This small sedan from Honda offers a lot of brilliant options that are usually only found in larger, much more expensive vehicles. The Honda Civic has been one of the strongest all around vehicles in the Honda fleet for many years and continues to bring an amazing amount of value for its price. The base model Honda Civic starts at $15,800 and this is a very reasonable price for all that the Honda Civic offers. With its base 1.8 liter 140 horsepower engine and a 5 speed stick this car really offers a decent amount of acceleration and is a very fun car to drive.
This is one of the few cars that can be powered by natural gas and this clean version of the civic runs on the same engine as the other gas models. The 8th gen Civic won a Motor Trend Car Of The Year award for the amazing base model lineup. The higher trim levels offer many more great features, but these models carry a stiff completion with higher priced compact sedans from many other car manufacturers.
The Range
Bodystyle: Sedan, coupe
Engines: 1.3L I-4 plus electric motor (hybrid), 1.8L I-4, 2.0L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT_
Models: DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX/EX-L, Hybrid, Si
What's New
A significant refresh in 2009 updated the Civic's exterior styling and increased the availability of certain tech features, so the 2011 Civic soldiers on unchanged. The ninth generation Civic is rumored to debut in 2011 as 2012 model.
Exterior
An aggressive cab-forward design pushes wheels to the corners to shorten front and rear overhangs and maximize the greenhouse. Although in the twilight of its lifecycle, Civic remains a blandly handsome player in the crowd.
Interior
Civic's roomy interior has a futuristic edge that still looks fresh. Simple controls and excellent ergonomics are a welcome relief within the brand. Base models are quite bare, but premium models come well equipped.
Performance & Handling
The Civic's once peppy performance numbers are gradually losing luster as the competition catches up. Base Civics remain a benchmark for tidy driving dynamics without the normal tradeoffs to ride quality. Enthusiasts will exult in the slick shifting, free revving 197-horsepower Si model, while commuters will enjoy the creature comforts of a fully loaded EX-L, or Hybrid that averages 42 mpg.
Safety
All passengers have 3-point seatbelts. Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags come standard on the Civic, as do active head restraints for driver and front passenger. Brake assist and stability/traction control only available on EX-L, Hybrid and Si models.
EPA Fuel Economy
DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, EX-L: 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway (manual); 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway (automatic)
Hybrid: 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway
Si: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
You'll Like
- The Si model
- Easy ergonomics
- Smooth revving engines
- Zero emission options
You Won't Like
- Lack of stability control in base models
Sum Up
Still strong at the finish
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Kia Forte
- Toyota Corolla
- VW Jetta