EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HONDA CIVIC
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Still a class leader, the Civic is the most refined, solidly built economy car on the market.
Pros
Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability and quality, impressive crash test scores.
Cons
Top-of-the-line models are pricey, antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.
What''s New for 2004
In typical Honda fashion, the Civic receives a number of minor changes this year in order to keep it fresh. For the coupe and sedan, there''s new exterior styling, including restyling for the front and rear bumpers, hood, headlights and grille. Inside, the audio speakers have been upgraded, extra sound deadening material has been added and floor mats are now standard in the LX and EX. The LX trim has slightly bigger wheels this year (15 inches) and standard keyless entry. A new value package contains air conditioning, a CD player and a new center console. For the Si hatchback, there are new headlight and taillight designs, larger 16-inch wheels and flashier interior trim. Like the regular sedan, the Civic Hybrid has updated styling, standard floor mats and improved speakers. It also has a new interior console with an armrest, adjustable rear headrests and a manual driver-seat height adjuster. Finally, all Civic sedans and coupes have a new seatbelt reminder system.
Overview
Introduction:
Thanks to its frugal and clean engines, spunky performance and reputation for excellent reliability and durability, the Civic has been a consistent benchmark for the economy car class ever since its introduction in 1973. Those qualities continue to apply to the current Civic.Last redesigned in 2001, the Civic is available as a sedan, coupe or hatchback and comes in a number of different trims. While it''s a fine car for just about anyone, it should appeal mainly to younger owners, whether they are college students or newly minted parents. It''s easy to drive, easy to maintain and comfortable for the entire range of driving, from commuting to long-distance road trips. The Civic coupe has flashier styling than the sedan, but there''s really no functional difference between the two. Just pick the trim level that most suits your desires (and budget) and you''re on your way. The Si hatchback is the most sporting Civic in the lineup, featuring a more powerful 160-hp engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Though competent and refined, it''s lacking in personality and we''ve found it a step behind cars like the Ford SVT Focus and Mini Cooper S. For those interested more in fuel economy rather than 0-to-60-mph times, there''s the Civic Hybrid sedan. For the Hybrid, Honda has taken the technology pioneered in the Insight and improved on it. It uses a small 1.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine (85 horsepower) assisted by a 13-horsepower electric motor. When the driver backs off the throttle or hits the brakes, the energy that is usually wasted is captured in a bank of batteries mounted behind the rear passenger seat. The next time extra power is needed, when pulling away from a dead stop, for instance, that captured energy is, in a sense, recycled. Honda calls this give-and-take between the gasoline engine and the battery the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Whatever you choose, it''s pretty hard to go wrong with the Civic. Every time you get into it, you''ll know that you''re driving a safe, dependable car that causes minimal damage to the environment and will provide years of faithful service.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Civic comes as a coupe, sedan or hatchback. For the coupe and sedan, there are three main trim levels: DX, LX and EX. The DX trim is the one dealers use to draw in customers; even basic features like air conditioning, power mirrors and a tachometer are either not available or optional. If you can swing it, the LX is the better choice, and you''ll get most of the features you need, including cruise control, air, power windows and a CD player. Going with the EX nets you a moonroof, antilock brakes, keyless entry, variable wipers, a driver seat-height adjuster and 15-inch wheels. There are also four specialty models: the HX coupe, GX sedan, Si hatchback and Hybrid sedan. The frugal HX coupe is equipped similarly to the DX coupe, while the natural gas-fueled GX sedan matches closely to the LX sedan. The Civic Si hatchback comes just one way and it boasts, as compared to other Civics, standard rear disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and special gauges. The Hybrid, in addition to its special powertrain, comes with a full complement of standard features.
Powertrains and Performance:
DX and LX models are powered by a 115-horsepower, 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The EX powers up to 127 hp, while the 117-hp HX boasts more miserly fuel economy. The HX, Hybrid and natural gas-powered GX can be equipped with a continuously variable transmission, and all Civic 1.7-liter engines meet ultralow emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The 1.3-liter gasoline/electric powertrain found in the Civic Hybrid makes 93 hp and boasts the best fuel economy figures of the Civic range -- 46 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway for manual transmission-equipped cars.
Safety:
The Civic sedan has a five-star rating for frontal impacts and a four-star rating for side impacts. The IIHS has given the Civic a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset crash results. Dual front seatbelt pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants and optional side airbags with a cutoff system that can detect a child or occupant out of position are all offered. ABS isn''t offered on DX or LX trims.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Civic''s interior is one of the best found in the economy sedan class. It''s roomy for the driver and passengers and possesses a straightforward design and high-quality materials. If you plan on frequently moving bulky items, the Si hatchback, with its 35.7-cubic-foot cargo hold, is the logical choice.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With the sedan and coupes, the driving experience isn''t the most exciting to be found in this class. The suspension is tuned for a soft and comfortable ride, not necessarily performance. The interior is roomy and quiet, however, and this allows the Civic to be an excellent car for both commuting and long-distance trips. The Si hatchback is more fun, though not as much as the Ford SVT Focus or Mini Cooper S.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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