2008 Honda Civic GX: Road Test
2008 Honda Civic GX ▼
- MSRP: $14,810 - $29,500
- Invoice: $13,644 - $27,117
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Our road test for the 2008 Honda Civic GX includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Honda Civic GX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Honda Civic GX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Honda Civic GX help you decide if a 2008 Honda Civic GX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.8 |
With 27 less horsepower and 150 lb more weight, the GX can't match other Civics for acceleration, but it feels perfectly adequate around town. The loss of power is more noticeable in highway passing maneuvers, where the GX labors to gain speed. As in other Civics, the automatic transmission is especially alert to throttle inputs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 6.6 |
Although the EPA fuel-economy ratings for the GX are nearly identical to those for a Civic LX with automatic transmission, the GX, on average, costs far less to go the same distance. Since natural gas isn't sold by the gallon as gasoline is, the only way to compare "fuel economy" is to calculate cost per mile. For instance, Consumer Guide averaged 28.5 mpg on a Civic LX with automatic. With gasoline at $4.00/gallon, that equals about 14 cents per mile. By contrast, we drove 115.7 miles on our test GX, and the cost to fill it was only $6.49--or 5.6 cents per mile. Thus, with gas at $4.00/gallon, we got the cost equivalent of 71.3 mpg on our test GX. Note, however, that advertised range for the GX is only 187-281 miles (and this is one car in which you REALLY don't want to run out of gas), and that rings true based on our test; the fuel gauge indicated about half a tank left after 115.7 miles of mostly highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.2 |
Takes bumps in stride with good absorbency and little float or wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Competent, but no more than midpack among compact cars for steering response or resistance to cornering lean. The GX has fine straightline stability, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.5 |
Road and wind noise are well suppressed, and though the engine whines loudly under brisk acceleration, it's subdued otherwise. The only unusual noise we noticed was an occasional "tick" from the back of the car--possibly a pressure regulator for the tank--but it could only be heard while stopped or at very low speeds with the radio and fan off.
CONTROLS
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.7 |
Civic's two-tier instrument panel places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and a 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 the road. Climate controls are within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires a stretch.
DETAILS
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
Controls move with smooth precision. Civic's cabin materials are a laudable mix of high-grade plastics and fabrics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 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. 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)
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.1 |
There's decent adult headroom, but 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. Doors open wide for good entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.9 |
The forward half of the trunk is sacrificed to the large fuel tank, leaving a wide, fairly tall, but not very deep cargo area that could probably hold two golf bags stacked on top of one another. Interior storage is very good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.2 |
It's a moot point to most buyers, as the GX is sold by few Honda dealers, but when gasoline prices are high, there is no other car that comes close to it for operating economy. Initial cost for the GX is steep--about $6800 more than for a Civic LX--but currently, the government offers a $4000 tax credit on the car, and some states and municipalities offer other incentives. Plus, there's a home refueling unit available that, while also expensive, makes fill-ups more convenient. If you want low per-mile costs and would rather worry about the rising price of natural gas than the rising price of gasoline, Honda has your car.
Total Score
| GX | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 65 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Compact Cars
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