Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is available as either a coupe or sedan, with each body style available in five different trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and Si with extra packages available depending on the trim. Hybrid Honda Civic sedans are also available as well as natural gas powered models known as the GX.
The Civic comes with a variety of options and features depending on the trim level. The DX is the base model, with very basic features, no standard audio system, and an optional air-conditioning system. A DX-VP (Value Package) is available which adds air conditioning, and a stereo system with CD player. The Honda Civic LX is a step up from the DX equipped with an audio system and 16-inch wheels with covers, cruise control, and other options, while an LX-S (sport) variant is available in the US which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, lip spoiler, steering-wheel audio controls, and black upholstery with silver stitching. The Honda Civic EX model is equipped with a power moonroof, 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and stereo system. The EX-L comes with leather interior, heated front seats and mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, and center console. The Civic Si comes standard with: moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless trunk access and unlike the other trims which use 140 horsepower 1.8 liter engines and 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, the Si is powered by a 197 horsepower 2.0 liter engine bolted to a six-speed manual transmission. On top of this the Si also offers better handling thanks to stiffer sway bars.
The dashboard of the Civic is a radical change from previous models, made up of a "two-tier" layout with a digital speedometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauge on the top tier, and tachometer on the bottom tier.
The stereo system for the Honda Civic varies by trim. The DX-VP, LX, and EX sedan are available with a 160 watt, 4-speaker AM/FM/MP3 stereo system, while the EX coupe has a 350-watt, six speaker system, and the Si has a 350-watt, seven speaker system.
Civics have always been known for fuel-efficiency with the Si getting 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway and the other trims getting 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway while the hybrid models are capable of getting 40mpg city and 45 mpg highway.
Currently the Honda Civic is one of the safest cars on the road today, testing highly with both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Overview/History
The Civic is currently in its eighth generation which was introduced in 2006. Following its introduction, Honda released a limited-edition variant of the Civic Si sedan, known as the Honda Civic Mugen Si sedan the following year. The Mugen Si came with an improved exhaust that gave it a boost in horsepower, as well as a twin-ring Motegi track-tuned suspension, “Cat-back” sports exhaust system, Mugen-forged aluminum wheels, high-grip summer tires, front spoiler, sports grille, side spoilers, rear diffuser, and an adjustable rear wing.
Because of their high power-weight ratio, and high hp-to-liter output ratio, Honda Civics from recent years have become popular platforms for modification and customization by the enthusiasts’ community. With a wide variety of after-market parts available, enthusiasts have done everything from upgrading suspensions to swapping out entire engines.
The Civic has been in continuous production since its debut in 1972 making it one of the longest-running nameplates from a Japanese manufacturer. The long lifespan of the Honda Civic can be attributed to its reputation of being a reliable economy car with the earliest models capable of getting roughly 40 mpg. Despite currently only available as either a sedan or a coupe, the Civic has at one time or another been available as hatchbacks, and even wagons.