What I liked about the Honda Civic sedan:
- Roomy, space-efficient interior
- Innovative dash
- Nice balance between engine power and fuel economy
What I didn't like:
- Electronic stability control only offered in priciest models
- Small trunk
- Lack of factory options and overpriced dealer-installed accessories
Who should buy the Honda Civic sedan:
Buyers who want an economical car that will last forever
Who should not buy the Honda Civic sedan:
Those who want best-in-class safety equipment or a more invigorating driving experience
Details and specs:
- Body style: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, EX-L
- Price range (including destination and options): $15,975 - $24,325
- Test car model/price: Civic LX-S automatic, $19,525
- Base engine: 1.8 liter inline four-cylinder, 140 hp @ 6,300 RPM, 128 lb-ft @ 4,300 RPM
- Optional engine: None
- Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 26 MPG city/34 MPG highway/29 MPG combined (manual), 25/36/29 (automatic)
- Where built: Canada, Japan, United States
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes
- Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
- Major standard features: Power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering column, height-adjustable driver's seat
- Major options: Power locks and mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, CD stereo, alloy wheels, heated leather seats, navigation system
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer-body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None
Best rivals:
The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Honda.
