2002 Honda Civic: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A sporty new hatchback and a gas-electric Hybrid sedan are midyear additions to the Civic line. Also, Civic coupes and sedans started the model year with suspension revisions designed to improve ride and handling, plus added sound insulation. Regular-engine Civic coupes and sedans come in DX, LX, and top-rung EX trim. There's also a fuel-economy-oriented HX coupe. All use a 1.7-liter 4-cyl engine and manual or optional automatic transmission. The HX's automatic is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with, in effect, an infinite number of ratios. Front side airbags are standard on the Hybrid, optional otherwise. ABS is standard on EXs and the Hybrid, unavailable otherwise. Called the Si, the new 2-dr hatchback is 9 inches shorter than other Civics. It uses a 160-hp 2.0-liter 4 cyl and 5-speed manual transmission (no automatic offered), and comes with ABS, sport suspension, and a sunroof.

The Hybrid arrives as an early 2003 model. Its 85-hp 4-cyl gas engine can be boosted to 93 hp with help from an electric motor that automatically kicks in when extra power is required. As with other hybrids, the gas engine charges the electric motor's batteries, and the car never needs to be plugged into an outlet. The Hybrid offers manual transmission or the CVT. With EPA fuel-economy estimates of 46/51 mpg and 48/47, respectively, the Hybrid ranks as the most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan in America. Honda also offers the hybrid 3-cyl Insight 2-seater.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.