2010 Honda Civic: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Honda Civic sees no major changes after a modest freshening for 2009. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. A gas/electric Hybrid sedan is also offered, along with a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims. Sedans also come in DX-VP and LX-S trims. DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Si versions have a 197-hp 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. Hybrids require no plug-in charging. Available for retail sale in California, New York, Utah, and to fleets in 32 other states is the Civic GX, which uses a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on CNG. All 140-hp Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. GX models are automatic only. Si has a mandatory 6-speed manual. Hybrids use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery with heated front seats are standard on the EX-L and available on the Hybrid. A navigation system with voice activation and wireless cell-phone link are available on EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid.

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, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, and Volkswagen Jetta. Our Recommended pick is the Scion xB.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda Insight, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer (Sportback), and Volkswagen Golf.