STRENGTHS:
Sporty driving feel; great fuel economy; hybrid availability; reputation for reliability; strong resale value
VALUE:
With coupe and sedan body styles, available in basic, luxurious, or high-performance Si guise-plus green-focused Hybrid and natural-gas GX sedans-the Honda Civic is offered in a very wide range of models to suit the wants of small-car shoppers looking for anything from simple, cost-conscious transportation to full-featured touring. In its most basic form, the Honda Civic DX feels more sophisticated and refined than most vehicles in its price range, with perky engines, quick handling, and good ride comfort. The Civic is also one of the few small cars that offers-at the top of the range-leather upholstery and a full-featured in-dash navigation system. Meanwhile, green shoppers will be delighted that the Civic Hybrid stands as the second most fuel-efficient vehicle for 2010, looking at EPA combined fuel economy figures, while the natural gas Civic GX will quality for a $4,000 federal tax credit. Finally, the Civic's longstanding reputation for resale value and reliability remain among the best among small cars.
WHAT'S NEW:
After getting a number of interior and exterior changes to help refresh its appearance, along with an expanded lineup of tech features in 2009, the Honda Civic returns unchanged for 2010.