Acceleration

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
5	5	3	6	4.6

With either transmission, 140-hp Civics lazy away from a stop, but have adequate power around town and for highway merging, passing; automatic especially alert to throttle inputs. Slick-shifting Si models crave high rpm, respond with terrific acceleration.

Hybrid also slow off the line, demands liberal throttle to build speed quickly, but keeps pace with fast-moving traffic. As with other CVTs, this one lets engine rev ahead of vehicle speed. Hybrid powertrain has no overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly, maintains air-conditioner power.

Fuel Economy

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
7	7	9	7	6.5

Test EX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.1 mpg. Test Si coupes averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. Test Si sedans averaged 26.3-29.4 mpg.

Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg. Si requires premium-grade fuel, other Civics use regular.

Ride Quality

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
6	6	6	4	5.3

Sedans take bumps in stride, with good absorbency, little float or wallow. LX and EX versions especially stable at highway speeds. Coupes feel choppier on uneven surfaces, but even firm-suspension Si never jars.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
6	6	4	8	5.8

DX models competent, but no more than midpack for steering response, resistance to cornering lean. LX, EX versions could use more grip in fast turns, but feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Hybrid has low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy, but allow copious noseplow in tight turns. Agile Si models tenacious in corners, though suffer slight torque-steer. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation.

Quietness

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
6	6	4	4	4.4

Sedans near top of class in suppression of road, wind noise. Hybrid's CVT promotes pronounced engine noise in rapid acceleration, but some testers find 140-hp engine noisy as well. Coupes do not isolate nearly as well as sedans. Si models' snarling engine/exhaust note is race-car invigorating at high rpm, not obtrusive in more relaxed driving.

Controls

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
6	7	7	6	5.9

Two-tier instrument panel places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and separately housed digital speedometer directly above. Design works to good overall effect. Speedometer's digits are in driver's line of sight for viewing without taking focus off road. Climate controls within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires a stretch. Navigation system takes time to master, has undersized buttons, and absorbs too many audio functions, but programming via predetermined voice commands a plus. Navigation screen difficult to read in changing light. Controls move with smooth precision, cabin materials a laudable mix of high-grade plastics, fabrics; EX, Hybrid have richer trim, upmarket feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.6

Tilt/telescope steering column and height-adjustable driver seat are standard, help tailor accommodating driving position. Seats blend support, comfort; Si's buttressed for glued-in-place feel in fast cornering. No excess head room for tall occupants, especially beneath sunroof housing. Long front roof pillars impede outward view to corners; long dashtop shelf, sloping nose complicate judging distance in close quarters. Some sunlight conditions trigger annoying windshield reflections.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
4	4	4	2	4

Sedans have adequate adult head room. Knee space tight with front seats far aft. Toe room uncompromised unless front cushions near lowest point. Flat floor aids overall comfort, as does firm, well-contoured seat. Sedan doors open wide for good entry/exit. Coupe's tiny, hard-to-access rear seat best left to toddlers.

Cargo Room

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4.8

Sedan has wide, tall trunk with generous opening, low liftover. Coupe trunk has same attributes, but slightly less volume. On both, lid hinges intrude on cargo area. All but Hybrid have folding rear seatback. All doors have map pockets, cabins a plethora of storage bins, cubbies.

Value within Class

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
9	10	8	7	6

Dynamically, Civic matches the class-leading Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3. That's high praise, even if the Honda isn't quite as substantial-feeling as the Jetta, or, except for the Si, quite as athletic as the Mazda. Civic is more comfortable than most rivals, despite being only as big inside as it absolutely needs to be. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative, entertaining even, without sacrificing functionality. What no competitor matches is the particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment. That makes Civic a Best Buy pick.

Total Score

LX sedan, man.	EX sedan, auto.	Hybrid	Si coupe	Class Average
57	59	53	52	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60