Civic interiors are well-designed, neatly executed and more functional than ostentatious. Interior materials seem to have been selected with durability rather than maximum eye appeal in mind. Monochrome interiors -- available in gray, dark gray or beige -- border on the monotonous and could benefit from more contrast.Four adults can ride comfortably in the Civic; it will also accommodate two adults with three children. Civics offer 12 cubic feet of luggage space and that can be augmented by folding down the rear seats. Pockets and bins provide storage for small items.
Instruments and controls are simple in layout and function. A base Civic has but three gauges--speedometer, fuel level and coolant temperature--while up-level models add a tachometer. The switch layout is generally good; the radio buttons are somewhat small and fussy, but new-for-1999 electronic controls for heating/ventilation/air conditioning are easy to operate. Next Page