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2009 Honda Civic Full Review
Date Published: 7/23/08
Also in the 2009 Honda Civic Review:
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Honda Civic Full Review
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2009 Honda Civic
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Honda Civic should see no major changes. 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, EX-L, and sporty Si trims. Also available is the Civic MUGEN Si sedan. 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. Hybrids automatically run on one or both of their power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. They require no plug-in charging. 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. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. The MUGEN Si has high-performance tires, sport suspension, and specific trim. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, EX-L, Hybrid, and Si. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Honda Civic.
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2009 Honda Civic Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe) |
| Acceleration (Si) | |
| Steering/handling (Si) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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 no overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly, and maintains air-conditioner power. No Civic GX models have been made available for us to test.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5.1 |
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 no overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly, and maintains air-conditioner power. No Civic GX models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
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. Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg. Si requires premium-grade gas, other Civics use regular.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6.2 |
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. Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg. Si requires premium-grade gas, other Civics use regular.
Ride Quality
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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.1 |
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
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 copious 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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 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 copious 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
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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
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
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 the 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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
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 the 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
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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
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)
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. Tall occupants have no excess headroom, especially beneath the sunroof housing. 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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
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. Tall occupants have no excess headroom, especially beneath the sunroof housing. 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)
Sedans have adequate 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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.3 |
Sedans have adequate 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
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.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
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
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 2008 Best Buy's particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment.
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
| 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6.2 |
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 2008 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 |
| 63 | 65 | 58 | 58 | 58.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Honda Civic Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Honda Civic Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Civic Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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