The
2011 Honda Civic, configured as either a coupe or sedan, is known primarily for its outstanding features and design. The Civic comes with four transmissions/engine combinations, including the Base Civics hosting a 1.8 L 140 horsepower engine paired to a five-speed transmission. The Civic Hybrid is equipped with a 1.3 electric motor with 20 horsepower coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Civic is also offered with a natural gas configuration called the GX. An Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, the Civic Si is a 2.0-liter engine joined to a six-speed-manual transmission.
Reliable, affordable, and perennially popular, the Honda Civic offers quality safety systems. Fuel economy is another attribute with a 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway EPA rating. The exterior and interior of the Civic have evolved until it's about time for a new generation, rumored to be in 2012, when a brand-new model may emerge.
New for 2011
After several recent refreshes, the 2011 Honda Civic is unchanged for this model year.
Essentials
Engines: 1.3L I-4 plus electric motor (hybrid), 1.8L I-4, 2.0L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Styles: Sedan, Coupe
Trims: DX Coupe, DX Sedan, LX Coupe, LX Sedan, LX-S Sedan, EX Coupe, EX-L Coupe, EX Sedan, EX-L Sedan, GX Sedan, Hybrid Sedan, Si Coupe, Si Sedan, VP Sedan
On the Outside
With an aggressive design that pushes the wheels to the corners to shorten front and rear overhangs, the Honda Civic remains an attractive but ordinary small car.
From the Inside
A roomy interior with a futuristic edge that still looks fresh, the Honda Civic has simple controls and practical ergonomics. While the base trims are quite Spartan, the premium trims are resplendent.
Driving Performance
Once the peppiest performer, the Honda Civic is vulnerable to the competition. The base Honda Civics is still the benchmark for good driving dynamics without trading off ride quality. True fans will like the slick shifting, free revving 197-horsepower Si model, while daily drivers will enjoy the benefits of a fully loaded EX-L or Hybrid that averages 42 mpg.
Safety Equipment
Standard are 3-point seat belts for all passengers. Also standard are dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags, and active head restraints for driver and front passenger. Optional on the EX-L, Hybrid and Si models are brake assist and stability/traction control.
Gas Mileage
DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, EX-L: 26 mpg city/34 mpg hwy (manual); 25 mpg city/36 mpg hwy (automatic)
Hybrid: 40 mpg city/45 mpg hwy
Si: 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Civic Si
- No-nonsense ergonomics
- Smooth motors
- Zero emission alternatives
Minuses
- No stability control in base models
Rating
Perennially peppy performer nearing end of life cycle
People Who Like the 2011 Honda Civic Also Like
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Kia Forte
- Toyota Corolla
- VW Jetta