Also in the 2007 Honda Civic Review:
5.
6.
Honda Civic Full Review
7.
8.
A sedan version of the sporty Si coupe joins the Civic lineup for 2007. Honda's compact cars come in 4-dr sedan and 2-dr coupe body styles, and include a gas/electric Hybrid sedan. Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, and Si trim. All have a 4-cyl engine. DX, LX, and EX models have 140 hp. Si versions have 197 hp. Hybrids combine a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The Hybrid automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. The system recharges itself; no plug-in charging is necessary. DX, LX, and EX models use a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. Si models come only with a 6-speed manual. The Hybrid has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). ABS is standard on all Civics. The Si models have a sport suspension, uprated brakes, and a limited-slip differential designed to direct more power to the outside front wheel in a turn to aid handling. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, Hybrid, and Si.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
Sources still expect a sporty Civic-based wagon sometime soon. Long rumored for the Latitude name, it would be Honda's answer to the likes of Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR and other compact people-carriers. That assumes, of course, it's on the board, which is unknown at present.
A Civic could be among the diesel models Honda plans for the U.S. by 2009. Honda, which has sold 4-cyl diesel cars in Europe since 2004, says its new-generation "clean diesel" will meet the tougher U.S. emissions standards taking effect in '07. With gas prices so high, and given the greater fuel thrift of diesel engines, an "oil burner" Civic seems a near shoo-in.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
4.6 |
With either transmission, 140-hp Civics lazy away from a stop, but have adequate power around town and for highway merging, passing; automatic especially alert to throttle inputs. Slick-shifting Si models crave high rpm, respond with terrific acceleration.
Hybrid also slow off the line, demands liberal throttle to build speed quickly, but keeps pace with fast-moving traffic. As with other CVTs, this one lets engine rev ahead of vehicle speed. Hybrid powertrain has no overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly, maintains air-conditioner power.
Fuel Economy
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
9 |
7 |
6.5 |
Test EX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.1 mpg. Test Si coupes averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. Test Si sedans averaged 26.3-29.4 mpg.
Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg. Si requires premium-grade fuel, other Civics use regular.
Ride Quality
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
5.3 |
Sedans take bumps in stride, with good absorbency, little float or wallow. LX and EX versions especially stable at highway speeds. Coupes feel choppier on uneven surfaces, but even firm-suspension Si never jars.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
4 |
8 |
5.8 |
DX models competent, but no more than midpack for steering response, resistance to cornering lean. LX, EX versions could use more grip in fast turns, but feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Hybrid has low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy, but allow copious noseplow in tight turns. Agile Si models tenacious in corners, though suffer slight torque-steer. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation.
Quietness
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
4.4 |
Sedans near top of class in suppression of road, wind noise. Hybrid's CVT promotes pronounced engine noise in rapid acceleration, but some testers find 140-hp engine noisy as well. Coupes do not isolate nearly as well as sedans. Si models' snarling engine/exhaust note is race-car invigorating at high rpm, not obtrusive in more relaxed driving.
Controls
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 6 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
5.9 |
Two-tier instrument panel places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and separately housed digital speedometer directly above. Design works to good overall effect. Speedometer's digits are in driver's line of sight for viewing without taking focus off road. Climate controls within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires a stretch. Navigation system takes time to master, has undersized buttons, and absorbs too many audio functions, but programming via predetermined voice commands a plus. Navigation screen difficult to read in changing light. Controls move with smooth precision, cabin materials a laudable mix of high-grade plastics, fabrics; EX, Hybrid have richer trim, upmarket feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5.6 |
Tilt/telescope steering column and height-adjustable driver seat are standard, help tailor accommodating driving position. Seats blend support, comfort; Si's buttressed for glued-in-place feel in fast cornering. No excess head room for tall occupants, especially beneath sunroof housing. Long front roof pillars impede outward view to corners; long dashtop shelf, sloping nose complicate judging distance in close quarters. Some sunlight conditions trigger annoying windshield reflections.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
Sedans have adequate adult head room. Knee space tight with front seats far aft. Toe room uncompromised unless front cushions near lowest point. Flat floor aids overall comfort, as does firm, well-contoured seat. Sedan doors open wide for good entry/exit. Coupe's tiny, hard-to-access rear seat best left to toddlers.
Cargo Room
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4.8 |
Sedan has wide, tall trunk with generous opening, low liftover. Coupe trunk has same attributes, but slightly less volume. On both, lid hinges intrude on cargo area. All but Hybrid have folding rear seatback. All doors have map pockets, cabins a plethora of storage bins, cubbies.
Value within Class
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 9 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
Dynamically, Civic matches the class-leading Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3. That's high praise, even if the Honda isn't quite as substantial-feeling as the Jetta, or, except for the Si, quite as athletic as the Mazda. Civic is more comfortable than most rivals, despite being only as big inside as it absolutely needs to be. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative, entertaining even, without sacrificing functionality. What no competitor matches is the particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment. That makes Civic a Best Buy pick.
Total Score
| LX sedan, man. |
EX sedan, auto. |
Hybrid |
Si coupe |
Class Average |
| 57 |
59 |
53 |
52 |
52.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score |
|
42 |
| Average Score |
|
52 |
| High Score |
|
60 |
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/01/2007
|
|
| DX 2-door coupe, manual |
$14,810 |
$13,644 |
$595 |
|
|
| DX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$15,610 |
$14,377 |
$595 |
|
|
| DX 4-door sedan, manual |
$15,010 |
$13,827 |
$595 |
|
|
| DX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$15,810 |
$14,561 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 2-door coupe, manual |
$16,760 |
$15,432 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$17,560 |
$16,166 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, manual |
$16,960 |
$15,616 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$17,760 |
$16,349 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, manual |
$18,710 |
$17,221 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$19,510 |
$17,955 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$20,460 |
$18,826 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$21,260 |
$19,559 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, manual |
$18,710 |
$17,221 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$19,510 |
$17,955 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$20,460 |
$18,826 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$21,260 |
$19,560 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 2-door coupe, manual |
$21,090 |
$19,404 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 2-door coupe w/performance tires, manual |
$21,290 |
$19,587 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$22,840 |
$21,009 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 2-door coupe w/navigation, satellite radio, and performance tires, manual |
$23,040 |
$21,192 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 4-door sedan, manual |
$21,290 |
$19,587 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 4-door sedan w/performance tires, manual |
$21,490 |
$19,771 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$23,040 |
$21,192 |
$595 |
|
|
| Si 4-door sedan w/navigation, satellite radio, and performance tires, manual |
$23,240 |
$21,376 |
$595 |
|
|
| Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT |
$22,600 |
$20,789 |
$595 |
|
|
| Hybrid 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, CVT |
$24,350 |
$22,394 |
$595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class |
Years/Miles |
Comments |
|
|
|
| Powertrain |
5/60,000 |
8/80,000 on Civic and Accord Hybrid battery packs. |
|
|
|
| Bumper-to-bumper |
3/36,000 |
-- |
|
|
|
| Corrosion |
5/unlimited |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free roadside assistance |
None/-- |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free scheduled maintenance |
None/-- |
-- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Also in the 2007 Honda Civic Review:
5.
6.
Honda Civic Full Review
7.
8.