I can remember when Honda first brought its tiny Civic to America in the early Seventies to compete in the compact car class (now subcompact).People laughed.
Yet, even though Civic was good on gas, built well and cost only $2,200, consumers weren't that impressed. By 1974, the gas crisis was upon us, and Honda's 86-inch wheelbase, 50-horsepower, front drive Civic was outperforming, out gas "mileaging" and outlasting Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega by leaps and bounds.
People stopped laughing, and started buying Honda Civics.
Things haven't changed much as the clock moves forward to this week's test drive, the 2010 Honda Civic EX 4-door sedan. It's still a small car (yet much bigger), doesn't cost much, gets 36 mpg highway and lasts a long, long time. Civic also passes the "test of time" exam, and is second only to Toyota's Corolla in nameplate longevity in the United States. Civic is also Canada's bestselling car the last 11 years, and is the nucleus for sibling CR-V and CR-X platforms.
With an entry price of just $15,655 for the DX manual, car buyers can choose a Civic that fits their budget up to the top line EX automatic with Navigation, which lists for just $23,805. In the middle of the 16 available Civic models is the LX line, which starts at $17,605. Our EX tester came in at a final price of $20,965, including $710 for destination.
The reason there are 16 Civics to choose from (not including the Hybrid) is because Honda separates its automatic and manual transmission models as distinct, something other manufacturers do not. So be it a DX, LX or EX, there are basically just three trims to choose from in either automatic or standard dress. If you want Navigation, you have to move up to the EX class.
One of Civic's top selling points, besides its excellent 25 city and 36 highway EPA ratings, is interior space. Ever since introduction, Civic engineers and designers have addressed the necessity of not crunching passengers, be it front or rear. This fact was again proven correct when we took our Civic on a business trip and the two rear seat passengers both mentioned how much leg room they had.
Civic receives motivation from a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower and 128 lb. ft. of torque. The power plant hooks to a 5-speed automatic transmission that complements the engine's power band thanks to smart gear ratios. Overall, even though you only have 140 horses at your disposal, the car is still a good road performer sans a lack of acceleration when fully loaded. However, when you revisit those EPA ratings, the return on investment and "other side of the coin" advantages far outweigh what Civic lacks in acceleration abilities.
Standard features is an area of mention, as EX comes equipped at no extra charge with one-touch power moonroof, 16-inch tires on alloy wheels, 6-speaker 160-watt stereo CD system with MP3/WMA playback, air conditioning, all the powers, cruise, tilt and telescopic, remote trunk, split 60/40 rear seat that expands cargo capacity, nice gauge package, front and rear beverage holders, rear defroster, and much more.
Underneath, a fully independent suspension mates well with safety features like four wheel ABS disc brakes with electronic brake force, transmission grade logic control, side impact door beams, daytime running lamps, and six airbags including side curtain for extra passenger protection.
Outside, the 2010 Civic is indeed a well designed and beautifully appointed automobile. Its looks are modern, aerodynamic and sporty yet not in a manner that would eliminate any age group from owning one.
Important numbers include a wheelbase that has grown to 106.3 inches, 2,820 lb. curb weight, 12 cu. ft. of cargo space, 13.2 gallon fuel tank for unleaded regular.
Honda's Civic has been around a long time, and will be for years to come.
Likes: Price, interior room, looks, fuel economy, quality heritage.
Dislikes: Acceleration not great.
