Acceleration

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	2	4

Adequately quick with slick-shifting manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX coupe, about 8.0 for lively Si. Automatic blunts performance: 10.2 sec for test LX sedan, 10.0 for HX CVT. Test Hybrid clocked 11.6 sec 0-60 with manual transmission, but doesn't feel pokey except up long grades. Hybrid with CVT feels OK around town, but is slow in highway merging, passing, and some testers detect slight driveline bog as system kicks in to recharge batteries. Ever-smooth CVT keeps HX, Hybrid powertrains working with impressive efficiency. Conventional automatic transmission fairly smooth but sometimes hesitates before downshifting.

Fuel Economy

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
7	7	7	9	6.6

Two extended-use-test automatic-transmission EX sedans averaged 30.5 mpg combined over 15,453 total mi. Test EX sedans averaged 32.5 with manual transmission, 30.6 with automatic. In tests that included gas-eating performance runs, manual-transmission EX coupes averaged 26.5-30.4 mpg, automatic-transmission LX sedan 26.8, and CVT HX 28.9. Extended-use-test Hybrid with CVT averaging 41.5 mpg over its first 2607 mi. With fewer highway miles, other test CVT Hybrids averaged 31.8-39.3 mpg. Manual-transmission version averaged 47.6. Honda recommends regular fuel for all Civics.

Ride Quality

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.4

All Civics ride better than the subcompact norm. Still, some bumps register through suspension and steering, and Si fidgets on rough freeways, though not uncomfortably so. Float over large humps and dips at higher speeds absent in Si, evident in Hybrids, EXs, fairly pronounced in other models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
5	6	6	6	5.3

Si the most agile, but all Civics are sure-footed. Still, cornering lean sets in fairly early, steering is slightly numb and overlight, and most models wander a bit on road grooves and in gusty crosswinds. Routine braking quite good, but test LX sedan without ABS showed mediocre control and longer-than-average distances in simulated panic stops. ABS provides surer stops, but Honda shouldn't limit it to top-end models.

Quietness

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4

Refined for small cars, but a step behind Volkswagen Jetta. Main problems are road noise and engine boom at higher rpm, both somewhat more evident in Si.

Controls

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.6

Simple, well-arranged dashboards. Large, clear instrumentation. Si shift lever sprouts from dashboard instead of console, but is still easy to work. Hybrid includes readouts for battery charge, electric-motor operation, and fuel consumption. All have laudable ergonomics--though driver must stretch slightly to reach climate-system controls. Interiors exhibit solid workmanship, though cabin materials not up to Jetta's class-leading quality. Windows on test LX sedan made a mild scraping sound when operated, and one EX coupe had annoying rattle in driver-side door.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

Sedans offer decent 6-footer room and easy entry/exit. Coupes and Si have a bit less head clearance and longer, more-awkward doors. Seats nothing special, nor is over-the-shoulder visibility. Si's sport buckets are comfortable and supportive, but model's seat/steering-wheel relationship not ideal for tall drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
3	4	4	4	3.9

Adults have adequate head room in Civic sedans. Flat rear floor helps, but leg space still tight with a front seat set well back. Coupes and Si are more confining and require crouch-and-crawl entry/exit.

Cargo Room

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
3	3	3	3	3.9

Coupes, sedans have spacious trunks for exterior size, but trunklid hinges steal space and apertures won't swallow really bulky cargo. Hybrid's battery pack mounts ahead of trunk, reduces volume by 2.8 cu ft, and eliminates split folding seatback. Si offers hatchback versatility with easy-folding 60/40 split rear seat, plus ample interior storage.

Value within Class

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
7	10	10	8	5.6

Despite test-car glitches and worrisome non-ABS braking, Civic is a clear Best Buy. It's an unmatched blend of small-car comfort, refinement, and fuel thrift, plus great resale and reliability records. The Si adds extra sportiness and utility to the mix. The Hybrid delivers great fuel economy with minimal effect on performance, all in a conventional Civic package. Still, it's likely to take a couple of years to pay back in fuel savings the higher initial list price of the Civic Hybrid--even with the federal tax deduction allowed for hybrid-vehicle purchases.

Total Score

HX cpe, CVT	LX sdn, auto	EX sdn, auto.	Hybrid, CVT	Class Average
51	56	56	54	48.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		64