New 2010 Honda Civic Performance Review

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Overall, reviewers are impressed with the Civic's high level of performance. Although most models are sluggish away from the line, they work just fine in both stop-and-go city traffic and higher speed highway passing maneuvers. Moreover, they get great gas mileage. Reviewers do note that coupes have more road noise than sedans. For those who want something that's sportier and more fun to drive, the Civic SI is well worth a test drive. With a more powerful engine and superb driving dynamics, it has the attention and praise of automotive enthusiasts and test drivers everywhere.

Acceleration and Power

Most Civics are slow off the line, but they impress the automotive press with capable performance once they get going. Reviewers are in love with the Civic SI for its high-powered engine and terrific acceleration, although they are less impressed with its poor fuel economy.

All Civic sedans and coupes (except the SI) feature a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower. It is mated to a well-liked five-speed manual transmission, although a five-speed automatic is available for around $800 more. The SI gets a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that punches out 197 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available on the SI.

The EPA rates the 2010 Honda Civic with the 1.8-liter engine as having an average fuel economy of around 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The highway fuel economy is particularly impressive and places the Civic behind only the Smart ForTwo and the Civic Hybrid for best-in-class fuel economy. Unfortunately, the Civic SI falters a bit on fuel economy in exchange for the extra power. At 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, it has one of the lowest fuel economies in its class.

Handling and Braking

Test drivers report the Civic's ride is smooth for the class, with quick braking response. The SI trim, though, blows the other trims out of the water for its handling abilities, which seem more like those of a moderately priced sports car than an affordable small one.