2009 Honda Civic Coupe: Road Test
2009 Honda Civic Coupe DX Automatic
2009 Honda Civic Coupe ▼
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- MSRP: $15,305 - $24,105
- Invoice: $14,113 - $22,184
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Our road test for the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe help you decide if a 2009 Honda Civic Coupe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
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.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Civics with automatic transmission averaged 26.1-28.5 mpg. Si coupes averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. Si requires premium-grade gas, while other Civics use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.2 |
LX and EX versions are generally stable at highway speeds, though there is some chop on uneven surfaces. While the Si has a firm sport suspension, it's never outright harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
LX and EX versions could use a bit more grip in fast turns, but they feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Agile Si models suffer slight torque steer, but they have tenacious grip. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Civic coupes don't isolate from road and wind ruckus as well as the sedans. Some testers find the 140-hp engine on the noisy side as well. Si models are louder still, but their snarling engine and exhaust notes are race-car invigorating.
CONTROLS
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
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
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Controls move with smooth precision. Civic's cabin materials are a laudable mix of high-grade plastics and fabrics. EX, EX-L, and Si have richer trim with a more upmarket feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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)
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The coupe's tiny, hard-to-access rear seat is best left to toddlers.
CARGO ROOM
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.9 |
Coupes have slightly less volume than sedans, but it's still quite spacious for a compact car. The lid hinges intrude on the cargo area. All have a folding rear seatback. Interior storage is very good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 9 | 6.6 |
Dynamically, Civic matches the class-leading Volkswagen Rabbit and Mazda 3. That's high praise, even if the Honda isn't quite as substantial feeling as the Rabbit, or, except for the Si, quite as athletic as the Mazda. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative without sacrificing functionality. What no competitor matches is this Best Buy's particular fusion of engineering, style, value, and reputation for reliability and strong resale value.
Total Score
| LX, manual | EX, automatic | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 62 | 61 | 60.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Cars
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