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2008 Honda Civic Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2008 Honda Civic Review
The 2008 Honda Civic adds some new models to its lineup. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles and include a gas/electric Hybrid sedan. Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, new-for-2008 EX-L, and sporty Si trims. Also new is the Civic MUGEN Si sedan. MUGEN is a 3rd-party firm that supplies high-performance parts for Hondas. DX, LX, EX, and EX-L have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. All Si models have a 197-hp 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp and requires no plug-in charging. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. Available for sale in California and New York and to fleets is the Civic GX, which uses a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). DX, LX, EX, and EX-L use a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. GX models are automatic only. Si only comes with a 6-speed manual, and it has a sport suspension. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. The MUGEN Si has high-performance tires, specific suspension tuning, and unique trim. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, EX-L, 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 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

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. With gas prices so high, and given the greater fuel thrift of diesel engines, an "oil burner" Civic seems a near shoo-in.
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2008 Honda Civic Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe)
Acceleration (Si)
Steering/handling (Si)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
5 5 3 6 4.9

With either transmission, 140-hp Civics are lazy away from a stop, but have adequate power around town and for highway merging and passing; the automatic is especially alert to throttle inputs. Slick-shifting Si models crave high rpm and respond with terrific acceleration. Hybrids are also slow off the line and demand liberal throttle to build speed quickly. They are able to keep pace with fast-moving traffic. As with other CVTs, this one lets the engine rev ahead of vehicle speed. The hybrid powertrain has few overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly--though sometimes with a noticeable judder, and maintains air-conditioner power. No Civic GX models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
7 7 10 8 6.5

In Consumer Guide testing, an EX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.1 mpg. Si coupes averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. An Si sedan averaged 29.4 mpg. One Hybrid averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg in winter driving, another an impressive 45.7 mpg in warmer weather. Si requires premium-grade gas, other Civics use regular.
Ride Quality

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
6 6 6 4 5

Sedans take bumps in stride, with good absorbency and little float or wallow. LX and EX versions are especially stable at highway speeds. Coupes feel choppier on uneven surfaces, but even the firm-suspension Si never jars.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
6 6 5 7 5.9

DX models are competent, but no more than midpack for steering response or resistance to cornering lean. LX and EX versions could use more grip in fast turns, but feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Hybrids have low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy, but allow some noseplow in tight turns. Agile Si models are tenacious in corners, though they suffer slight torque-steer. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation. No opportunity yet to test a MUGEN Si.

Quietness

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
6 6 5 4 4.4

Sedans are near top of the class in suppression of road and wind noise. Hybrid's CVT promotes pronounced engine noise in rapid acceleration, but some testers find the 140-hp engine noisy as well. Coupes do not isolate nearly as well as sedans. Si models' snarling engine and exhaust notes are race-car invigorating.
Controls

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
6 6 5 6 5.7

Civic's two-tier instrument panel places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and separately housed digital speedometer directly above. The design works to good overall effect. The speedometer's digits are in driver's line of sight for viewing without taking focus off road. Climate controls are within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires a stretch. The navigation system takes time to master, has undersized buttons, and absorbs too many audio functions, but programming via predetermined voice commands is a plus. Its screen is difficult to read in changing light conditions.
Details

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
5 6 6 6 5.2

Controls move with smooth precision. Civic's cabin materials are a laudable mix of high-grade plastics and fabrics. EX, Hybrid, and Si have richer trim with a more upmarket feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.7

A standard tilt and telescopic steering column and height-adjustable driver seat help tailor an accommodating driving position. The seats astutely blend support and comfort. Si's seats are further bolstered for a glued-in-place feel in fast cornering. Long front roof pillars impede outward view to the corners; long dashtop shelf and sloping nose complicate judging distance in close quarters. Some sunlight conditions trigger annoying windshield reflections.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
5 5 5 2 4.1

Sedans have decent adult headroom. Knee space is tight with the front seats far aft. Foot space is good unless the front cushions are near their lowest point. A flat floor aids overall comfort, as does the firm, well-contoured seat. Sedan doors open wide for good entry and exit. The coupe's tiny, hard-to-access rear seat is best left to toddlers.
Cargo Room

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
3 3 3 3 5

Sedans have a wide, tall trunk with a generous opening and low liftover. The coupe's trunk has the same attributes, but slightly less volume. On both, the lid hinges intrude on the cargo area. All but Hybrids and GX have a folding rear seatback. Interior storage is very good.
Value within Class

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation 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 this Best Buy's particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment.
Total Score

LX sedan, manual EX sedan, automatic Hybrid w/navigation Si coupe Class Average
64 66 62 59 58.4
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
50
Average Score
58
High Score
71
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2008 Honda Civic Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
DX 2-door coupe, manual $14,810 $13,644 $670
DX 2-door coupe, automatic $15,610 $14,377 $670
DX 4-door sedan, manual $15,010 $13,827 $670
DX 4-door sedan, automatic $15,810 $14,561 $670
LX 2-door coupe, manual $16,760 $15,432 $670
LX 2-door coupe, automatic $17,560 $16,166 $670
LX 4-door sedan, manual $16,960 $15,616 $670
LX 4-door sedan, automatic $17,760 $16,349 $670
EX 2-door coupe, manual $18,710 $17,221 $670
EX 2-door coupe, automatic $19,510 $17,955 $670
EX 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $20,460 $18,826 $670
EX 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic $21,260 $19,559 $670
EX 4-door sedan, manual $18,710 $17,221 $670
EX 4-door sedan, automatic $19,510 $17,955 $670
EX 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $20,460 $18,826 $670
EX 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic $21,260 $19,560 $670
EX-L 2-door coupe, manual $19,910 $18,321 $670
EX-L 2-door coupe, automatic $20,710 $19,055 $670
EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $21,660 $19,927 $670
EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic $22,460 $20,660 $670
EX-L 4-door sedan, manual $19,910 $18,321 $670
EX-L 4-door sedan, automatic $20,710 $19,055 $670
EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $21,660 $19,927 $670
EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic $22,460 $20,660 $670
Si 2-door coupe, manual $21,110 $19,422 $670
Si 2-door coupe w/performance tires, manual $21,310 $19,606 $670
Si 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $22,860 $21,027 $670
Si 2-door coupe w/navigation, satellite radio, and performance tires, manual $23,060 $21,211 $670
Si 4-door sedan, manual $21,310 $19,606 $670
Si 4-door sedan w/performance tires, manual $21,510 $19,789 $670
Si 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual $23,060 $21,211 $670
Si 4-door sedan w/navigation, satellite radio, and performance tires, manual $23,260 $21,394 $670
MUGEN Si 4-door sedan, manual $29,500 $27,117 $670
Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT $22,600 $20,789 $670
Hybrid 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, CVT $24,350 $22,394 $670
GX NGV 4-door sedan, automatic $24,590 $23,174 $670
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.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
DX
Powertrain
1.8-liter 4-cylinder 140-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, folding rear seat, power windows, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler (coupe), 195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.
LX adds to DX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, center console, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/55HR16 tires.
EX adds to LX:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split folding rear seat, steering wheel radio controls, power sunroof, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
EX-L adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Si adds to EX:
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Uprated brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 215/45VR17 tires, 215/45ZR17 tires (performance tires).
MUGEN Si adds to Si:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Performance suspension, 215/40ZR18 tires.
Hybrid adds to EX:
Powertrain
1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Brake assist.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, mirror-mounted turn signals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 4-wheel disc brakes, split folding rear seat, power sunroof.
Rear spoiler, 195/65R15 tires.
GX adds to LX:
Powertrain
1.8-liter 4-cylinder 113-horsepower natural-gas engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: folding rear seat.
195/65HR15 tires.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Honda Civic Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Honda Civic 2-door coupe Honda Civic 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 104.3 106.3
Overall Length, in. 174.8 176.7
Overall Width, in. 68.9 69.0
Overall Height, in. 53.5 56.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 2586 2628
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.5 12.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 13.2 13.2
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.0 39.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.6 42.2
Rear Head Room, in. 35.1 37.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 30.3 34.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc I4 dohc I4 sohc I4/electric sohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.8 /110 2.0 /122 1.3 /82 1.8 /110
Horsepower @ rpm. 140 @ 6300 197 @ 7800 110 @ 6000 113 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 128 @ 4300 139 @ 6100 123 @ 1000 109 @ 4300
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed manual 26/34 --/-- --/-- --/--
6-speed manual --/-- 21/29 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic 25/36 --/-- --/-- 24/36
CVT automatic --/-- --/-- 40/45 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Honda Civic 2-door coupe Honda Civic 4-door sedan
Front Impact, Driver 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5
Rollover Resistance 4 4
Side Impact, Driver 4 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
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.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
Trim Level:  Hybrid
Arrival Date:  05/01/2008
Engine:  sohc I4/electric
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  CVT automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $24,350
Price as Tested:  $24,985
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1560
Mileage at End of Test:  2337
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  12.415 gals.
 

Major Options:  No options.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  45.67 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell Yes, you'll pay the expected premium for the hybrid gear, but the Civic hybrid delivers impressive fuel economy with very little compromise of the Civic's inherent goodness. I'd even call it fun to drive.

Don Sikora The Honda Civic Hybrid does a great job of getting you from one place to another on the minimum amount of gas. Its comfortable and offers decent utility, but at about $25,000 you're paying up front for what you hope to save at the gas pump.

Jennifer Geiger In these times of $4 a gallon gas (gasp), I was impressed with Civic hybrid's fuel economy. 47.4 is excellent, even though I'm pretty sure I never made it into full electric drive mode.

Rick Cotta It's hard not to like a Honda Civic, and it's REALLY hard not to like a Honda Civic that gets 48 miles per gallon. The competing Toyota Prius offers the utility of a fold-down rear seatback and hatchback body style, but the Civic suffers fewer sacrifices to its hybrid frugality.

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