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2012 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus

 
2012 Honda Civic specs

Price Range: $22,555

Base Engine: 201 hp /2.4L L4

MPG Range: 22 city / 31 hwy

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Mileage Matters
The Hyundai was the only car here with a six-speed transmission -- in fact, whether ordered with a manual or an automatic, all Elantras have six forward gears. That probably helped the put the Hyundai out in front in the fuel-economy race, with EPA ratings of 29 mpg city and that suddenly all-important 40-mpg highway number. With the Civic, you get only five forward gears whether you choose a manual or an automatic like we had here (only the Si gets a six-speed manual). Still, the Civic is only a tick behind the Elantra in both city and highway measures, at 28/39 mpg. Our Focus had a five-speed stick, but the Ford's automatic is a six-speed. Not surprisingly, the manual-transmission Focus is the less economical variant, rated at 26/36 mpg. Both Ford and Honda can advertise higher numbers: 40 mpg highway in the case of the Focus, and 41 mpg on the part of the Civic. But in both cases, those figures are only for special, high-mileage variants: the Focus SE with the SFE package, and Honda's Civic HF model, whereas all Elantras achieve the same EPA rating.

On the road
Ford has been making strides in the dynamic behavior of its small cars -- witness the Fiesta -- and that's clearly evident with the new Focus. The Focus felt particularly buttoned-down, and it had easily the best steering. The Honda proved to be a bit more eager to turn in than the Hyundai, exhibiting less understeer. It also rode notably better. We were less pleased, however, with the Civic's steering, which was rather vague on center. As impressive as the Hyundai was otherwise, it was somewhat disappointing dynamically. Its brakes were grabby and the suspension didn't do much to mask bad pavement. The Elantra's handling, though, was pretty good and its steering, while light, was not totally dead.

  • 2012 Ford Focus 2011 Hyundai Elantra 2012 Honda Civic Front Parked
  • 2012 Ford Focus 2011 Hyundai Elantra 2012 Honda Civic Front Left In Motion
  • 2012 Ford Focus 2011 Hyundai Elantra 2012 Honda Civic Front View
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tonkatoytruck Commented on 05/06/11 at: 1:57 AM I have been leaning towards the Hyundai based on price, gas mileage, and features. The Honda keeps reminding me that reliability is also very important. The Elantra warranty makes the jump a little less frightful. The Focus does not have as good a price, reliability, or gas mielage until 2012. The Cruze Eco comes as a manual only (WAF) so that is out. Toyota is just too dull. I will try to post more after my Honda test drive.
timhood Commented on 28/04/11 at: 4:08 PM It looks like the Ford is the better driver's car, and if you want some more fuel economy, go with the auto (dual-clutch). The five-door is also the best looking by a significant margin. You'll have to pay a little more than the Hyundai feature-for-feature, but what price happiness? In TCO terms, the difference isn't much. Besides, if the GLS Elantra doesn't have all the features you want, you might be able to spec out a Focus the way you want for less than the Elantra's Limited model.

Notice I forgot to mention the Civic. That's Honda's fault. It's all but forgotten in the new, competitive field. Honda, prodigal son, thou hast lost thine way. You're welcome back whenever you are ready.
pxr911 Commented on 26/04/11 at: 11:11 AM Although the Civic has an edge on the handling over the Elantra--I would think the Elantra wins over the Civic as it is $2000 cheaper, offers more features (back up camera,6 speed auto, automatic headlights, proximity key,start stop button, heated rear seats, and of course a superior warranty to the Civic. I think most informed buyer would chose the Elantra over the Civic as it is clearly the better buy.

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