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The Civic is a pleasant,
safe, and fuel-efficient compact car held back by its high price and a few
odd design quirks. It rides comfortably and fairly quietly, rides and
handles well, has a comfortable interior, and offers a blend of competitive
acceleration and exceptional gas mileage. However, it is generally competent
but rarely exceptional, which isn’t good for its near-$18,000 price. It’s a
better economy car than the Nissan Sentra, which is in the similar position
of pricey without premium qualities, but other cars are good enough that you
can get a similar car for less money.
The Civic has a somewhat
firm, though comfortable and controlled ride. It handles capably, and the
steering is responsive, but it doesn’t feel particularly agile, and the
light steering isn’t sharp enough for the car to be considered fun to drive.
The engine offers acceptable power and is generally smooth and quiet, but
road noise could be better-suppressed (a typical Honda shortcoming). Gas
mileage is the best in this group except for the ultra-light Toyota Yaris.
Inside, the Civic’s front
seats are comfortable and supportive, but a bit too firm. The rear is roomy
and well-shaped, but also rather firm and could be mounted a higher.
 The
dash features an odd design that separates the speedometer, fuel gauge, and
a few other indicators from the tachometer, gear indicator, and others. The
digital speedometer, the first this class has seen since the much maligned
Suzuki Aerio’s (Suzuki was wise to replace it with a conventional analog
setup) can wash out in bright sunlight, but the numerals are larger than the
Aerio’s were. The dash layout and sloping windshield create an expanse of
dash that seems to try and rival the General Motors “Dustbuster” minivans’.
(It at least failed to be quite as dramatic as they were) that complicates
forward visibility and creates excessive windshield glare. The other
instruments are logically arrayed on an oddly styled but high-quality dash.
Entry/exit is easy. The trunk isn’t particularly roomy, as more of the
Civic’s size was dedicated to passenger space.
The Civic reviewed here
came in at $17,855, reasonably well-equipped. Unlike the Nissan Sentra and
several of the others here, it does not include extra luxury equipment at
that price however. It includes the expected features for this group except
traction control, as well as active head restraints and a digital media
connection.
Overall, the Civic is
very good in most ways, but there are many economy cars like that. It’s good
enough to belong on anyone’s shopping list, but be sure to check out the
competition before paying the price premium for it.
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