Test drive: 2009 Honda Civic LX-S sedan
Monday December 29, 2008
I love talking to people about what I do. Car enthusiasts usually ask me about particular types of cars, while non-enthusiasts often ask "So what kind of car should I buy?" or "What's the best car made?" Of course, there's no one answer to either of these questions -- but for people who insist that I select one uber-vehicle, I will usually cop out and pick the Honda Civic. If you don't love cars, the Civic is about as good as it gets... or so I thought. Turns out that if you do love cars, as I do, the Civic is still pretty darn good, but not quite perfect. Read all about it in my 2009 Honda Civic LX-S test drive and review. Warning: ESC-related rant ahead. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Comments
When you mention closest competitors, I believe that the Nissan Sentra is a better rival than some you mentioned. In my humble opinion.
This car doesn’t quite get the long and satisfying yawn with both arms stretched out like the Corolla might…but it’s close.
Toyota and Honda…the Maytags of the automotive world.
I think Honda is just trying to weed out poorer folks by offering less safety equipment on their cheaper cars. Itsh a CONSHPIRATHY!!
I was just pondering a money making venture for Honda MoCo. They could sell swatches of their seat fabric for its lint/pet hair removing properties. When soiled or full, simply drop in the washer-dryer for near perpetual reuse. See…you CAN save the environment and defuzz the old Armani at the same friggin time.
Anyway, to sum up, less afluent Civic owners may die but at least they’ll enter the hereafter lint-free and with the fulfillment that can only come from a two tier dash display.
Eh… who could possibly drive such a dull car, let alone shell out upwards of 20 grand for one. This is a hard sell to me, being so sensible and average is just not American… I’d rather drive a Subaru, which are at least ugly-looking and formidable on the road… we here call that character.
FYI - minor catch: picture 14 states 16″ alloys and picture 23 states 15″ alloys.
I recently rented a 2008 Corolla and was surprised how quiet it was (road noise)compared to my friends 2008 Civic. Having owned Accords and Camrys, Honda has a way to go yet on noise isolation. But they probably know that already!
Let me tell you about my ‘07 Civic EX 4dr w/AT! I’ve had the car 2yrs & 15K miles. During that time the AT was replaced @ 4550 miles, the replacement tranny has had the 3rd gear pressure switch replaced. The following items have also been repaired or replaced: power steering leaks, CV boot & joint, battery, both sun visors and 3 recalls.
The A/C system is designed to cut-out for a few seconds when accelertating from a stop to give you the illusion of more power. I’ve been driving A/C cars for more than 40 yrs. and no other car has every done this!
I had a A/C ‘78 VW Rabbit w/a 4spd, the A/C never cut-out during acceleration.
I will have to replace the rear brake pads & rotors before the car even has 20K miles on it! This is the worst brake wear I’ve ever experienced on a new car. My new cars usually go between 35K & 40K miles before needing brakes.
Everything, except the brakes, was replaced or repaired under warranty.
Buy another Honda….NEVER AGAIN!!!!
Wow Rich, that sucker sounds like a real bonafide lemon. My last Civic went 232k on 2 sets of brakes, original tranny, 2 timing belts and nothing more. My current CR-V just turned 70k without a single problem(check my review in Aaron’s Forum). My brother’s CR-v is about to turn 200k with only one timing belt change and one set of brakes…from where I sit, I’d have to say “You’ve got a reallemon, my poor unfortunate friend!”