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Overall: The Civic is a very nice small car, but many
other nice small cars are less expensive.
Overall Rating: 7/10
Recommended: Yes
The Civic is a very nice
car. It is roomy, comfortable, and refined. It has decent power and excellent
gas mileage. It is reasonably agile. It earned top-notch crash test ratings.
But it is one of the most expensive cars in its class. And unlike the Mazda3,
a strong competitor with similarly high pricing, it isn't in any way a
"premium" vehicle, just a nice compact with a high price, more like a
less-expensive and more fuel-efficient Volkswagen Jetta.
The Civic is a very popular car in the United
States because of its reputation more than anything. It strong points are
indeed strong, but they aren't as unique as one might think. Despite its
recent redesign, little about the Civic jumps out as leading the class. It
isn't the quietest, it isn't the roomiest, it isn't the most fun, and it
certainly isn't the among the cheapest. It has the best crash-test results of
any small car, but in most other ways it is simply competitive. While a car
that is competitive in most ways is certainly desirable, it isn't necessarily
worth a substantial price premium.
A gas/electric hybrid version is also available,
costing several thousand more than a comparably-equipped EX model. The Civic
Hybrid is offered only with a CVT, no manual transmission is available. EPA
fuel economy ratings are well above the standard car's already-high figures,
but real-world testing has shown less of an advantage for most hybrids. Tax
credits are available to offset the higher purchase price, but buyers must
also deal with less tire grip, a smaller trunk, and much less sprightly
acceleration. A Toyota Prius gets better mileage, has more pep, and has more
interior space for around the same price.
A strong case can certainly be made to buy the
Civic despite its price. The safety record is a large factor, as is the fuel
economy. The general competence adds to the car's appeal to anyone looking
primarily at either strong point. But anyone looking for a car focused
primarily on any other strong point, or looking for a good value for the money
would be better served by a competitor. Those looking for sport should seek
out the premium-caliber and premium-priced Mazda3 and the much cheaper Ford
Focus. Those seeking maximum interior space ought to also check out the Toyota
Corolla, Suzuki Aerio, and again the Focus. Those looking for maximum fuel
economy can check out the Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Yaris. And those looking
for a good car for a low price ought to check out the Ford Focus, Hyundai
Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Suzuki Aerio.
Only after those choices have been carefully
evaluated should one choose the Civic, but those who do so will be
well-served.
See Vehicle Overview
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