2009 Honda Civic

March 2009. The 2009 Honda Civic gets accolades for its relatively roomy, comfortable interior; above-average fuel efficiency; and strong safety ratings. The Civic is available in sedan, coupe, hybrid and clean-emission GX natural-gas-powered versions, as well as a high-performance model called the Honda Civic Si (*est. $21,905 to $22,105). The most expensive is the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan (*est. $23,650), covered in our report on hybrids. The clean-emissions Honda Civic GX sedan (*est. $25,190), which runs on compressed natural gas and can be fueled at home via a special hookup, is available at select dealerships in New York and California only.

For 2009, the Honda Civic gets a few minor styling updates and some revisions to its rather complex model line. New trim levels include the LX-S, with a few sporty features, and the DX Value Package. Most Honda Civic compact cars are powered by a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Fuel economy ranges from 25-26 mpg city and 34-36 mpg highway, and 0-to-60 mph acceleration takes about 9.6 seconds with the automatic, according to Edmunds.com. The sportier Civic Si has a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, matched only with a six-speed manual gearbox, and reaches 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for the Civic Si, but reviews report average mileage as high as 30 mpg (note, however, that premium fuel is recommended).

The 2009 Honda Civic's good crash ratings help it earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All Honda Civic models include front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front-seat active head restraints and antilock braking system. Electronic Stability control is standard on EX-L, Si and hybrid models, but unavailable on other trims. Reviews also point out that Bluetooth, navigation systems and some other options are only available on a few upper-level trims. Many reviews mention the Honda Civic's firm ride, and some find it jarring over rough roads -- especially the Civic Si models, which feature a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension.

A few critics also have quibbles with the Honda Civic's split-level dash design, which places a digital speedometer higher in the driver's line of sight, separate from the analog tachometer. Still, many reviewers find the design pleasing, functional and futuristic-looking. In general, reviewers like the upscale look and feel of the Honda Civic's cabin design, with few complaints about tight accommodations in the compact sedan. The rear seat of the coupe, as you might expect, is less user friendly. There are many economy sedans in this class, but the Honda Civic is recommended most often. Worthy alternatives include the 2009 Toyota Corolla (*est. $15,350 to $18,860), said to be less engaging to drive, and the 2009 Mazda3 (*est. $14,690 to $20,895), which has a sportier flair but not the same smooth overall execution as the Honda. One highly rated alternative to the Honda Civic is Honda's own 2009 Fit subcompact (*est. $14,750 to $16,260), a five-door hatchback with more practical utility.

Motor Trend has a very good comparison of four compact sedans, in which the 2008 Honda Civic finishes second. Edmunds.com also has a 2008 economy-car comparison test, where the Civic places first among a panel of six consumers. Because there are few significant changes to the 2009 Honda Civic models (the front and rear appearances have been mildly tweaked, and new trim levels have been added), these still are excellent sources for opinions and ratings. Among many good reviews are comprehensive evaluations by About.com and Cars.com, both of which test drive standard 140-horsepower sedan versions of the Honda Civic. Edmunds.com also gives a well-rounded summary of the Civic model line, with a list of pros and cons. Consumer Reports provides reliability information along with a road-test review, while ConsumerGuide.com evaluates four different Civic models in its thorough evaluation. Edmunds Inside Line has a 2007 Honda Civic GX long-term tester, which it chronicles in its Long-Term Road Test Blog -- giving an interesting look at what life with the natural-gas-powered Civic sedan is like.