Driving Impressions

From the days of the first Honda microcars, one of the company's major claims to fame has been mechanical sophistication. In this regard, as in so many others, the Civic will not disappoint. Getting small powerplants to do the work of larger ones is a Honda trademark. Any one of the three Civic engine choices combines sprightly performance and exceptional smoothness with outstanding economy. All Civic engines use a 4-valve design for maximum efficiency; the EX and HX coupe units add a variable valve timing system (called VTEC by Honda) that makes them extraordinarily responsive at any speed. Combined with the standard 5-speed manual transmission--one of the easiest-shifting gearboxes around--the Civic engines cater to people who like to drive. When mated to the optional 4-speed automatic, which uses electronic controls to minimize unnecessary shifting on hills, they deliver effortless operation. Good as they are, though, neither of the conventional transmissions is as impressive as the HX coupe's CVT. Controlled by what looks like an automatic's shift lever--complete with three forward ranges, though only Drive is really necessary for most use--the belt-drive transmission is a fascinating device. Pull away from a stop and the engine rpm rises faster than the car accelerates. In less time than you might expect, engine and car speed synchronize, without the usual pauses for gear-changing. It is uncannily smooth, and more responsive than a normal automatic. It's also more fuel efficient. The CVT does take a little acclimation before comfort sets in. One tester initially likened it to driving a manual-transmission car with a slipping clutch. This is most noticeable during hard acceleration: The engine spins right up to its maximum speed and stays there until the driver lifts off or the desired vehicle speed is reached. Throttle lift-off will likely occur first, as the CVT Civic has a maximum speed well in excess of 100 mph. Used more prudently, the CVT is efficient enough to return real-world fuel economy in the high-30 mpg range. There's nothing lacking in the remainder of the Civic's mechanical hardware, either. The four-wheel double-wishbone suspension is more expensive than conventional struts, but pays off with a blend of ride and handling qualities seldom found in low-dollar cars. Steering ease and precision brake performance are other Civic strengths, though limiting the availability of antilock braking to only uplevel models is an unfortunate move on Honda's part, in our view.

Final Word

From the very beginning, the Honda Civic has been an exceptional value for buyers looking for a mix of sophistication, solid engineering and driving pleasure in a low-maintenance, fuel-sipping small car. In its latest form, the Civic continues the tradition. The only caveat to be offered here is pricing. And the latter concern has only to do with the EX model; pick an HX, LX or DX, or even an ultra-plain CX hatchback, add those items you can't live without, and the value is unquestionable. In any case, give the CVT-equipped HX Coupe a trial spin. As a functional and efficient innovation, it adds another techno-credit to the Civic's long list of achievements. Honda is testing market response to the CVT initially only in the coupe, but we expect to see it become an across-the-option soon. Ever since its debut in 1973, the Civic has been the car that defined its class. And that's still true today.