Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient at 36 MPG combined, against 34 MPG for the Volkswagen Jetta. At EPA assumptions that is about $100 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 559 | 799 |
| Most reported problem | Fuel system | Drivetrain & axles |
| Crashes and fires | 39 and 1 | 41 and 5 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 15,000 miles | 5,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 11 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 36 MPG | 34 MPG |
| City and highway | 32 and 42 | 30 and 40 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $1,850 | $1,950 |
| NHTSA overall safety |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 559 complaints for the Honda Civic and 799 for the Volkswagen Jetta. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 5 stars for the Honda Civic, 5 stars for the Volkswagen Jetta.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Honda Civic, 11 for the Volkswagen Jetta.