Overview:
This week we’re looking at the very changed Honda Civic, from the one introduced in 1973. This is the 4-door sedan and relative to the original Honda economy model it has lots of space.
I gave this car a good workout from California’s coastal Salinas valley, up through the central valley and the Capitol in Sacramento, on up to Oregon and back to the Golden Gate in San Francisco. That little trip included breakfast, lunch, dinner and then a snack on Southwest Airlines back to Los Angeles. You know what I mean, a soft drink and peanuts. What a guy won’t do to fulfill his love to drive. The flights were faster but not as enjoyable.
My jaunt included highways, byways, freeways and even dirt roads. Sometime you just have to get out of traffic and march to the beat of a different drummer. Well, this was a working vacation and you gotta know I love my work and my hobby.
Remember when Civics looked and felt like a shoebox? Grandpa Mac had one and I felt like we should see how many people could be crammed into it, like they used to do with phone booths and V-Dubs. The bug is still with us, but phone booths are a dwindling part of history.
Handling & Performance:
Some complain the 1.7 engine is too small. Not so in my book. It was great in all venues. But lets be serious, this is a Civic after all. If you want more, get another model. Go to the Accord with a V6, for example, but gas performance will go down – not a good trade off. I have always liked how this car handles, for the dough, and it is flat fun to drive.
Well, if you’ve been through the central valley of California, you know it can get a little breezy. Well, this week there were high winds, and if we were at sea it would surely have been classified a “Gale”. That makes for exciting sailing and driving as well. You get a little tired from fighting the strong winds, but the Civic was surprisingly stable. The only negative thought I noted is that there was a whistling sound emanating from the windshield somewhere as the wind whipped across the car. No big deal.
Performance of the 1.7-liter engine was adequate in my opinion. I know others feel it should have more horsepower, but I don’t agree. The great mileage from the Civic speaks volumes in these days of escalating gas prices. We’ll have to talk about that sometime and how it’s a concocted crock.
Styling:
I like it; contrary to some critics who think it is dull and bland. It even has the similar look to the BMW’s styling, which, naturally, I also like.
Fit and Finish:
Ok, you tell me, why does Honda have such a great following? I suspect it has a lot to do with the quality over the years and the low operating cost. Aside from all the backslapping, however, you need to keep this in context. This is a compact economy car and you’re not going to get the spit and polish of more expensive cars. In fact, I must admit I found myself wiggle uncomfortably in under stuffed seats. But not to worry, I would simply buy some sheepskin covers.
Conveniences:
Gadgets are getting cheaper as time goes by, so you’d expect lots of creature comforts. This has most everything you need for long or short trips – now all they have to do is add some padding to the seats.
Cost:
You can get more for your money with some of the competition, and part of the increased cost is what you pay for the Honda nametag.
Recommendation:
If you’re as worried, as most people are, about where gas prices are going, you’ll dump that SUV and downsize your car and upsize your wallet. I’ve driven all of the competition except Ford’s Focus, which I have scheduled for this summer. Honda fits well at the top, so if you’re looking for economy alone there are better options.
The competition:
Chevrolet Cavalier $13,260-16,465, Daewoo Nubira $11,699-15,199, Dodge Neon $12,715, Ford Focus $12,315-15,440, Hyundai Elantra $12,499-13,999, Kia Sephia $10,845-12,445, Kia Spectra $11,245-13,445, Mazda Protégé $12,765-18,020, Mitsubishi Mirage $11,877-14,717, Nissan Sentra $11,649-14899, Plymouth Neon $12,715, Saturn SC $12,680-15,790, Saturn SL $10,570-13,040, Subaru Impreza $18,995-23,995, Suzuki Esteem $13,199-15,799, Toyota Corolla $12,568-13,383, VW Golf $14,900-17,900, VW Jetta $16,700-24,300, VW Beetle $15,900-21,175.
Good News:
Roomy for a Civic, nice controls, fun to drive, good size, good handling, tons of competition.
Bad News:
Arguably bland styling, no anti-lock brakes on some models, marginal horsepower for today’s demands, average ride, uncomfortable seats for long drives.
Standard Equipment:
1.7 liter 127 hp inline 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual trans, front disc, rear drum ABS brakes, power steering, 100,000 miles between tune-ups, dual air bags and front side airbags, anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, am/fm/cd stereo, cruise control, power windows and door locks, fold down rear seatback, power moon roof with tilt,
Gas Stats:
32 City and 37 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17,600.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
