Honda Civic is one of the most popular compacts sold in the U.S. Many of us grew up with them because the Civic has been a Honda trademark for more than 30 years.
Clever engineering, Honda's renowned assembly quality and all the conveniences create an entry-level car that provides more than basic transportation. Honda makes a Civic to suit many types of people. Sedan, coupe and hatchback models available with a choice of engines tuned for performance or economy enable buyers to choose a sports coupe, a luxury sedan or a highly efficient, practical and environmentally conscious runabout.
As mentioned, three body styles are available: three-door Hatchback, two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Trim levels include CX, DX, LX, EX, HX and Si.
The least expensive model is the CX hatchback. Even a basic radio costs extra here, though a split/folding rear seat, tinted glass and a rear-window defroster are included. Regardless of body style, the basic DX trim level includes dual outside mirrors, an AM/FM radio and adjustable steering column. All sedans and automatic transmission-equipped coupes and hatchbacks come with power steering. Mid-grade LX sedans add air conditioning, power windows and door locks and cruise control. EX sedans and coupes come with just about everything, including a more powerful engine, a power moonroof and antilock brakes. Automatic transmission adds $800-$1,000 to most models. (See details on Pricing & Specifications page.)
Clean, efficient styling reflects the purpose of the Honda Civic. All three body styles use identical sheet metal from front bumper to windshield. They feature a distinct wedge profile rising from front to rear with large headlights and taillights. Careful detailing lends character to a simple form.
Some of the details that make the Civic appealing are also functional. The low cowl and hood line combine with generous glass area to provide exceptional visibility for driver and passengers. All three Civics have large doors, and offer handy access to well-shaped stowage spaces in back.
Civic interiors are well-designed, neatly executed and more functional than ostentatious. Interior materials seem to have been selected with durability rather than maximum eye appeal in mind. Monochrome interiors - available in gray, dark gray or beige - border on the monotonous and could benefit from more contrast.
Four adults can ride comfortably in the Civic; it will also accommodate two adults with three children. Civics offer 12 cubic feet of luggage space and that can be augmented by folding down the rear seats. Pockets and bins provide storage for small items.
Instruments and controls are simple in layout and function. A base Civic has but three gauges - speedometer, fuel level and coolant temperature - while up-level models add a tachometer. The switch layout is generally good; the radio buttons are small and fussy, but electronic controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning are easy to operate.
We spent the bulk of our test time with the EX sedan, but shorter runs in other versions served to reinforce our enthusiasm for the versatility and quality of the whole Civic line. Comments made here can be applied generally to hatchbacks and coupes in all trim levels.
Performance makes the strongest initial impression. These are lightweight cars, so even the base 106-horsepower engine is more than sufficient. The uplevel choices are rated at 115 and 127 horsepower. All Civic engines use 4-valve-per-cylinder technology (16v) for maximum efficiency. In fact, all are mechanically identical with the exception of those used in EX sedans and coupes and HX coupes. These add a variable valve timing system (called VTEC by Honda) that makes them extraordinarily responsive at any speed. Regardless of output, Civic powerplants are exceptionally smooth and economical.
