2005 Honda Civic SE Coupe Test Drive

A destroy-the-neighbourhood sound system is what distinguished our test car from the Civic EX, although for those who believe great audio is best appreciated in the home it's a $450 option. Body cladding, rear wing, and attractive alloy wheels identify it from the outside while the interior benefits from a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 1.7-liter VTEC 16-valve inline-4 delivers 127hp and offers 32/37 EPA mpg. Priced at $17,460.

First Glance: Dual personality

My About Cars fellow-tester Colin Hefferon delivered the Civic SE coupe to the ferry docks so that when I stepped off the ship I could step directly into the car. Aside from that convenience I appreciated having Colin along as he provides an added point of view. So how did I express my appreciation? By turning the ignition key with the engine running. Fortunately I realised (heard) what was happening within a split second. No harm done, except to my ego.

The reason for making this confession is to emphasise the dual personality of the Civic SE. Resting at idle, the engine barely whispers and in normal driving the car is a relaxing ride. But put your foot to the floor, zap through the five gears, and it takes on a decidedly sporting hauteur, making it a fun car to drive; important to the young crowd Honda hopes to reach with the SE and even to us older guys who could do without the big sound and body add-ons but still like to play in the corners.

Excellent fuel economy and free-revving engines would be enough to get your attention but comfort and reliability are equally important Civic features. Sightlines are ideal and, typically of Honda, the clean, simple dashboard design continues to be one of the best.

Continued below...

In the Driver's Seat: Just hop in and go

This is one of those rare autos where a new-to-the-car driver can hop in, start the engine, and drive off with nary a thought (please, no snide remarks about listening for a running engine first). For example, the primary air conditioning controls are mounted vertically next to the instruments and out of the way. Three knobs to turn and that's it except for three less frequently used buttons placed under the radio.

Instruments are perfectly proportioned for at-a-glance reading. Well... maybe not so perfect in the Civic SE where the white-on-grey color scheme lacks contrast. Large windows and a sloping hood provide an openness that's missing in many of the newest crop of cars and, more importantly, contribute to safety. The seats are comfortable with just enough side-support to keep you in place but not so much that getting in and out is a problem.

Unless you're climbing into the back seat. One of these days I'm going to organise a back seat contest where competitors race against the clock to see which car has the easiest access. Ambulances will be standing by to aid the injured. The Civic SE won't stand a chance but aside from that, it has one of the nicest interiors at any price, unless you're moved by walnut and leather.

On the Road: "All the car most people need"

We lost Soichiro Honda a few years ago though he left a legacy in the cars that bear his name. Soichiro was a race driver when young and as he built his company insisted that all Hondas, however humble, should be fun to drive. The Civic SE nicely retains that image.

Thanks to an amazingly efficient VTEC system, it pumps out 127 horses from a mere 1.8 liters, the only cost being that higher revs are needed to achieve best performance. Which was not a problem with our test car, for the engine loves to rev and the 5-speed manual is a joy to use. My previous test vehicle was an Accord TSX with 6-speed manual and although the car was quick the transmission lacked fluidity or as the old cliché read, "shifting like a knife through butter." The 5-speed Civic box, though coming from the same company, was by far more pleasant to use.

If you're counting seconds to sixty the Civic SE is not the quickest but so what? Passing ability counts more, as does fuel economy, and in those important measurements our test car was quite satisfying. As both Colin and I agreed, "this is all the car most people really need." All they need, too, on a winding road or squeezing through urban traffic.

Journey's End: Stereo aside, a great car

What's missing from this review is a comment on the 6-disc in-dash audio system with MP3. Okay, versatile, but it's loud! Grouchy old guy, right? Maybe, but I've been into audio since a teenager and have blown far too much cash on new systems as technology changed. Including my current surround-sound system with its 237-page manual.

No, my problem is that audio turned high blocks out the wail of emergency sirens. Therefore a safety hazard. So don't expect me to praise cars on the basis of huge sound. On the other hand if you're into MP3 the Civic SE's system can probably accommodate a coast-to-coast drive without changing disks. I will, however, praise this car for its ergonomics, its build-quality and reliability, its fun-to-drive appeal, its fuel economy. What you play on the MP3 is your choice. You take Bo Diddley, I'll take Diana Krall. (If only Elvis Costello would let me.)

By now you will have realised that I genuinely like the Civic coupe, with or without the SE designation. So does fellow test driver Colin Hefferon. We've also driven the plain-Jane 115 hp version and enjoyed it by simply reducing our performance aspirations. If you're seeking a reliable, fun-to-drive coupe, this could be your car.