2019 Honda Civic vs 2019 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Side-by-Side
2019
Honda Civic
Grade A-
A top-tier compact car offering peace of mind, provided you address its known A/C system vulnerability.
2019
Toyota Corolla
Grade A
A practically bulletproof compact, the 2019 Corolla delivers reliable, no-nonsense transportation with very few weaknesses.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2019 Toyota Corolla
Score 92/100 vs 90/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2019 Honda Civic | 2019 Toyota Corolla★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | — | — |
| Moderate Repairs | — | — |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 32 / 42 | 30 / 40 |
| MSRP (New) | $19,550 | $18,700 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2019 Honda Civic
Air Conditioning System
Infotainment System
1.5L Turbo Engine (Oil Dilution)
2019 Toyota Corolla
Infotainment System
HVAC Blower Motor
Suspension Bushings/End Links
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 2019 Honda Civic and 2019 Toyota Corolla sedans stand as perennial titans of the compact car segment, consistently ranking among the best-selling and most cross-shopped vehicles in North America. Both are renowned for their practicality, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making them popular choices for first-time buyers, students, small families, and commuters seeking dependable transportation. The primary decision factors between these two often boil down to a preference for driving engagement and modern technology versus steadfast reliability and a softer, more traditional ride. Buyers considering the Civic typically prioritize a more dynamic driving experience and a feature-rich interior, while Corolla shoppers often value ultimate peace of mind and straightforward functionality above all else. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2019 Honda Civic Sedan: 1. AC System Issues: Some owners of 10th-generation Civics (2016-2021) have reported premature failure of the air conditioning condenser or compressor. This can lead to expensive repairs, often occurring outside the standard warranty period for the specific component. 2. Oil Dilution (1.5T Engine): Primarily affecting models with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in colder climates or with frequent short drives, gasoline can mix with the engine oil, potentially leading to increased engine wear over time. Honda issued software updates to mitigate this issue, and it is less common in 2019 models than in earlier years. 3. Infotainment System Glitches: The optional 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system has occasionally been reported to freeze, lag, or experience connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These are typically software-related and sometimes resolved with dealer updates. 2019 Toyota Corolla Sedan: 1. Road Noise: A common complaint among Corolla owners is higher than average road and wind noise intrusion into the cabin, particularly at highway speeds. While not a mechanical issue, it can detract from the overall driving experience. 2. Relatively Weak Acceleration: The 1.8-liter engine, while reliable, is often criticized for its modest power output, especially when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. This is not a mechanical fault but rather a characteristic of its design for efficiency and longevity. 3. Minor Infotainment Quirks: Similar to the Civic, although generally less problematic, the Corolla's standard touchscreen system can occasionally exhibit minor glitches, such as slow response to inputs or connectivity hiccups. However, it is largely considered a simple and dependable system.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When considering value and cost of ownership, both the 2019 Honda Civic and 2019 Toyota Corolla present compelling arguments. New, the Corolla typically held a slightly lower starting MSRP, making it marginally more accessible at the entry level. In the used market, both vehicles maintain excellent resale value, a testament to their strong reputations. Historically, the Corolla has often been a benchmark for resale value, with the Civic closely following. Insurance costs for both compact sedans are generally affordable, though the Corolla might have a slight edge due to its less performance-oriented nature and lower likelihood of being involved in high-speed incidents. Maintenance costs are a strong point for both brands; Honda and Toyota are renowned for their low long-term maintenance expenses. While both are economical to service, the Corolla often gets the nod for being marginally simpler mechanically, which can translate to slightly lower labor costs for common repairs over its lifespan. Fuel efficiency is strong for both, but the Civic's 1.5L turbo engine achieves slightly better highway MPG figures than most Corolla trims, potentially saving more at the pump for long-distance drivers. Overall, the Corolla typically wins in a pure "total cost of ownership" calculation due to its slightly lower entry price, marginally better insurance rates, and often legendary reliability that minimizes unexpected repairs. However, the Civic offers more features and performance for a slightly higher overall cost.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: The 2019 Honda Civic sedan. Its larger trunk (15.1 cubic feet), more spacious rear seat, and generally more powerful engine choices make it better suited for family duties, especially for highway trips where passing power is beneficial. The standard Honda Sensing on most trims also provides peace of mind. Best for commuters: This is a very close call. For the commuter who prioritizes ultimate reliability, a comfortable ride, and straightforward operation, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is an excellent choice. Its efficiency (especially the LE Eco) and legendary durability mean fewer worries. However, for the commuter who desires a more engaging drive, better technology (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and stronger acceleration for merging, the 2019 Honda Civic, particularly with the 1.5T engine, is the superior option. Best for enthusiasts: The 2019 Honda Civic, without question. Its sharper steering, more composed handling, and significantly more powerful turbocharged engine make it the only choice for drivers who value driving dynamics in this segment. The Corolla is not designed with enthusiasts in mind. Best value overall: The 2019 Toyota Corolla. While the Civic offers a more dynamic driving experience and superior technology, the Corolla consistently delivers on its promise of unparalleled reliability, lower initial purchase cost, excellent fuel economy, and strong resale value, leading to a marginally lower total cost of ownership over many years. For buyers prioritizing absolute peace of mind and long-term dependability, the Corolla represents the pinnacle of compact car value. The Civic, while an outstanding value, typically comes at a slightly higher premium for its added features and performance.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2019 Honda Civic
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