Civic Buying Guide

Intro to Honda Civic

The current Honda Civic represents the eighth generation of this popular car. Introduced for the 2006 model year, the current Civic is available as a coupe or sedan. The current generation of the Civic was named Car of the Year when it debuted in 2006 by both Motor Trend and the Detroit News, and by a jury of automotive journalists at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Both styles share five trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. The 2008 Honda Civic wins praise for performance and value, class-leading safety ratings, and a body style that stands out in from its competition. Reviews say its cabin is comfortable, though a few competitors offer more space or upscale styling. All trims get a broad range of safety features, such as antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In terms of premium features, the DX is pretty limited, and you'll have to jump up to the LX, EX and EX-L trims to get amenities such as air-conditioning and power accessories.

Outline

The many aspects to appreciate about the Civic sedan begin with its three basic trim levels, the DX, LX, and EX, with enhanced interior materials, to its efficient 140 hp, 4-cylinder, 1.4 Liter engine. Boasting a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission that makes driving fun, the fuel economy of the Civic sedan, 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, makes it a car for the twenty-first century. As one of the most reliable and popular family cars on the market, the Civic sedan, whether it is the Dx and its automatic windows, the Lx with its air conditioning, or the Ex with its moon-roof, can offer just about any degree of pampering you like. External appearances on the 2008 differ little from the 2007, with simplicity and unobtrusiveness being the design force. The handling and maneuverability of the Civic sedan is solid and stable, with minimal road noise. Add a few twists to this lineup in the form of an alternatively-fueled Gx, a hybrid version, and the new Si sedan, and there is nothing to add except the kitchen sink.

Buying Honda Civic

Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 2008 Honda Civic, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 2008 HondaCivic for sale for less money than when it was new. If the 2008 Honda Civic was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new. Civic comes by its reputation honestly, offering comfortable seating, excellent handling and value for its price-tag.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid -- EPA rated at 40 mpg City, 45 mpg Highway, and 42 mpg Combined. The Civic Hybrid-II’s engine uses a 3-Stage i-VTEC system with an additional high output valve timing mode allowing a 9 percent increase in HP. Additionally, the engine features 4-cylinder deactivation vs. the 3-cylinder deactivation capable HCH-I -- this change alone reduced total pumping losses by 66 percent. The fourth generation IMA motor in the HCH-II includes a new, more efficient internal permanent magnet with a 50 percent increase in HP and 14 percent increase in torque compared to the 2005 Civic Hybrid IMA motor. The Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the best hybrids available, with an affordable price, excellent driving dynamics, and fuel economy matched by few other models. Through July of 2008, it is actually outselling the recently released 2009 Toyota Corolla by a good margin (234k units as compared to 229k vehicles purchased). This shows just how popular the Civic is with the US public. Civic Hybrid will get 50 mpg for a combination of city and highway driving. Honda suggests that in real-world use, around 44 mpg is more realistic. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp and requires no plug-in charging. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy.

User Ratings

Pros

• Handling, design, roomy, fuel economy
• Looks, Braking, Handling, Ride Quality, Fuel Economy, Engine.
• Smoothness, styling, safety, efficiency, value, and quality.
• Feature rich, advanced technology, performance, and MPG
• great gas mileage, looks good, handles very well, various airbags
• Reliable, sporty, and what more can you say

Cons

• Cloth seats (leather not available), limited rear head room, cheap tires.
• Need more space for a family to fit in the Coupe.
• Pricey
• Still has a horn that sounds like you are on a bumper car circuit.
• Leg room for passengers in the back seat
• cheap tires, brakes could be better
• Power, Tires, Stereo, Headlights, Road Noise, Maintenance Reminder System, View Out.