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The Used Honda City Combines Balanced Performance, Mid-Size Sedan Comfort, and Mechanical Reliability, Maintaining a Strong Presence in the Used Market Due to Durability and Low Maintenance Costs.
Updated between 2015 and 2021, the Honda City of the second generation combines the well-known 1.5 i-VTEC flex with CVT transmission and a spacious interior for the category.
With a 2.60 m wheelbase and 536 liters of trunk space, it serves family use well and has maintained its reputation for low consumption and robustness.
In the used market, the LX CVT sees the highest demand, while the EXL gains points for extra safety.
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The new Renault Koleos has a screen exclusively for the passenger that is invisible to the driver, heated rear seats, and 29 assistance systems, but its Chinese competitors cost R$ 40,000 less and deliver more power.
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Evolution of the Honda City Between 2015 and 2021
The 2015 City ceased to be the “mini-Civic” and grew in finish and equipment.
The DX version focused on price: five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels, and simple finish without external chrome.
For those prioritizing daily comfort, the LX CVT established itself as the most balanced configuration, already featuring electric steering, air conditioning, an audio system with Bluetooth, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Above it, EX and EXL added the CVT with Sport mode and seven virtual gears, with shifts via the paddles on the steering wheel, in addition to cruise control, digital air conditioning, a rearview camera, and fog lights.
The EXL included leather seats and steering wheel and a more complete multimedia center.
The 2016 line increased the safety of the EXL with six airbags (front, side, and curtain), making this version the most recommended for those prioritizing passive protection.
In 2018, the sedan underwent a facelift: new grille, bumpers, and taillights, LED daytime running lights on all versions, and on the EX, the addition of side airbags.
The EXL received full-LED headlights for high and low beams.
That same year, Honda created the City Personal, a simplified automatic option aimed at the PcD audience, which replaced the old DX CVT and remained in the lineup until 2022.
Engine, Transmission, and Consumption
In all versions, the City uses the veteran 1.5 i-VTEC FlexOne, with 115/116 hp and 15.2/15.3 kgfm (gasoline/ethanol).
The setup works well with the CVT, favoring consumption and smoothness in urban traffic.
In practice, the simulation of seven gears and the Sport mode help with accelerations, but the tuning favors efficiency, not sporty performance.
An important technical detail of this generation is the elimination of the auxiliary gasoline reservoir for cold starts: the system now heats the fuel in the injectors, eliminating the sub-tank.
Space and Comfort of a Mid-Size Sedan
The cabin comfortably accommodates five adults, with good legroom and headroom, and three headrests in the rear seat.
Items such as three-point seatbelts for everyone and Isofix for child seats have made the City a natural choice for families and rideshare drivers.
The 536 liters of trunk space is an advantage of the model and surpasses direct rivals.
Safety and Absence of Stability Control
The safety package evolved throughout the cycle, with an expansion of the number of airbags in higher versions.
Still, the City did not receive stability control (VSA/ESP) until 2021, something rivals began to offer at that same time.
For those looking for the most complete set of this generation, the EXL 2016+ is the reference for bringing six airbags; the EX 2018+ already includes side airbags, increasing protection.
Maintenance and Points of Attention
The City is recognized for its reliability, but there are care routines that make a difference in the used variant.
In the cylinder head, the brand uses solid lifters.
The valve clearance should be inspected every 40,000 km.
Wear or misalignment can affect performance, consumption, and noise; therefore, ask for proof of service history.
The maintenance history deserves attention, especially for cars that had been used as rideshare vehicles.
Check if the declared mileage matches the condition of upholstery, pedals, and steering wheel, and the service orders for maintenance.
In the CVT transmission, the HCF-2 fluid requires periodic replacement.
In general, the scheduled maintenance recommends replacement every 40,000 km; vibrations, jolts, or loss of traction usually indicate degraded fluid and possible slippage of the belt between the pulleys.
Prioritize workshops that follow the correct procedure and use the specified fluid.
The suspension improved compared to the first generation, but leaks or deteriorated boots on the shock absorbers and worn bushings/stops are signs of neglect.
Noises from sharp thuds on uneven ground warrant inspection.
In wheels and tires, pay attention to the 16-inch with 185/55 tires on the LX, EX, and EXL versions.
The low profile (about 10 cm) suffers on pothole-riddled roads and may generate bubbles and dents in alloy wheels.
Check the spare tire, alignment, and repair history.
Versions and Buyer Profile
For a fair budget, the DX manual covers the basics and can be a good entry point—as long as the overall condition compensates for the simplicity of the finish.
Those looking for convenience and lower consumption in urban use tend to prefer the LX CVT, a more widespread solution with good liquidity in resale.
Meanwhile, EX and EXL appeal to those who value more onboard technology and driving with paddle shifters, in addition to the higher safety package in the EXL.
Values and Replacement Cost
In the market, prices vary according to year, version, condition, and region.
Surveys from KBB Brazil indicate higher demand for LX CVT, EX, and EXL, with prices proportional to content and mileage.
In parts, there is a wide parallel offer that reduces costs on bodywork, brakes, and suspension, while original components preserve fit and durability standards.
The decision between original and parallel should consider provenance, warranty, and the car’s purpose.
What Improved in This Generation
In addition to the more modern design, the City replaced the old four-speed automatic with the CVT, gained more efficiency, and abolished the cold-start sub-tank.
In practice, operation became smoother and more economical while preserving the drivability that has always been a hallmark of the model.
Direct Competitors
Those seeking absolute focus on practicality, economy, and reliability may consider the Toyota Etios Sedan.
Not emphasizing style, the compact delivers one of the largest trunks in the class and a simple, efficient, and durable mechanical setup.
The Voice of the Owner
“Besides being economical, the City is extremely reliable: even after years of daily use, it has never broken down. Another important factor is the drivability: it has good stability without compromising comfort.”
On the other hand, there are reports of limitations: “What I hate: the ground clearance is low; it scrapes on bumps and ditches. The finish and equipment level also leave something to be desired: the competition already offers more for less.”
Given this history, which version of the used City fits your profile best— the LX for rationality, the EX/EXL for the complete package, or the DX for purchase economy?
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