2012 Honda Civic vs 2012 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Side-by-Side
2012
Honda Civic
Grade B
A highly reliable and economical daily driver, provided you address its few known quirks.
2012
Toyota Corolla
Grade A
A bulletproof choice for anyone prioritizing unwavering reliability and affordability above all else.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2012 Toyota Corolla
Score 92/100 vs 83/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2012 Honda Civic | 2012 Toyota Corolla★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | — | — |
| Moderate Repairs | — | — |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 28 / 39 | 26 / 34 |
| MSRP (New) | $15,805 | $15,745 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2012 Honda Civic
A/C System
Paint/Clear Coat
Interior & Minor Electrical
2012 Toyota Corolla
Engine Oil Consumption
Suspension Components
Blend Door Actuator / HVAC Issues
Get the Full Report on Each
7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair costs, and expert verdict for each vehicle.
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Editorial Take
The 2012 Honda Civic and 2012 Toyota Corolla are frequently compared because they sit at the center of the compact-sedan market: affordable, efficient, easy to own, and widely available on the used market. Buyers typically cross-shop them when they want a dependable daily driver with low fuel costs and predictable maintenance. The Civic usually attracts drivers who care more about steering feel, cabin design, and available tech, while the Corolla is often chosen for its simple controls, proven mechanicals, and historically strong long-term durability. Key decision factors tend to be fuel economy, real-world reliability history, cabin comfort and features, and resale value. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2012 HONDA CIVIC –
Value & Cost of Ownership
New price positioning: When new, these cars were closely priced, typically within a few hundred dollars at the entry level. The Corolla often undercut the Civic slightly on base trims, while the Civic offered a broader range including the high-MPG HF and the performance-oriented Si. Used-market pricing (today, varies heavily by mileage/condition/region): - Corolla tends to command strong prices at higher mileages because of its reputation and fleet demand; clean, one-owner examples often sell quickly. - Civic pricing is also strong, but 2012 models can be a bit more price-sensitive than certain other Civic years due to the model-year reputation and mid-cycle refinement story. Insurance: - Usually very similar. The Civic can be marginally higher to insure in some areas due to higher theft rates historically and the presence of sportier trims, while the Corolla often lands slightly lower. Local driver profile and coverage levels matter more than the model choice here. Maintenance and repairs: - Corolla: Generally low routine costs; the main advantage is straightforward mechanical access and a long history of predictable parts pricing. Watch for oil-consumption monitoring and water pump replacement on higher-mileage cars. - Civic: Also low routine costs, with slightly more emphasis on keeping up with correct fluids (especially if the automatic feels off). Parts availability is excellent for both. Resale value: - Corolla: Typically among the best in class for resale, especially for clean automatic LE/S models. - Civic: Strong resale as well, with the Si holding value particularly well among enthusiasts. Regular 1.8L trims may trail the Corolla slightly in some markets for this specific model year.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2012 Honda Civic
Products for 2012 Toyota Corolla
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