2010 Honda Civic: Road Test
2010 Honda Civic DX Manual
2010 Honda Civic ▼
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- MSRP: $15,455 - $27,000
- Invoice: $14,250 - $24,839
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Our road test for the 2010 Honda Civic includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Honda Civic from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Honda Civic, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Honda Civic help you decide if a 2010 Honda Civic is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4.5 |
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.
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.
With 27 less horsepower and 150 lb more weight, the GX can't match other Civics for acceleration. It feels perfectly adequate around town, however. The loss of power is more noticeable in highway passing maneuvers, where the GX labors to gain speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 6.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, sedans with automatic transmission averaged 26.1-28.5 mpg. Si coupes averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. An Si sedan averaged 29.4 mpg. Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg in city/highway driving and 46.5 with more highway use. Si requires premium-grade gas, other Civics use regular.
The only way to compare "fuel economy" of a Civic GX with gasoline cars is to calculate cost per mile. At $4.00/gallon, an automatic-transmission Civic that gets 28.5 mpg equals about 14 cents per mile. By contrast, over 115.7 miles in a Civic GX, the cost to fill it was $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 the test Civic GX.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4.7 |
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 | 4 | 7 | 5.4 |
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.
QUIETNESS
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 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 | 5.6 |
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 sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.6 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
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 sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.8 |
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
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
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 | 5.8 |
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 engineering, style, value, and reputation for reliability and strong resale value.
Total Score
| LX sedan, manual | EX sedan, automatic | Hybrid w/navigation | Si coupe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 59 | 59 | 55.2 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Compact Cars
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