2009 Honda Civic

Back in the mid-1970s, fuel prices jumped during the first gas crisis of that decade. Honda was there with a neat solution: the Civic, which it had introduced to Americans just a couple years earlier. With its petite yet space-efficient dimensions, 40 mpg fuel economy and reliable nature, the Civic was a big hit for Honda. Compared to the heavy, sluggish American small cars of the time -- automotive luminaries such as the Vega, Pinto and Gremlin -- the much smaller Civic had a light, sporty feel, a lot more room for passengers and fuel economy ratings about 50 percent higher.

More than three decades later, fuel prices have increased again and savvy consumers are again flocking to Honda dealers in search of Civics. But the 2009 Honda Civic is a far cry from that vehicular roller skate of the disco era. The latest Civic is larger and much more luxurious than its puny ancestor. In fact, it's no longer Honda's smallest car; that would be the Fit. And there are now a wide range of Civics, from the give-sports-cars-the-bird-on-a-twisty-road Civic Si to the give-oil-companies-the-bird Civic Hybrid and natural-gas-powered Civic GX.

The current Civic generation bowed for 2006, and we're quite fond of it. Some styling elements are rather odd, such as the minivan-like windshield, snub nose and the dual-tiered instrument panel that combines digital and analog gauges. But the high build quality, sporty driving dynamics, rock-solid reputation for reliability and impressive fuel efficiency more than make up for a few aesthetic quirks. Some may even think of such quirkiness as a plus.

The 2009 Honda Civic is a small car available as a sedan or coupe. For both, there are five main trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda also offers the DX Value Package, the LX-S, the Hybrid and the GX.

The DX is meant for those on a very tight budget and offers little more than 15-inch steel wheels, power windows, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver seat. At least with this year's new DX Value Package, you get air-conditioning and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The popular midgrade LX has the above features plus 16-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a folding rear seat and cruise control. The LX-S adds alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust outlet, a rear spoiler and front sport seats.

© Source: edmunds
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2009 Honda Civic

Honda introduced its new Civic for 2006 . With a broad lineup, which includes coupes and sedans ranging from the ultrafrugal Honda Civic Hybrid to the sport-themed Civic Si, the Civic is one of the best-selling cars in America, and the recent spike in gas prices has helped the Civic challenge the Accord as Honda's most-popular model. But recently the automaker's Japanese rivals have been fighting back, with an all-new Corolla in showrooms now and a replacement Mazda3 due next year. So to keep the Civic going strong, the 2009 version is getting a mid-cycle update with a host of small improvements featuring revised styling, an improved interior, new technology, additional safety features, as well as two new sedan variants -- the DX-VP and LX-S -- that offer customers additional choice when shopping for the range's low- and mid-priced models.

When the latest-generation Civic first hit the market, many were surprised by its unusual styling, but the Civic's looks have proven a hit with buyers and for 2009 Honda decided not to mess with success. Changes are minor, including a new bumper that now incorporates three air intakes, a slightly restyled grille, and a new headlight color combination. Together these give the Civic's front end a slightly bolder look, while revised taillights now feature clear turn indicators and amber bulbs. All 2009 sedans also receive a new chrome trim piece above the rear license-plate holder, while the Si gets standard foglights. In addition, the upscale Civic EX, EX-L, and Si each sport a new set of alloy wheels.

Honda did a little more work on the Civic's interior, when compared with its minimal sheetmetal changes, notably in the form of more upscale trim options and additional tech goodies. While the automaker is sticking with its controversial two-tier dashboard introduced three years ago, all Civic sedans now feature a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, improved cloth seating surfaces and patterns, and matching trim on the door linings and armrests.

For eco-warriors who prefer a little luxury, the Civic Hybrid can now be had with leather and heated seats, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors. Nav-equipped cars feature a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink mobile phone interface, which can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, while the EX, EX-L, and Si gain a USB audio interface for an MP3 player. Adding to the Civic's already impressive set of safety features, VSA stability control also is now standard on all EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models.

© Source: motortrend
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