2001 Honda Civic: Road Test
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2001 Honda Civic LX Manual
2001 Honda Civic ▼
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- MSRP: $12,760 -$17,960
- Invoice: $11,542 -$16,234
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Our road test for the 2001 Honda Civic includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Honda Civic from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Honda Civic, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Honda Civic help you decide if a 2001 Honda Civic is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3.7 |
Adequate, with the EX feeling only marginally faster than DX, LX, and HX models. All are much livelier with the easy-to-shift manual transmission. Both the regular automatic and CVT dull throttle response but perform well otherwise.
FUEL ECONOMY
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Extended-use-test EX automatic-transmission sedans are averaging 30.5-31.6 mpg over a combined 6251 mi., consistent with the 26-30 mpg test averages of previous Civics. Test EX manual averaged 26.5 mpg with more city driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.7 |
A solid driving feel with a suspension absorbent enough to take the jolt out of sharp bumps. The tradeoff is mild float over large humps and dips at higher speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.2 |
Critics cite this year's switch to a less-sophisticated front suspension design, but in practice, Civics are nimble and pretty well balanced. Control in fast corners is good and body lean modest, though wider tires would improve all-out grip. Straight-line stability is impressive, but steering feel is a bit light and numb in turns. Stopping power is good, but Honda deserves criticism for limiting ABS to the most-expensive EX models.
QUIETNESS
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.6 |
Not as isolating as the class-leading VW Jetta, but quieter than other subcompacts. Road noise drums through at highway speeds, but wind rush is well managed and engines intrude only in hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Simple, intuitive design, though larger radio buttons would help. Interior fit and finish are laudable. Materials are sturdy and tasteful, and while they're superior to the class norm, they don't meet the lofty mark set by VW.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
New, taller design mounts seats higher for improved comfort while maintaining good head clearance and easing entry and exit. Leg room is fine for lanky adults, and the driving position is roomy and adjustable enough for most anyone. Outward visibility spoiled only by hard-to-see rear corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3.1 |
No subcompact has enough width for three adults, but Civic sedans give 6-footers adequate head room and sufficient leg space even with front seats well back. Coupes are much tighter and harder to get into and out of.
CARGO ROOM
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Flat-floor trunks are spacious for Civic's exterior size, but trunklid hinges steal space and apertures won't swallow really bulky cargo.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 4.6 |
Performance disappoints slightly, as does bland cabin decor, but the '01 redesign brings obvious gains in space, refinement, and comfort, while high reliability and strong resale values should continue. In all, Civic remains a strong Best Buy.
Total Score
| DX cpe, man. | HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 53 | 58 | 58 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 56
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