2009 Honda Civic Review

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Overview

The 2009 Honda Civic continues to be one of America's top choice for an affordable and reliable family or commuter sedan. The Civic for this model year gets some notable revisions, including updates on both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. The Civic is available in a wide variety of models that fall in different price ranges. From the base DX, to the SI performance model, to the 'green' hybrid model, there really is a Civic for everyone.

Interior Design

For 2009, Civic navigation systems include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls. Inside, the Civic is comfortable and modern. The view out the front, with the expansive windshield, low cowl and sloping hood, is unparalleled in the class. Many of the fabrics in the Civic's interior are new for 2009, including those on the inner doors and armrests. The sport seats in the new LX-S are particularly handsome.

2009 Civic Exterior

For this model year, the Civic sedan has received exterior updates including a new front bumper cover. The new bumper employs a taller, more trapezoidal center opening with secondary scoop-like openings on either side. The upper grille opening is also more angular than before. Revisions to the headlights are more subtle, consisting only of where and how the color seems to show through the existing lenses. In the rear, a bright chrome bar now connects the taillights just above the indentation for the license plate. On the 2009 Si sedan, the grille bar is black instead of chrome. On both coupes and sedans an Si badge tucks into the grille's lower left side, and oval fog lights are set into the bumper's outboard openings. An i-VTEC label appears just forward of the rear wheel well; on the Si sedan it's placed low on the rear door.

Honda Civic Power

The base Civics are powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is also available. The Civic Si, which is a more sporty version of this car, uses a 197-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel-disc brakes. The Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a permanent magnet electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid features dramatically reduced emissions, and it delivers an EPA-rated 40/45 mpg City/Highway, second only to the 48/45 mpg of the Toyota Prius.(1) The LNG-powered GX rates 113 horsepower and 109 pound-feet.  EPA fuel economy estimates are 26/34 mpg City/Highway for the five-speed manual, 25/36 mpg for the five-speed automatic, and 21/29 mpg for the Si six-speed manual.  The 2009 Civic's 60/40 front/rear weight bias means that understeer is the dominant directional dynamic.

Civic DX coupe and sedan are the base models. These models get power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and fold-down rear seatback. The coupe gets a rear decklid spoiler.

The next trim up is Civic LX, which comes in coupe and sedan. Added onto this model are power door locks with keyless entry; center console with sliding armrest; overhead map lights; express up/down for the driver's power window; and P205/55R16 tires on steel wheels with covers.

The Civic EX, also available in coupe and sedan add a power moonroof; variable-speed intermittent windshield wipers; a second 12-volt power outlet; a 60/40 split folding rear seatback; and outside temperature indicator.

Civic EX-L coupe and sedan add leather seats with seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and armrest, heated mirrors, and Vehicle Stability Assist and Brake Assist. EX-L sedan is available with automatic with XM and Navigation.

Civic Si coupe and sedan, the performance models, include a limited-slip differential, sport suspension, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and P215/45VR17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Civic Hybrid sedan features a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), automatic climate control, a roof-mounted radio antenna, a rear decklid spoiler, and hybrid-pertinent digital data displays. Vehicle Stability Assist comes standard.

Civic GX is essentially an LX sedan with a 1.8-liter engine powered by natural gas. It comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission.

2009 Opinions and Conclusions

The base Civic LX sedan is perfect for drivers looking for an affordable compact that is easy to use, comfortable and quick. The EX trim adds conveniences, including heated leather seats in the EX-L."Feels like a car in an entirely different class." says Motor Trend. "The GX offers basic transportation with the potential economy and real emissions reduction of natural gas. The Hybrid makes a good commuter car with its fuel-saving electric motor. The Si Coupe and Si Sedan deliver sporty performance for driving enthusiasts."

[1]  Based on 2009  EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.