Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new model for 2008 Honda Civic EX-L 4-door sedan. Now that’s what I’m talking about, as Richard would say. I’ve never leaned a lot to Honda but have most always given a good review. One particular Civic Hybrid comes to mind very early on. They have been at the forefront for years and are working on Hydrogen powered versions. So I’m cautiously optimistic they will be a major player in new technology arriving on the scene in the immediate future.
However I have to tell you there are other players in the fuel economy area and the one that comes immediately to mind is the Toyota Yaris that I reviewed recently. Auto engineer and friend Merkel did a lot of research for a new family car and bought a Yaris. So I tested it and agreed he had made a great decision. It may have been self defense since they own horses and his wife FJ gives riding lessons. Therefore she drives a big Ford V8 Diesel. I always remind my friends and readers that you really need to establish first the need and in some cases, contractors and others who need a truck like Merkel’s family, balance it off by buying a very fuel efficient second car. It will soon become the first car as gas prices rise. Merkel says in the real world he consistently gets 39 mpg from the Yaris. I’m impressed.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 70%, Japan 30%,
Assembly – Alliston, Ontario Canada
Class: – Subcompact
Cars: – Accord, Civic / Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000.
I tested this Civic in Oregon as we traveled the beautiful coast from Florence up to Seaside and in and around Portland. 140 horsepower doesn’t sound like a lot but I had no complaints as I passed gas stations. A tank will deliver over 400 miles.
Styling:
Very nice in class.
Fit and Finish:
Very good, as we’ve come to expect from most new products, especially Japanese cars that have been consistently out performed their competition even when put together in other parts of the world like the US, Canada and Korea.
Cost:
I like it. This car in class is one of my top 3 picks.
Features and Conveniences:
Outstanding. Nice size trunk space and generally roomy inside. Nice storage nooks and crannies and I found no negatives in the placement and provision of storage spaces and controls for a subcompact car.
Consumer Recommendation:
Resource – www.safercar.gov
Hybrids are good but if you can get the same out of conventional power plants it eliminates the concern we all have with unknown repair costs in the future for the Hybrid combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors. That means you need to look at this Honda Civic and Toyota Yaris for the economical addition to your garage.
Recognized Competition:
Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Civic Hybrid $23-24,000, MazdaSpeed 3 $22-24,000, Mazda 3 $14-20,000, Saturn Ion $12-20,000, Saturn Astra $16-18,000, Pontiac GS $15-20,000, Dodge Caliber $14-23,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $14-22,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-16,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-23,000, Subaru Impreza $17-35,000, Volkswagen R32 $33,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Ford Focus $14-17,000, Toyota Corolla $15-20,000, Suzuki Forenza $14-15,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $14-18,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $20-29,000, Nissan Sentra $16-20,000, Kia Spectra $13-16,000, Acura TSX $29-32,000, Scion tC $17,000, MINI Cooper $18-25,000, MINI Clubman $20-23,000.
Good News:
Comfortable, roomy sub-compact, great fuel economy, well priced and a bunch of competition to chose from.
Bad News:
None.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter 140 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed auto transmission, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake force distribution, variable assist rack and Pinion steering, front and side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, remote keyless system, security system with immobilizer theft deterrent system, LATCH system for child seats, Navigation system with voice recognition, leather trim and wrapped steering wheel, audio system with MP3/CD and 6 speakers and steering wheel controls, XM Satellite radio, air conditioning, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, center console and rear fold down armrest, power windows and locks, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, one touch power moonroof with tilt, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and heated power mirrors.
Gas Stats:
$4.01/ Gal avg. May 28, ‘08
for more information.
25 City and 36 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $20,710.
