This is a very interesting set of views here on both sides..
We (People in general) do seem to go to either extreme with our cars - either it's either the greatest thing in the world, or the worst.
I've just joined as 'her ladyship' has just bought a Type S GT Diesel but since I'm not caught up with the excitement of it being my own car perhaps I can make a few comments - with any luck I can upset both sides!
The reasons why the car was chosen are well documented here - exterior & interior looks, pleasant drive, good fuel economy etc
But, having had a Honda Accord Type R many years ago cast-iron reliabilty was not one of them - quite frankly it was shocking. As far as I'm concerned at this point Honda make cars that are par for the course for quality and not the shining beacon of reliability they were many years ago - Having said that my wife was happy to balance this against what she wanted in the car.
This isn't to say we shouldn't expect (hope for?) good reliabiity but I just don't see Honda in that way anymore.
Havings said all that the Civic is a groovy looking thing with some character obviously aimed at a younger market - the cynical side of me would say that Honda failed to sell enough well made cars aimed at....ahem.....the more mature customer and said 'bugger this lets make it funky, reduce the quality and see what happens.' Some of the plastics inside, for example, are pathetic, granted I drive an Audi but come on Honda... And if you think Honda customer care is poor I'll do you a twenty page rant on bloomin' Audi dealers...
There are people here with major issues but the majority are without - it doesn't make it any more acceptable to those with the problems but 'dems are the facts'. We always publicise negatives in any area far more than the positives.
This website has proved hugely useful for us to see the real issues and also the benefits. Yes there are the usual ' My Civic is the best ever' posts and the laughables 'No, the Type R won't do 163 MPH for god sake' but overall it seems to be a good group of people enjoying their cars, telling us why and discussing pro's and cons - keep it up!
Anyway first post rant over and nice to meet you all!