I've got an 07 Civic 2 door, and while I can't say I'm disappointed in the car, I don't feel like it quite lives up to all the hype. I mean, it's been fine: it gets good gas mileage, hasn't had any real problems, easy to maintain, drives, shifts, and handles nicely for what it is. It's got a good level of features for its class (exterior temp, sunroof, nice stereo, etc). Has plenty of power for an economy car. Can't really complain.
On the flip side, I've had two squeaky struts replaced under warranty (dealership service has been good in my experience). It's got a fair number of squeaks and rattles, which wouldn't be a problem if I didn't like to drive without the stereo on. The windows shake in the doors if you close the doors while they're rolled down. It burns a bit of oil. The engine/accessory sound has a semi-annoying whine/buzz to it. The engine has more noticeable vibration at idle than, say, my GF's Mazda3 (which admittedly idles higher and has balance shafts while the Civic's engine does not). The throttle's response to quick pedal position changes does not match previous cars I've had (with cable throttles) or the DBW throttle on the Mazda3. It certainly doesn't have any stand-out traits that make me think, "wow, this engine is amazing" despite what you hear so often about Honda engines.
Time will tell whether the Honda reputation for reliability will pay any dividends. I'm especially curious to see how the car holds up compared to the Mazda long term. At this point, as a "normal" driver with a relatively efficient commuter car, I have 0 complaints about the vehicle. As a car enthusiast with typical BITOG OCD, though, I can't say I feel like the vehicle is anything really exceptional (not that it's supposed to be-- it's just a commuter) or necessarily worth any premium in price. FWIW I feel like if I had shopped around better when I bought it instead of being in such a rush, I may have ended up with a different vehicle and a couple extra grand in the bank.
This specific car aside, I've got to say I really respect Honda as a company. In general I like their "in-house" approach to engineering, and while I may not like all their models, I respect their strategy of sticking with a limited line and trying to make each vehicle offer something unique (although it's been getting less limited as the years go by).