Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

The 2011 Honda Civic ranks 2 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 83 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Civic, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Reviewers agree that the 2011 Honda Civic is a well-rounded car. It offers a winning combination of substance and style that make it an exceptional daily driver. The Civic has staked its claim as a class leader, and as the 2011 Best Compact Car for the Money, the Civic wears that badge proudly.
The automotive press really likes the 2011 Honda Civic, and regard the Civic for its good fuel economy, reliability and practicality, which are characteristics many shoppers value most. Edmunds says, "For a reliable and enjoyable-to-drive small car, you're not going to do much better" than the 2011 Honda Civic.
The Civic isn’t flawless. It offers strong reliability and practicality at an affordable price, but lags behind the competition when it comes to interior comfort, cargo capacity and fun exterior styling.Still, the Honda Civic is a great selection for college students and professionals who want a practical car that won’t cost a lot. Reviewers are positive that shoppers who choose this car won’t be disappointed.
Other Cars to Consider
If you really want a Honda, but need more space, check out the Honda Fit. It costs about $500 less than the Honda Civic, offers 57.3 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded and has a “Magic Seat” that increases storage options.
Shoppers looking to save money but want tech-savvy features will like the Kia Forte. Kia hasn’t released pricing for the 2011 Forte yet, but the 2010 model starts at $13,695 and comes standard with Bluetooth wireless technology and a USB port. It even has SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
Shoppers set on performance and sporty exterior styling might like the Mazda3. It’s one of the most fun-to-drive cars in the class and has a nice interior. Most reviewers dislike one thing, however: its smiling front grill that is sure to turn off some buyers.
For exceptional fuel economy, try the Honda Civic Hybrid, which averages 40/45 mpg city/highway. While the Civic Hybrid is slow and most reviewers consider it second rate in comparison the Toyota Prius, the automotive likes that it’s related to the gasoline-based Honda Civic. Don’t want to pay extra for a hybrid? Try the Ford Fiesta, which has great fuel economy ratings and nets nearly 37 mpg on the highway.
Details: 2011 Honda Civic
Choosing to buy a Civic is the easy part. The hard part is deciding which trim is right for you. The basic Civic is available as a sedan and coupe and comes in several trims: DX, DX-VP, LX-S, EX and EX-L. Rather than allow shoppers to select the options they want, Honda offers additional features to each trim level. One of the few optional features is the navigation system. Prices begin at $15,805 for the DX and reach $23,955 for the EX-L with navigation. Most shoppers will start with the DX-VP trim because it offers air conditioning. The Civic SI, the performance-oriented trim, is also available and offers 57 more horsepower than the base model, a few more performance options and a starting price of around $7,000 more than the base Civic.
The Civic also comes in two eco-friendly options: the Honda Civic Hybrid, which is reviewed separately, and the GX, a hybrid alternative that runs on Compressed Natural Gas. Unfortunately the GX is only sold in California (and other states that have accepted California's Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations). It costs about $10,000 more than a base Civic.

• "The Civic continues to hold its position at the top of the highly competitive compact class, thanks to innovative styling, refinement, Honda reliability, and a broad model line that ranges from the eco-friendly Civic Hybrid to the racy Civic Si." --
• "Honda knows how to time things. Just as fuel costs have prompted Americans to say 'Whoa, Mamma Joe!' on their personal appetites for fuel...Honda is ready to receive them with its fuel-sipping Civic lineup." -

• "In a sense, the Civic represents Honda's good old days: high quality, fun to drive, reliable and fuel efficient."
• “What no competitor matches, is this compact's particular fusion of engineering, style, value, and reputation for reliability and strong resale value.

Civic Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Honda Civic will never be a performance car, but it’s a capable in-town companion that provides an enjoyable, practical and comfortable ride. Kelley Blue Book says: "The whole experience is more in line with what you'd expect from a bigger or pricier vehicle. The refined 140-horsepower engine never overwhelms you with power, but even when you run the tachometer up to its redline you don't feel like you're bullying the car."

Civic Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2011 Honda Civic’s exterior styling is definitely conservative, and reviewers either like its neutral look or wish it had more spunk. Automobile Magazine thinks, "The Civic...is a Civic. You probably saw (and didn't notice) six of them on your commute to work this morning. Even our test car's bright red paint and plus-size spoiler couldn't overcome the sheer ubiquity of the design."

Civic Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2011 Honda Civic’s exterior styling is definitely conservative, and reviewers either like its neutral look or wish it had more spunk. Automobile Magazine thinks, "The Civic...is a Civic. You probably saw (and didn't notice) six of them on your commute to work this morning. Even our test car's bright red paint and plus-size spoiler couldn't overcome the sheer ubiquity of the design."

Civic Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

While the 2011 Honda Civic is pricer than the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta, which come with more standard features, reviewers still say that combined with its strong history of reliability and high resale value, the Civic has a lot to offer and will appeal to many shoppers.

Civic Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The federal government and insurance industry give the 2011 Honda Civic mixed safety scores. To fully equip your Civic with important features like Vehicle Stability Assist and Brake Assist you’ll have to opt for higher trims.

Civic Reliability - NA

Honda’s basic warranty for the 2011 Civic is good for the first three years or 36,000 miles. The Civic has a longstanding reputation for high quality and strong reliability.