On the Road, My test 140-horsepower EX-L had lively acceleration in town, but average 65-75 mph passing ability. The Hybrid is slower, and the GX NGV is no fireball, but the Si is quick. All engines are small and thus require high revs for the best performance, but they hum with sewing-machine smoothness.
The manual transmission shifts smoothly, and the automatics are responsive, although the CVT automatic takes some getting used to. The brakes provide effective stopping power, with a pedal that has a soft-but-linear action. Anti-lock brakes are standard.
Estimated fuel economy with the 140-horsepower engine is 24-26 mpg in the city and 34-36 on highways. The Si delivers 21 and 29, with the Hybrid providing 40 city, 45 highway. Figures with the natural gas engine are 24 and 38. The Si calls for premium gasoline, but the other gas engines can use regular-grade fuel.
The Civic is fun to drive. It has light, quick power steering, although some may feel that straight-ahead driving calls for too many small steering wheel movements. The ride is supple and handling is fairly athletic, especially for a nose-heavy, front-wheel-drive car.The 2009 Civic Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the CVT AT-PZEV to the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Leather and Navigation. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 110-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.Honda’s compact car offered in sedan, coupe, and hatchback versions,
the Civic was first introduced as a small, inexpensive hatchback in 1972. During its lifetime the Civic has increased in size while continuing to offer excellent fuel economy. The seventh-generation Civic arrived as a 2001 model and the Civic Si returned for 2002. The Civic Hybrid was added as a 2003 model and features gas-electric hybrid technology. The entire Civic line was all-new for 2006. For 2007, the Civic Si added a sedan version for the first time ever. The 2008 Honda Civic adds more features for the EX-L, including heated seats and side mirrors, and leather trim for the steering wheel, seating surfaces and center armrest. A Civic MUGEN Si sedan also debuts, featuring a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a full aerodynamic body kit with an adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and a sport-tuned exhaust system.The Civic has responsive handling and a steady, compliant ride. Road noise is pronounced. The 1.8-liter engine returned 28 mpg with the automatic and 31 mpg with the manual. The hybrid returned 37 mpg overall. Standard safety equipment includes ABS and curtain air bags. Crash-test results are impressive
