

If you want simple, thrifty, and proven transportation—and you can verify maintenance and avoid rust—the 1998 Honda Civic LX remains a good car. It’s not the safest or the quickest, but it is one of the most dependable and economical ways to get around, provided age-related issues have been addressed and theft prevention is taken seriously.

Bottom line

Buy on condition and history, not the badge alone. A clean, documented Civic LX is a keeper; a rusty, neglected one is a money pit.

Summary

The 1998 Honda Civic LX can still be a smart buy: durable engine, low running costs, and strong mpg are offset by dated safety, potential rust, and theft risk. Prioritize maintenance records, rust-free bodies, and recall checks; consider added security. For budget-friendly commuting, a good example remains hard to beat.

How much is a 1998 Honda Civic LX worth?

A 1998 Honda Civic LX Sedan 4D has depreciated $216 or 10% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,815 and trade-in value of $768.

Are Honda Civic 1998 reliable?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle’s reliability and quality to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 929 out of 1215 of owners (76% of them) rank the 1998 Civic five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1998 Honda Civic.

How many miles will a 1998 Honda Civic last?

A 1998 Honda Civic, with proper care and maintenance, can typically last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. However, some well-maintained Civics have even been known to reach 500,000 miles. The longevity of any vehicle, including a 1998 Civic, depends heavily on factors like driving conditions, maintenance habits, and luck, according to Honda service blogs. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Factors Affecting Longevity:

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and addressing issues promptly can significantly extend the life of the engine and other components. 
• Driving Conditions: Highway driving is generally less stressful on a vehicle than stop-and-go city driving. 
• Climate: Extreme climates (very hot or very cold) can impact the lifespan of certain components. 
• Ownership: The number of previous owners and their maintenance habits can also play a role. 

What to Expect:

• 200,000+ miles: This is a reasonable expectation for a well-maintained 1998 Civic. 
• 300,000+ miles: With consistent care and favorable conditions, 300,000 miles is achievable. 
• 500,000+ miles: While less common, some Civics have reached this milestone with exceptional maintenance and luck. 

Tips for Maximizing Lifespan:

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Refer to the owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. 
• Address issues promptly: Don’t let minor problems escalate into major repairs. 
• Use quality parts and fluids: Avoid using cheap or low-quality parts that may fail prematurely. 
• Consider synthetic oil: Some owners have reported improved mileage and engine health by switching to synthetic oil after a certain mileage (though this is a debated topic), according to Edmunds forums. 
• Be mindful of rust: If you live in an area with harsh winters, be aware of rust and take steps to prevent or mitigate it. 

What year of civic to stay away from?

Which Honda Civic Years to Avoid

Model Year	Main Issues
2001	Transmission failure, airbag recall, engine concerns
2006	Cracked engine blocks, coolant leaks
2007–2008	Premature tire wear, engine and body integrity issues
2012	Poor interior quality, underwhelming ride and build