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- Highs Excellent driving dynamics, peppy turbocharged engine, spacious and practical interior.
- Lows Light on luxury amenities, some cheap interior trim pieces, frustrating infotainment system.
- Verdict The Civic is a fun-to-drive, well-equipped, practical compact car with very few downsides.
Overview
Handsome, fun to drive, and historically reliable, the Honda Civic is a favorite among compact-car shoppers for good reason. Available as either a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, or a four-door hatchback, the Civic’s fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and spacious interior help it stand out near the top of its class. All is not perfect in Civic-land, though, as Honda’s available touchscreen infotainment system continues to be a thorn in the car’s side. We also lament Honda’s decision to limit the car’s sweet six-speed manual transmission to only a handful of trims.
What's New for 2017?
This year sees the addition of a six-speed manual transmission to turbocharged Civic EX-T coupes and sedans. It also marks the return of the Civic hatchback. Unlike the sedan and coupe, the hatchback is only available with Honda’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Plus, the hatchback-exclusive Sport and Sport Touring trims bring 180 horses to the stable—six more than in other Civic models fitted with this engine.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LX: $19,630
- EX: $22,030
- Sport: $22,190
- Touring: $27,490
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Civic offers two excellent four-cylinder engines. A 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the standard powerplant in LX and EX sedans and LX and LX-P coupes, while a 174-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder does the pulling in all other models. Sport and Sport Touring hatchbacks see a slight horsepower bump to 180. The turbo, in particular, is quick, smooth, and parsimonious with fuel. And you can't go wrong with either of the two available transmissions: a slick-shifting six-speed manual or one of the best CVTs in the business. On the road, the Civic strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and driver engagement. Its smooth ride, responsive steering, and athletic chassis dynamics make it a joy to pilot in any driving situation. Neither cushy nor harsh, the Civic’s ride quality is just right. Quick, well-weighted, and surprisingly feelsome steering makes piloting the Civic that much more enjoyable. Those looking for even sportier vibes should consider the Sport and Sport Touring hatchbacks, which feature even quicker steering.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin of even the base Civic is far from a penalty box. Upper dashboard plastics are of the soft-touch variety, and many comfort and convenience items are standard. Regardless of model, the Civic’s seating surfaces leave much to be desired, and silver-painted plastic trim on the steering wheel and door handles further cheapen the interior. While the Civic doesn’t offer the most optional comfort-and-convenience equipment in the compact class, it has enough of the good stuff for any small-car shopper. The Civic features a number of cleverly designed storage cubbies throughout its cabin, and the sedan’s trunk is one of the bigger ones in the class. Need even more cargo-carrying capability? Then check out the Civic hatchback, which has a rear liftgate.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Civic’s infotainment system is a sore spot on an otherwise strong compact car, particularly when equipped with the optional HondaLink touchscreen system. This unit's messy menus and confusing interface make it a struggle in day-to-day use. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality allows users to work with their smartphone’s more logical onscreen interface. Lower-level models make do with a basic but intuitive push-button infotainment system. Higher trims suffer with the recalcitrant 7.0-inch HondaLink touchscreen system. The front compartment has two USB ports and one 12-volt outlet. Sadly, rear-seat passengers are left unconnected, as not a single USB port or 12-volt outlet makes its way past the Civic’s front seats.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Honda Civic’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
