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Everyone knows that one car that just won’t die. It’s the car that outlasts new models, bad weather, and even bad habits. For Zachary Duncan, that car is his 2009 Honda Civic with over 232,000 miles on the odometer. It’s been through road trips, harsh winters, and more than a few skipped oil changes, yet it still starts up every morning without complaint. Cars like this are why Honda built such an enduring reputation for reliability, and as the company moves into its next chapter of EVs and hybrid technology, that legacy carries a lot of weight.
He bought it used years ago back when the Civic was the go-to choice for anyone who wanted a car that could survive anything. It’s been his daily driver and emergency backup car when others failed. The paint has faded, the seats have seen better days, and the steering wheel shows its age, but mechanically, it’s as dependable as ever. It’s still running on the original engine and transmission, which is a rare feat these days when so many cars struggle to make it past 150,000 miles without major repairs.
What’s remarkable is how little attention this Civic has demanded. It’s gone thousands of miles between oil changes and survived months of neglect without a single breakdown. Yet it still feels smooth and oddly confident for a car that’s lived such a hard life. In a world of overcomplicated modern vehicles, this Civic stands as a reminder of how simplicity often equals longevity.
Here’s how Zach put it: “I’ll start by being honest: I’ve skipped more oil changes than I should have on this car. Sometimes I’d go eight or nine thousand miles and just forget, but this thing just doesn’t care. It’s been through so much and it definitely deserved a better owner than me, but every time I turn the key, it still treats me right. A few months ago I drove it from Connecticut to Florida and back in the same week, but it didn’t burn oil, didn’t overheat, or anything like that. As far as replacements go, I’ve changed the tires, brakes, oil, trans fluid once, a starter, and I think that’s it. I know it’s old, but I trust this car more than most new ones. I’ve had friends in 2020s cars with fewer miles break down on the highway while my Civic just keeps going.”
His story isn’t unique but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. Civics from this era have become legends for a reason. They weren’t luxurious or fast, but they were consistent. And for most drivers, that kind of dependability is worth more than any horsepower figure.

How Honda Built Its Legacy on Trust
Honda’s reputation didn’t appear overnight. It was earned through decades of cars like this. These simple and honest machines that didn’t need to prove anything except that they worked. The late-2000s Civic, with its naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine and bulletproof five-speed automatic was the definition of reliability. It wasn’t exciting, but it was consistent, efficient, and built to last.
Ask any mechanic and they’ll tell you: Hondas from this generation are the cars that just keep showing up in shops for oil changes and not repairs. That’s what cemented Honda’s name in automotive history. Owners didn’t buy these cars because they were flashy, but they bought them because they didn’t want to worry. This Civic, still rolling past 232,000 miles, is living proof of that philosophy.
That same spirit can still be seen in newer models today. Even in a market filled with tech-heavy sedans, Honda continues to refine its classic formula with modern updates. The 2025 Honda Civic Si is a great example, staying true to the fun and driver-focused roots that made the Civic name so iconic.
Can Honda’s EVs Live Up to That Standard?
As Honda moves into its new electrified era, many loyal fans are asking a difficult question: can modern Hondas, especially their EVs, live up to the same reliability standard? The company’s first major step into that world, the Honda Prologue, has drawn mixed reactions. Built in partnership with General Motors, it’s meant to be Honda’s flagship EV for North America. Yet some early owners have voiced frustration with quality and design, claiming it feels less like a Honda and more like a rebadged GM product.
One owner even said their new Honda Prologue feels more like a GMC than a Honda, describing system bugs and build issues that clash with the brand’s reliability roots. It’s not that Honda has forgotten how to make great vehicles, but customers expect perfection when they see that H badge. And when a brand’s legacy is built on cars that go 232,000 miles without a single engine replacement, the expectations for the next generation are understandably high.
Still, the potential is there. Honda’s engineering mindset has always been about optimization and refinement. So if they can channel that same DNA into their future EVs, then they’ll have no trouble maintaining that trust.
What This 232K-Mile Civic Represents
This Civic is more than just a reliable car. It’s a symbol of what made Honda great in the first place. It represents an era when reliability wasn’t a marketing claim, as it was a lived experience. Every dent and every old highway mile add to its story. And that story says something powerful. Good engineering, done right, can outlast trends and even ownership itself.
For car enthusiasts, it’s easy to get caught up in specs and tech, but longevity is its own kind of performance. This Civic may not win drag races, but in my opinion, it’s won something better: time. That’s why I think cars like this Civic are important reminders of why a lot of us fell in love with driving in the first place. There’s something pure about a car that doesn’t overcomplicate things, one that just does its job day after day without asking for attention. Watching this 16-year-old Honda outlast flashier, newer models says more about craftsmanship than any commercial could. I believe Honda’s next big challenge is not building the fastest or most advanced EV but building one that earns the same trust this Civic did, mile after mile.
Key Takeaways
What Are Your Thoughts? 
Do you think modern Hondas still live up to the brand’s reputation for reliability? 
And if you’ve driven one of Honda’s new EVs or hybrids, how do they compare to the old-school models like this 2009 Civic?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Aram Krajekian
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