2011 Honda Civic Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The Civic is a rolling display of Honda core competencies; smart design, brilliant execution, all in a tidy package. Available in sedan and coupe body styles, the Civic boasts the broadest selection of powertrains of any Honda vehicle, with four engine and transmission choices available. Base models receive a 1.8-liter, 140 horsepower engine and choice of 5-speed transmission. A natural gas version of this engine is also available. A 1.3-liter engine and 20-hp electric motor paired with a CVT comprise the Civic Hybrid's hybrid powertrain. A premium sipping 2.0-liter and 6-speed manual power the drivers' choice Si.
When introduced, the eighth generation Civic won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award on the strength of this base covering line-up. Specialty models like the Si still hold up well, but the rest of the Civic lineup is starting to look dated against newer, rival offerings from Ford GM, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen.
In the twilight of its lifecycle, the Civic remains a viable contender in a hotly contested marketplace, but consider holding out until the next generation launches sometime in 2012.
Bodystyle: Sedan, coupeEngines: 1.3L I-4 plus electric motor (hybrid), 1.8L I-4, 2.0L I-4Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT_Models: DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX/EX-L, Hybrid, Si
A significant refresh in 2009 updated the Civic's exterior styling and increased the availability of certain tech features, so the 2011 Civic soldiers on unchanged. The ninth generation Civic is rumored to debut in 2011 as 2012 model.
An aggressive cab-forward design pushes wheels to the corners to shorten front and rear overhangs and maximize the greenhouse. Although in the twilight of its lifecycle, Civic remains a blandly handsome player in the crowd.
Civic's roomy interior has a futuristic edge that still looks fresh. Simple controls and excellent ergonomics are a welcome relief within the brand. Base models are quite bare, but premium models come well equipped.
The Civic's once peppy performance numbers are gradually losing luster as the competition catches up. Base Civics remain a benchmark for tidy driving dynamics without the normal tradeoffs to ride quality. Enthusiasts will exult in the slick shifting, free revving 197-horsepower Si model, while commuters will enjoy the creature comforts of a fully loaded EX-L, or Hybrid that averages 42 mpg.
All passengers have 3-point seatbelts. Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags come standard on the Civic, as do active head restraints for driver and front passenger. Brake assist and stability/traction control only available on EX-L, Hybrid and Si models.
DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, EX-L: 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway (manual); 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway (automatic)Hybrid: 40 mpg city/45 mpg highwaySi: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- The Si model
- Easy ergonomics
- Smooth revving engines
- Zero emission options
- Lack of stability control in base models
Still strong at the finish
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Kia Forte
- Toyota Corolla
- VW Jetta
