2001-2005 Honda Civic: Road Test

Civic EX and Si are fairly quick with slick-shifting manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX and about 8.0 for more lively Si. Other models, including the Hybrid, have only modest acceleration, even more so when equipped with slow-shifting automatic transmission. The CVT is always smooth and keeps the engine working with impressive efficiency. Extended-use EX sedans with automatic have averaged 30.5 mpg. In an even mix of city/highway driving, an LX/automatic sedan averaged 26.8 mpg, an EX/manual sedan got 26.5, and an HX CVT managed 28.9 mpg. A 2003 Civic Hybrid sedan squeezed out 47.6 mpg. Though not as quiet as the Volkswagen Jetta, Civics beat most subcompacts in noise control. Road and engine boom can intrude at high rpm, but Civics deliver a generally solid feel. Handling remains nimble and assured. Firmer-damped EX and Si models have the best body control, but cornering lean is evident in all models. Tires furnish only modest grip, and allow mild wander in crosswinds and along road grooves. The sporty Si feels spirited, and avoids the floatiness of other models. Steering is a bit numb and overassisted. Coupes and sedans ride better than the subcompact norm. Suspension tuning is on the soft side, so there's mild float over large humps and dips. Most bumps register, but few are jarring. Braking with ABS is generally good. With its added interior volume, Civic moved from the EPA's subcompact to its compact-size category. Civic drivers sit on slightly higher and wider seats than before, which should aid long-distance comfort. Visibility is clear to all quarters, though the driver cannot see the car's rear corners when parking. Most gauges and controls are high and handy. Honda's exemplary ergonomics keep everything simple. Shoulder room is still lacking for three grown-ups in back, but sedans have comfortable head room. Coupes offer less rear head room and much less rear leg room than sedans. Entry/exit is simple in sedans, aided by their elevated roofline, but a squeeze to the rear in coupes. Trunks are spacious for the car's exterior size, but old-fashioned sickle-shaped hinges steal space and could crunch cargo, while the aperture won't swallow big boxes.

Value for the Money
Civic has long been tops for small-car refinement and driving fun, and the current generation shapes up as the best one yet. With its fine reliability records, Honda's solidly built subcompact is a hands-down Best Buy, despite a few workmanship glitches on test models. Competitors cannot match Civic's blend of comfort, refinement, excellent ergonomics, and fuel thrift. Strong resale values keep secondhand prices high.