2010 Honda Civic

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Summary

The 2010 Honda Civic compact sedan/coupe is one iconic car whose reputation is well-deserved. Icons often get complacent after establishing their excellence, but the Civic continues to be a leader more than three decades after its first appearance on American soil. The fact that the current-generation Civic is still one of our top compact-car picks in its fifth year on the market speaks volumes about Honda's commitment to excellence with this bread-and-butter vehicle. Offered in a variety of flavors to suit a wide range of tastes, the Civic belongs on every compact-car shopping list.

2010 Civic Cabin

The cabin of the Civic is refined, roomy, and comfortable. Inside each five-seat Civic, the driver faces a two-tier instrument panel and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. There is a multifunction center console. The Civic LX sedan is the most comfortable model of Civic. The DX edges more toward spartan inside, while the EX heads toward lush. Fit and finish meet Honda standards. Plastic trim elements look high-grade. When it comes to interior room, the Civic coupe and sedan are competitive with other cars in their classes. Almost oversize rear doors provide easy rear seat access.

Design of the '10 Civic

The redesign in 2009 changed the look of the Honda Civic. With this new generation, gone is the delicate, two-tiered upper grille insert, leaving just the Honda logo centered in an oval-themed black mesh. The trapezoidal opening below has been flipped, so it's now wider at the top than the bottom, and the scoops to either side are drawn out wider and more horizontal, divided midway by a horizontal strut. Honda says the Civic features an "expressive and futuristic design." Design touches include a steeply raked windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs, and small gaps between the tires and fenders. Civic DX coupe and sedan are the base models.

Civic Power and Handling

The Civic coupes and sedans are powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder. All models use drive-by-wire throttle control. The available 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 1.8-liter engine that comes standard is rated at 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter Si models feature 197 horsepower and 139 pound-feet, thanks partly to a high-compression cylinder head that demands premium fuel. Standard is a five-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic. In certain states there is also the Civic GX, which is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the 1.8-liter gas engine, and a five-speed automatic. The Civic's 60/40 front/rear weight bias means that understeer is the dominant directional dynamic. The EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models come with electronic stability control, and the Si features larger front brake discs. The five-speed automatic is just that, a select-it-and-leave-it transmission, and it does the job admirably. The five-speed manual gearbox is a bit rubbery, and hitting the desired gear requires careful aim.

High Performance Si Model

Honda's performance-oriented Si model features a rear deck spoiler, cladding and Si badging that's different from the coupe's rear spoiler and cladding. The most notable change for 2010 is that the engine cover is black instead of silver. Civic Si coupe ($21,905) and sedan ($22,105) is powered by a 197-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. They come only with a six-speed manual transmission. Other performance features include a limited-slip differential, sport suspension, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and P215/45VR17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. Fog lights come standard. Inside are synthetic suede sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an aluminum shift knob. Both coupe and sedan get the 350-watt, seven-speaker stereo. The Si engine is powerful. Hard acceleration is often accompanied by torque steer, a tug on the steering wheel. Around 6000 rpm the engine delivers a power surge as the i-VTEC's variable valve mechanicals shift emphasis from torque to horsepower. A helical-type, limited-slip differential enhances traction in angry driving situations.

Civic Trim Options

Standard equipment on the Civic DX base model includes power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and fold-down rear seatback. The coupe gets a rear decklid spoiler. Brakes are disc in front, drum in rear.P195/65R15 tires wrap around steel wheels with full-cover hubcaps. Civic DX-VP sedan adds air conditioning, plus a four-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack, CD text display, and speed-sensitive volume control.

Civic LX add cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls; 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 sedan comes with a four-speaker stereo, but the coupe has a six-speaker system, and also a rear-seat walk-in feature that remembers the front passenger seat's setting. Civic LX-S sedan upgrades to alloy wheels, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher.

Civic EX adds 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. The steering wheel reverts to plastic, but adds audio controls; while the keyless remote adds a trunk release button. Brakes upgrade to four-wheel discs. The sedan's stereo adds two speakers; while the coupe gets a 350-watt, seven-speaker system; both get a USB interface. Civic EX-L adds 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.

Summary

As in previous years, the electronic stability system is not available on lower trim levels, but its standard on EX-L trims and above. Simply put, the 2010 Honda Civic is the benchmark for compact cars. The Civic LX sedan is a superb choice for someone who wants a practical compact that is smooth, comfortable and quick. The EX models add all the conveniences, including heated leather seats in the EX-L. "Honda knows how to time things. Just as fuel costs have prompted Americans to say 'Whoa, Mamma Joe!' on their personal appetites for fuel...Honda is ready to receive them with its fuel-sipping Civic lineup." says Car and Driver  (34 MPG Hwy) (1)The GX offers basic transportation with the potential economy and real emissions reduction of natural gas. With a variety of models, options, and powertrain the Civic can suit just about any potential sedan or coupe buyer.

[1]  Based on 2010 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.