> Unfortunately, the 7th-gen Civic (2001-05) hasn't been as reliable as
> previous versions. On my 2004 which currently has 50,000 miles on it, the
> alternator and front struts failed during the last 6 months, and these are
> somewhat common problems. There have also been reports of transmission
> failures especially in the '01 and '02, although I haven't experienced that,
> knock on wood.

Each car is different. My wife's 2005 civic EX-SE 5 speed
is absolutely the best car that she has owned. She only has
28K miles on it but there have been absolutely no problems
with this car. And, the 5 speed is the silkiest manual
either of us has driven.

Our 97 EX 5 speed with 90K miles on it did require a manual
transmission rebuild last year due to bearing failure. Our
daughter loves the car but would take the 05 in a heartbeat
due to the silky transmission, spoiler, aluminum wheels and
MP3-CD radio. The 97 has had the alternator replaced once
but there is no rust on the body (Texas gulf coast).

Both cars do eat a battery every 3 years but that is the
summer heat of the gulf coast.

Lynn