2005 Honda Civic: Road Test
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2005 Honda Civic VP Manual
2005 Honda Civic ▼
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- MSRP: $13,260 -$20,900
- Invoice: $12,126 -$19,095
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Our road test for the 2005 Honda Civic includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Honda Civic from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Honda Civic, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Honda Civic help you decide if a 2005 Honda Civic is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.1 |
Most Civics are quick enough with manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX coupe. Si liveliest at about 8.0 in our tests. Manual gear changes are slick, quick. Automatic transmission fairly smooth, but sometimes hesitates to downshift, and blunts acceleration: 10.2 sec 0-60 for test LX sedan, 10.0 for HX CVT. Test Hybrid clocked 11.6 sec with manual, but didn't feel pokey except up long grades. CVT Hybrid lacks muscle for no-sweat freeway merging. With either transmission, there's a slight power sag in hybrid system's battery-recharge mode. Still, smooth CVT aids overall efficiency in Hybrid and HX.
FUEL ECONOMY
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6.7 |
Two extended-use-test automatic-transmission EX sedans averaged 30.5 mpg combined over 15,453 total miles. Test EX sedans returned 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 averaged 38.3 mpg over its 12,652 test. With fewer highway miles, other test CVT Hybrids logged 31.8-39.3 mpg. Manual-transmission version averaged 47.6 mpg. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Civics.
RIDE QUALITY
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
All Civics ride better than the compact 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 and 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 | 5 | 5.4 |
Si is the most agile Civic, but all are sure-footed. Still, cornering lean sets in fairly early, steering is a bit numb and overlight, and most models wander some 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 shouldn't be limited to top-price 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 hatchback Si.
CONTROLS
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Simple, well-arranged layouts with large, clear gauges. 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 models have laudable ergonomics--though driver must stretch slightly to reach climate controls. Interiors exhibit solid workmanship, though materials not up to Jetta's class-leading quality. Windows on a test LX sedan made a mild scraping sound when operated, and a test 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 |
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 some taller drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Sedans offer adequate adult head room, but leg space becomes very tight with a front seat set well back. Coupes and Si are more cramped 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 and sedans have spacious trunks for their exterior size, but trunklid hinges steal space, small openings won't allow really bulky cargo. Hybrid's battery pack mounts ahead of trunk, reduces volume by 2.8 cu ft, eliminates folding rear seatback. Si offers hatchback versatility, plus more interior storage than other models, which are just OK.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5.8 |
Despite test-car glitches and worrisome non-ABS braking, Civic is a clear Best Buy. Most any model offers top-of-class comfort, refinement, and fuel thrift, plus Honda's strong resale and reliability record. The Si adds extra sportiness and utility to this appealing mix. The Hybrid sacrifices good acceleration for great fuel economy. Still, even with hybrid owners allowed a one-time federal tax deduction, it will take years to recoup in fuel savings the Civic Hybrid's higher initial cost. And unlike other Civics, it's in high enough demand to preclude discounts.
Total Score
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 55 | 55 | 53 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 53
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