Herbie Hancock is a jazz pianist with a lesser known passion for all things electronic. After trading his sublime Steinway for some cutting-edge synthesizers, Hancock’s musical career Rockit-ed into interstellar space. It’s unclear why Honda reversed Hancock's career path for their eighth generation Civic. Here we have a machine that harkens back to the time when funk-fusion hit the airwaves and flying wedge concepts littered the world's design studios. What’s up with that?
The retro echoes are obvious, but let’s be clear about their execution: the new Civic’s tall profile, cab forward silhouette and skaterboi ramp cum windshield is less old school Lamborghini, more "Minivan Jr." Despite Audi-esque tail lights, the four-door’s strange proportions clearly say “I wanna be a hatchback!” About the best that can be said about the design: it's unmistakable from ten feet or ten furlongs away.
Too bad the windows aren't opaque. Honda’s interior decorators invite you to savor their first ever KITT car cabin. This ode to seventies sci-fi chic sports a two story gauge cluster. A digital speedometer sits up top; a Cyclopsian analog tachometer lingers below. The lighting effects aren’t quite Peter Max, but it’s not for lack of trying. All that’s needed is a flashing LED display and testy, effeminate voice to protect you against the “world of criminals who operate above the law.”
Fortunately, the Civic’s high quality fit and finish create a suitable cavern for A to B’ers determined to enjoy their daily dose of gridlock or weekly jaunt to the local supermarket. The Civic’s cloth doesn't look or feel cheap, even having the foresight to spend quality time on the inviting door panels. True to Honda’s heritage, both major and minor controls are faultlessly, sensuously ergonomic. And there’s plenty of head, leg, shoulder and trunk space for five Civic-minded adults.
The Civic LX' rear cargo-hole also makes the win list, with decklid operation and load height that's Verne Troyer compliant. But the hood's Dustbuster profile and long arm A-pillar make forward visibility a game of chance on the turnpike or within Wholefoods’ parking lot. Once you get over the front end's lack of visual reinforcement and the video game interfaces, taking a commanding grip on the Civic LX’ slick two-spoke wheel is child's play.
But not in the Atari 2600 kind of way. Honda's funky-fresh wedgemobile handles in a manner more befitting a Gran Turismo endurance race. Most everything from the ghosts of Civics past is present and accounted for: linear steering, powerful brakes, confident handling and reasonably well controlled body motions. The Civic’s 16" wheels encourage fast cornering and deep braking, even if the chassis’ limitations are strictly R&B (reached and breached).
While it’s nice to think that frugal little cars are driven by financially challenged enthusiasts, an automatic transmission is mandatory in this neck of the woods. The Civic's slushbox shifts effortlessly between five well-matched gears.
That's a good thing. With a 1.8-liter four cylinder mill huffing out 140hp at 6300rpm, the amble from rest to 60mph require more than a couple of cogs and almost nine seconds of the Civic driver’s time. Let’s face it: the Civic LX’ acceleration isn’t exactly the stuff of NOPI folklore. But the mill gets the job done with a vario-cammed powerband that revs freely, with minimal thrash and complaint. More importantly (at least for the target market), the $17k sedan clocks in at 30/40 EPA mpg.
Granted, the LX-trimmed Civic won't set souls afire with greasy bits worthy of The Temple of VTEC. But the little Honda is a direct hit on the average American’s big car sensibilities. The diminutive sedan serves-up the kind of calm, confident ride and sound isolation normally associated with premium priced luxobarges. And that's what makes this package special: strict attention to dynamic details while catering to the comfort-oriented demands of penny-pinching customers seeking reliable basic transportation.
Yes, but– somehow the Civic’s small car persona got lost in translation. While you gotta love all those airbags and the superlative passive safety, there’s no getting around the fact that the 2750lb Civic is a bigger beast than ever before. Which begs the question: was adding extra heft the right path for a car known for catering to both the entry-level dynamically dense buyer and the performance crazed Import Tuner crowd?
In this age of bigger is better, the current gen Civic bowed to market trends and sold the pistonheads out. Yes, the Civic is still a comforting method of family transport with unique styling and respectable performance. Sure, it’s still a modern day Model A: a blank canvas for street savvy tuners to make a, um, “strong” visual, auditory and performance statement. But the Civic is no longer a sport compact. Forget about the questionable nostalgic styling; this may be the biggest letdown of them all.
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As you alluded to, the lack of a hatch in this car removes it from a lot of first-time buyer’s lists (and from mine). I can only assume that the CAD god determined that it confounded the design of the rear crumple zone and threw up the error message “!!!$$$$$!!!”. Alas, Honda will still sell plenty of these capable cars, and their buyers will borrow the parent’s SUV for the big jobs. As to the style, I suppose the present mission is to not “be the bean”; mission accomplished.
Does the “no longer a sport compact” charge apply to the Si as well, or just the others?
I’m personally a big fan of the exterior styling. The bit I cannot stand is the deep, double-decker IP.
For price comparison and real-world fuel economy information:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Civic.php
I’ll admit, when Honda did the ‘00 redesign, I thought they had lost it and were going down the same path of abandoning their enthusiast root like Mitsubishi had done. That Civic was okay, but it was completely uninspiring compared to the 92-95 or 96-99 or even the 88-91 models. They paid by losing their status as king of the sport compacts and got elbowed aside by the WRX, with the the Mini Cooper S and SRT-4 (say what you will about their cheesy interiors, you can’t argue with sub 60 acceleration times for under $20K)
Fortunately, Honda learned from their mistake of trying to move away from those who embraced their cars. A free-revving engine, a stylish design, and a renewed commitment to the compact market all help bring this car back to the respectability among enthusiasts that they had lost before.
I still don’t like their coupe designs, It looks too much like a dust buster. The sedan, with it’s low-slung profile reminds me of the cars of the future, but it doesn’t look weird like the Prius. There is a more organic flow in the lines instead of something that looks like it was modeled from origami. My only criticism, the dash. Honda tried too hard with this dual-level design. Folks who have this car say it’s not that bad at all, but then again, folks who have Azteks don’t think they have an ugly vehicle. Bring back the simpler layout. It may be boring, but not everbody wants to feel like they’re piloting one of the shuttles from the Enterprise.
I personally like the sloped wedge lines on the new Civic and the Star Trek cockpit. It is still th best car out there in this class. I just wish they weren’t so blasted expensive. My sense is that they have left many college students and second family car buyers behind. I realize they introduced the Fit to fill in this void somewhat, but the Fit is not a Civic. I know we all generally agree that premium car appointments in basic go-go mobiles is a good thing, but at what price? The Elantra is the new Civic (in terms of price and affordability) in my view, as both the Honda and the Corolla go up segment with each iteration. Now the good thing about Civics is their phenomenal resale value. Have you checked on KBB or Edmunds lately for a five-year old Civic. Astounding. Yet again, you pay for this at the front end where many historic Civic buyers can no longer afford it. Strange indeed.
The one thing that never ceases to catch my attention on this car is the un-be-freakin-lievable fit and finish. Even driving by at 80 MPH this thing looks like it’s CNC cut from a single piece of aluminum. I just can’t get over the perfection of the body panel shape, panel gaps and perfect paint. I don’t think I’ve seen anything comparable under $50K. Maybe Accord?
Did they go back to the double wishbone up front – or is this McPherson strut?
And yes – as with most Hondas – you might just as well buy new. If you can get past the arrogant “You want it we got it. If you don’t buy it someone else will.” dealer personnel.
I just drove a 4 door LX a couple weeks ago. I couldn’t get over the feeling of looking down a tunnel at the road, and I hate digital speedometers. I’m sure I’d get used to the whole thing, but I didn’t want to. One thing I liked, though, was the steering–amazingly tight and direct. I really liked the shifter too, which was typical, unmatched Honda precision. Why do you say a slushbox is mandatory? Yuck! Also, to whom am I asking this question? I can’t find the author’s name anywhere.
I owned an ‘02 Civic SiR (Si in the US), and I loved the machine for being a fun, practical little whip, despite its bland looks.
The new Civic reverses that status, with no hatch, odd and “buttony” interior, all in a better looking (especially the coupe) car.
But c’mon… 2750lbs? A Civic? Add good size driver and some gear and you’re breaking 3000! I thought Civics were sopposed to be light? Add to that, you can’t see the hood of the car from the inside, and the windows seem like gunslits compared to Hondas of old.
I hate to say it, but Honda’s rep for building driver’s cars has been surpassed by Mazda. Honda now occupies the Goldilocks’ middle between Mazda’s “too hard” and Toyota’s “too soft”.
No mention that the 06 was recalled 3 times. Very un-Honda like. Also the lack of Hoda’s double wishbone suspension.
Fit and finish are still great,as is the smooth powertrain. Overall still best car in it’s class.
Fix the lousy driver interface and this will be at the top of my list to replace my wife’s Saturn. She’s very much an A-to-B driver, and I do all the maintenance. A Civic makes this a win-win situation.
The exterior styling–much like everything Honda and Acura are leaning towards these days–is clearly very close to previously executed Teutonic ideas (Audi is just the beginning). Which means it looks pretty good. However, I take visibility very seriously and will have to check out this windshield first hand, since I haven’t heard anything good about it to date.
Agreed that this needs to be a 5-door hatch or liftback of some sort. Trying to squeeze a trunk on a chassis this size is just an exercise in engineering to the lowest common denominator, taking style over practicality…not really a great angle for an uber-practical car.
My comments: Part 1 -
I’ve owned 4 Civics over the years. My Civic was of the CVCC variety. (It rusted out—but was still strong of engine–when it was retired.) More recently, in February of ‘06, after putting some 160,000 miles on it, I traded in my trusty ’96 Civic hatchback (MT), and purchased a new ’06 Civic LX sedan (AT).
Fast forward to July of ’06: Traded in my ‘06 LX sedan, for a ’06 Civic EX coupe (MT). (A classic case of “buyer’s remorse.” Occasional spirited driving is more fun when manually selecting gears. And with no need for 4 doors, the coupe would be just fine.)
While some may dislike the (“cheese wedge”) looks of the new Civic coupe, I much prefer its styling verses that of the sedan. It’s subjective of course. If a cars looks is somewhat controversial, it certainly beats plain or bland: I’m looking at you, Corolla.
The LX Civic sedan is so de-contented that, unless you’re into austerity (in that case, get a DX), moving up to the EX brings a lot more toys to the table: Alloy wheels; disc stoppers at all four corners; a sunroof; remote trunk release, outside temperature display; audio controls on the steering wheel; rear-seat cup holders and armrest; modestly upgraded ICE; variable wipers, and an additional 12-volt outlet in the center console. Oddly, the interior trunk lid is lined in just the EX sedan. An OEM navigation system is available–only in EX trim–but save $1,700 and get a Garmin “Nuvi” GPS unit instead.
The Civic sedan has certainly gotten more portly over time. Blame it on an increase in overall size, slightly larger engines, and additional safety equipment: Some of the weight gain is also due to the increase in the number of airbags: From 2 in 1996, to 8 in 2006.
From: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/all-honda-civics.htm
Honda Civic — 4-door sedan – base engine – by generation:
*Weight varies by trim level/options, so figure +/- 50 pounds-ish.
5th Generation: 1992-1995: Curb weight: 2,213 lbs.
Engine: 1.5 L / 102 HP / 98 ft. lbs.
6th Generation: 1996-2000: Curb weight: 2,319 lbs.
(Gain over previous generation: 106 lbs.)
Engine: 1.6L / 106 HP / 103 ft. lbs.
7th Generation: 2001-2005 Curb weight: 2,421 lbs.
(Gain over previous gen.: 102 lbs.)
Engine: 1.7L / 115 HP / 110 ft. lbs.
8th Generation: 2006+ Curb weight: 2,685 lbs. – LX (MT).
(Gain over previous gen.: 264 lbs.)
Engine: 1.8L / 140 HP / 128 ft. lbs.
The Civic sedan weight gain from 1995 to 2006 amounts to roughly 472 lbs. – Oink!
(It’s also gotten 3” wider, and the wheelbase has lengthened by about 3” as well.)
However, for the frugal pistonhead, the Civic continues to deliver great MPG. :-)
- Part 2 –
Driving dynamics of the new Civic verses older variants:
My 2006 Civic coupe weighs around 2,700 pounds. While fun to drive, the ’06 Civic is not as much fun to toss around as was my old 1996 Civic DX hatchback, which weighed around 2,200 pounds.
I’m not exactly sure why the new Civic feels less “tossable.” More horsepower, or better, a lot more torque, would be welcome additions to the larger, heavier, base-model Civics. Yes, there’s the Civic Si, but my point here is: Honda, please upgrade the engines in base cars. While Honda says “EX owners don’t care about performance,” an injection of some adrenaline into the cars motivator would be welcomed by those who drive while awake.
What it was like to drive a 1996 Civic hatchback? Well, I’d agree with this by Autobytel:
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1996/12-aut/honda/civic/reviews/index.html
“…we had low expectations when we got behind the wheel [of the base 106-hp version]. These were quickly blown out the window. The high-revving little engine was zippy and quick. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, it was responsive and provided plenty of power. — The shifter has a short, light throw requiring only fingertip operation. The gates are more precise, making for fast, clean shifts. – The…suspension delivers the same bright handling…an impressive accomplishment in a car this light. — To cut costs, Honda went from 4-wheel disc brakes to discs in the front and drum brakes in the rear…and to be honest, we didn’t notice a difference. Braking is still short and grippy.”
Not a bad summary of the dynamics—considering it retailed for $12,000 back in ‘96.
Regarding the 8th Generation sedan vs. the (non-Si) coupe: Buy a ’06 Civic coupe instead of a sedan, and you gain a tighter suspension (20 percent stiffer up front, 28 percent in back), along with stiffer damping and thicker anti-roll bars. It also offers front seats with deeper bolstering, and a (useless) “ambient light” LED. To me, the coupe is easier on the eyes and, along with the 5-speed manual, a lot more fun to drive on twisty back roads. :-)
Great cars, I had an ‘83 that only had a sewing machine sized engine (and a manual), but was a true joy to drive. I have to say, though, that Playstation instrument cluster would drive me to the competition…or actually to a Fit, which seems to be the only Honda channeling true to heritage Honda soul anyway.
Guys, don’t expect a hotter engine base. The Civic has grows a lot, but without sacrifcing mileage.
likewise, get used to the Dustbuster wedge, the aerodynamics (a’la Prius) are good for 1-2 MPG highway.
Civics moved upscale in the naming convention of their trim lines, too. I had an 88 hatch in “base” trim. No radio, no cigarette lighter, no passenger side rear view mirror. And back then Civics maxed out at “DX”. The DX trim is now bottom of the Civic lineup. And generally, the Civolltra3’s now need a decent feature list to keep them above the mini-car class.
And I think Honda even knows, Fit is now the new “Civic”. The rumored new CRX would be based on the Fit platform.
A re-review? Interesting. A friend has this exact model. It’s very nice, the windshield view does take some getting used to. I parked it once and parallel parking is a challenge when you can’t see the front end at all. I would love to take a new si out for a spin. This model feels a lot tighter, as in better put together than previous models (which were no slouches).
I have a few more minutes to comment now, had to run out the door earlier. I’d just edit my earlier comment, but can’t seem to find the button…
On the IP: I’d like the tach and speedometer together. But if one’s got to be further away, and thus easier to read without taking my eyes off the road (kind of like a poor man’s HUD), it’s the tach. If I’m hooning it along a challenging road, the tach’s the instrument I need to see easily and quickly. So the opposite of the layout they went with.
On the reliability front, in my research the 2006 Civic’s been achieving domestic-like repair rates so far. Most problems involve warped, poorly fitting, or rattling interior trim. Also a seal beneath the center console that can become dislodged and let water up into the car.
The latest results of my reliability survey:
http://www.truedelta.com/results1206.php
I still have my trusty 1998 Civic EX coupe, which got me through grad school. I am amazed at the resale value. I stole it in great condition with 104K miles for $5300 two a half years ago. It’s still easily worth over $5,000. I know cars aren’t really investments, but when they hold their value like that, it’s a legitimate argument. I mean, how much is a 98 Neon, Cavalier, or Escort worth with 130K miles? A hundred bucks?
I drive the 2006 LX Sedan since March 2006. I love the interior design. I find nothing wrong with tach and speedometer. The look and the bigger size that what I like most of new Civic. The only problems I see is the paint job. It flake off very easy in high power car wash. Everything else amazed me. I haven’t run any problems with it. All the comparing of Coupe vs. Sedan. It all the same. The only exception is that the sedan have four door. The rear end look differently in view. I drive allots in the cities. There allots of braking everywhere I go. I prefer a automatic because it have a better reaction at tough situation in the heavy congested road.
[I]While you gotta love all those airbags and the superlative passive safety, there’s no getting around the fact that the 2750lb Civic is a bigger beast than ever before.[/I]
I asked this question on other forums and now I am asking it here: when it comes to styling excesses, and the propensity for most every redesigned model to be larger than the last, is it 1959 all over again? Or is the “best” yet to come?
Models seem to get bigger, then new models/marques slot in under them. I can’t explain it, except that maybe people who follow a particular model throughout their lives demand it, consciously or subconsciously. Maybe someone who was a college student in a CVCC in the late 70s still wants a Civic, but expects more space and a bigger car with the same nameplate today.
The general trend in cars getting heavier, though, has been discussed a lot. Bigger engines, better crash protection, and high levels of NVH suppression are the norm now.
One thing I admire about Honda is the effort put into engineering, especially when it comes to Honda engines.
The amount of effort expended on just one detail: How the (halo car) Civic Si *sounds* when crossing over into VTEC (from “mild” cam, to “wild” cam) mode.
Details here:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051105/news_lz1d5civic.html
“Small team of engineers perform some magic, give new Civic Si a sporty growl.”
I believe the official line is that Honda is not sharing a Civic Hatchback with the USA because we get the Fit instead.
I say phooey.
The euro-hatch version of this car is frickin’ sweet.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/spyshots/200015/honda_civic.html
I LOVE the instrument pod in this car. Cool as heck. I look into other people’s Civics to see how fast I’m going on my scooter in town. The speedo is legible from OUTSIDE the car.
When I bought my first real car late last year, if Honda had the Hatch version of the Civic here, I would have likely gone with that. No sale.
The 2001 Civic is bigger than the 94 Accord. Small cars have grown in size to become more mid sized rather than compact. Former midsize cars are now becoming full size. So as a model grows there is always a need for something to slot in underneath. And with our McDonald’s diets cars need to be big.
@ash78
That might be one of the best answers to my question I’ve heard yet. Thank you.
The reason I ask if it’s 1959 again, tongue-in-cheek, is to inquire as to whether or not we’ve reached the pinnacle of supersizing and extreme design elements (such as oversized taillights, headlights, fender flares, etc.) and if we’re due for a correction. Surely many of the vehicles only appear larger due to these design elements and outsized sheet metal, and with a return to design minimalism could be achieved without sacrificing interior room.
After driving the 06 LX, I ended up buying a hatchback: the 05 Civic Si, in black. Possibly the most underrated Civic ever. So many positives: shifter, clutch, hatch, seats, and torque. The updated version (04-05 vs. (02-03) made a lot of difference in my eyes: bigger, classier wheels, side rocker panels, and better looking head a tail lights. No, it’s not a drag racer, but it has all the torque I ever need. (That’s right, torque–in a Civic.) Plus, 100 mph feels like 50–stout and planted at high speeds. So many people complain about no hatch with a Civic, but whenever it’s offered, it never sells!
I highly disagree with the the author’s view of the civic’s exterior. IMO I think this is the first new sedan and coupe design that really works and that is not overly retro (american design) or overly “evolutionary” (German Design). As another poster mentioned, this is the design of the future, and I mean that in a good way. I think a lot of Japanese and Korean companies are going to be cribbing these honda design elements. Although I do think the sedan does work better than the coupe, which might be problematic for coupe sales if too many people agree with me, especially with the sedan getting the SI trim.
The Euro-Civics, with the hatchback, look a lot more cohesive, and smaller.
I’m hoping that they bring them stateside, in the form of an SiR and company.
They’ll bring the enthusiasts back to the marque.
As the owner of a 2006 Civic LX, I can say the article above is accurate enough. The only thing I don’t understand is why the guages seem so spaceship for most reviewers. I’ve had the car a few months now and the guages serve their purpose well, they are bright, legible, and one can view the speedo’s digits without taking their eyes off the road. The transmission’s gear are well spaced from 1-4, but 5th gear is excessively low–one can hear the engine lugging at the low RPMs. The A-pillars block a considerable amount of vision and the rear visibility isn’t good, either. Another complaint would be the placement of the HVAC vents. They are equally spread out across the dash in a 1-2-3-4 arrangement instead of the more common 1-23-4 style. Vents 1 and 2 are blocked by the steering wheel, 3 and 4 can’t blow on the driver. Other than that, it’s all the car I could ask for…
Thanks for reading everyone. Yes, I wrote this review.
(Note to RF: the author’s name shows up on the homepage, but not on the actual review)
ejacobs: yes there’s a manual transmission option, but the point made is that few people in the market for a sedan actually want it.
Blunozer: I’m digging the Goldilocks reference. Well said.
kph: Yes the Fit is the new Civic, and that doesn’t sit well with me. We had so many generations of Civics that were sleek and sporty in the Sport Compact way, and the Fit just doesn’t cut it.
86er: The late 50s, the late 70s…history keeps on repeating itself, and the Japanese aren’t immune to the disease. Cars are getting insanely large these days much to the Civic’s detriment. Something’s gotta give.
Zoomzit: actually I kinda agree with you. The exterior styling is cohesive and unique, especially compared to the yawn-city Corolla. But its wikkid retro; you can’t deny its roots to 1970s flying wedges.
This ride is the love child of an Aston Martin Bulldog and the Ford Aerostar. It would be fine, except for the Civic name is attached to it.
The thing that would keep me out of the new Civic is the raked windshield that so amplifies the vision-reduction of any dirt on the windshield, and the football-field size solar collector dashboard. I’m also very disappointed with the weight gain.
Does anyone else see a very TSX like profile in that last picture in the review, or is that just me? I mean, swap the tail lights and raise the hood line a little, and it looks like the lineage is clear. I never noticed that before.
Speaking of car size “inflation”, dig this:
1985 Cadillac DeVille sedan: 110″ wb, 3350lbs, 125 hp
2007 Toyota Camry Sedan 109″ wb, 3300lbs, 160-260hp
DonLuc: guages serve their purpose well, they are bright, legible, and one can view the speedo’s digits without taking their eyes off the road.
Think of it as the poor man’s head-up display.
Frank Williams: “Think of it [the speedo] as the poor man’s head-up display.”
Exactly.
“Honda researchers conducted a study that tracked the eye movements of drivers and prioritized the Civic’s gauges and their placement for quick recognition time. Based on this research, a two-tier instrument panel was devised that also takes advantage of the generous dashboard space from the steeply raked windshield.”
“A digital speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge are housed in the upper level to be more in-line with the drivers line-of-sight, resulting in shorter eye movements between the most commonly referenced gauges and the road. A digital readout on the speedometer was chosen to further enhance the cognition times during meter viewing.”
The above is from:
From: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/957/releases/2776
Whine: Bring back the edit button soon.
There will be a new division in automobile classes soon. Those whose drivers would buy an autopilot option for and those that will have the steering wheel taken out of their cold, dead hands. This solidly belongs in the former.
pauln:
Was that the first year of the downsized FWD DeVille? I remember that ad, and the distinctive typeface, calling it a new kind of Cadillac. It was followed shortly afterwards by the Troyner-sized Seville and Eldorado. If you put today’s mid-sized cars up against them, they’re giants.
I’m going to side with those who don’t really care for the new Civic’s design. As for the review stating: “it’s unmistakable from ten feet or ten furlongs away.”, I disagree. At least I disagree for the front three-quarters of the car. Because until you get to the rear quarter, I think the new Civic looks a lot like the Prius. I know it’s mainly the shape, but when you glance quickly at the front, the civic looks like it’s shape was derivided from the Prius. I don’t want to say it’s copied, because it’s probably more a function of an optimization of the aero-dynamic properties than style, but they are the only to cars to have that crazy rake to them.
And I’m sorry, but the insturment cluster looks like it’s from an 80s video game. Maybe Rad Racer? And I too have noticed that I can read speeds on Civics when driving by the road.
As for coupe vs. sedan, you might as well go with the coupe because those are not very comfortable back seats.
To me, the coupe looks WAY better than the sedan. The Civic sedan has those minivan triangle front side windows and big fat tail lights on a droopy butt (didn’t they learn anything from the 04-05 Accord sedan?) The Civic coupe’s “ass in the air” looks better to me. The coupe’s front bumper is more normal, too. In my opinion, the civic hasn’t had a truly handsome sedan since the 5th gen 92-95 models.
I have to say I don’t think I can ever get past the windshield / hood combination on these. The angle between the two looks clunky and awkward enough on the coupe, but on the sedan makes the car look beyond horrendous. As others have mentioned, the awkward sloping windshield doesn’t do anything for the driver either. 1-2mpg saved? I’ll take the $0.25 hit at the pumps and you can keep the dust-buster paradigm.
I rather like the geometry of the shape. There’s one that parks on the block next to my house, and after seeing it every day for a while, I noticed that the arc of the roof actually touches the tops of both wheel arches and draws the eye smoothly back to ground. It’s really very organic and balanced. I think it will age very well.
That said, after trying to bring home lawn furniture in an older Accord, I will never buy another small sedan. Hatchbacks are far more functional.
starlightmica: Yes; they were Roger Smith’s coffin nails; destroyed the brand’s premium image completely.
Indeed, Sajeev, the Civic is no longer a sport compact. But I’d argue that’s been the case since 2001, and that the latest generation has made up some lost ground.
Actually, driving a current Civic back-to-back with a ‘96-’00 reveals how much better the steering has become. For all its double-wishbone goodness, that older model had a pretty gummy and slow-ratioed helm. It got worse from ‘01-’05, but is far better now.
On the other hand, the ‘96-’00 model still looks classy. I personally like the looks of the current one, but it’s *not* going to age well. What’s happening to those simple but timeless Honda lines of the late’90s-early ’00s?
I agree – as part of the Civic evolution into a more refined and spacious mode of transportation it has lost some of its fun. The Fit is much more of the spirit of Civic s past and is a much better purchase in that its not that much smaller, more fun to drive and certainly much more hip. However, Honda isn’t exactly having problems selling them so we can assume they have found a new audience or their previous Civic customers are aging and now crave more refinement and space. Either way – its not exactly a predicament for Honda.
Sajeev,
I always enjoy your reviews; they are certainly accurate. But I do question the tone of this one. It reads as if you really didn’t want to like the Civic, and begrudgingly note that the ride, handling, drivetrain, steering, interior, etc. are excellent.
I get that you don’t like the steeply raked windshield and bifurcated I.P., but those are matters of taste. Given the runaway sales of the Civic and the fact that Toyota delayed its Corolla introduction to update the styling, I’d say you’re in the minority.
I mean, seriously, would you really prefer a Caliber, Focus, Elantra, Cobalt or Corolla? Maybe a 3 or a Lancer Ralliart, but for most folks, the Civic is the cream of the crop. No?
Overall, I like the look of this current Civic, except for the jutting “jowls” at the front corners. The bumper needs a line that follows the upper edge of the lower opening, from which the lower bumper corners recede.
These cars are amazingly roomy inside – they seem to have stretched beyond the Civic “mission” toward Accord territory. The Fit only hits the mark if you measure it against the first-release Civic. But, the Civic still presents an excellent value and mileage proposition.
I do not understand the advantage of altering dashboard layouts. On various cars, we’ve seen attempts to move the dials to dash center, all-digital, a mix of digital and analog, HUD, every color (and then, your choice of colors in Mustang), now two-layer on this Civic – are the designers of interiors just bored, or what? Can this be called a visually ergonomic step forward?
Check out the gear shift. It’s on the right side of the emergency brake handle. I’ve never driven a car with that configuration, but I’d imagine it to be weird to reach out for the gear shift. I wonder if this is due to the fact that the original Civic is a right hand car.
Btw, Saveej, how does it compare to the Mazda3?
When I was a student I owned a 91 Ford Escort (Mazda 323). It was a hatchback with lots of cargo space once the rear seats were folded down. It hauled all of my girlfriend’s belongings (including her bed) twice that she moved. We camped in it a few times (fold the rear seats and fill it with sheets…lots of fun). Bought it at 140K for $4000 CDN in 2000 and traded it in at 260k for $500 when it was about to fall apart. The 1.8L 89HP Ford engine was still strong (well, as strong as a 89HP engine can get), but it needed a new tranny and suspension work.
When I was in the market for a new compact car in 2005 it had to be a hatchback. I would have bought a Civic hatch if Honda offered one. The Matrix was too old, weak, noisy and soft riding, the Focus was too crappy (but cheap $$$) and the Mini was just too impractical (and expensive $$$). Alas, the Mazda3 stole my heart…
I personally just don’t get why anybody would want to buy a compact sedan?
I heard that Honda uses environmentally friendly paint, which doesn’t keep its finish/glossiness/niceness as long as other car companies. Is there any truth to this?
Last civic I had was in 00 which I traded in 01. Couldnt stand it. It was an LX nonetheless. But I do miss the MPG figures of it tho… Actually, I miss the honesty of that car.. great commuter car which could have saved me a decent chunk of change if I kept it.
I miss my civic i.e after hating it…trading it… Go figure.
i know its not exactly the same car, but i was seriously considering the purchase of a new 4-door civic hybrid to replace our 94 bmw 318is coupe. i want a daily driver that goes easy on the environment and i will still have a 97 boxster, plus my wife’s 2001 slk 320, in the garage for the weekends and special occassions. i realize the civic is not a bmw but does anyone out there think this decision/choice makes a lot of sense?