2007 Honda Civic Review

What reviews like:
The 2007 Honda Civic has excellent standard safety features for the price, including six airbags, active front-seat head restraints and antilock brakes. Fuel efficiency is well above average -- the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recently rated the 2007 Honda Civic GX ahead of the Toyota Prius and two other hybrid cars, yet the Civic costs less. Handling and drive-feel are also high points in reviews. Even testers who don't like the look of the car say the driving experience is excellent.

What reviews don't like:

While reviews for the 2007 Honda Civic are positive overall, some reviews say the rear seat can be a bit cramped, especially for three adults. Some other reviews are critical of the control layout in the cockpit, and others don't like the Civic's look. Road noise pops up as an issue in a few tests, as well.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 23 to 30 mpg/city, 32 to 40 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Honda Civic review highlights

According to a consensus of reviews and car reports, the 2007 Honda Civic is the best economy car overall, with excellent standard safety features, modern streamlined styling and terrific handling. Reviews say the Honda Civic is fun to drive, with great connection between the car and driver. Some reviews take issue with the cockpit control layout, which some find confusing. Others say the rear seat can be cramped, with awkward rear-seat entry. Fuel economy is excellent, but a hybrid version of the Honda Civic is also available.

The best review of the Honda Civic is a six-car comparison at Car and Driver. Although editors are testing the 2006 Honda Civic, this car didn't seen many changes for the 2007 model year, so the test is still very relevant, and the other cars on test are all 2007 models. Although the 2007 Honda Civic isn't compared to other cars, good single-car evaluations can be found at Edmunds.com (where the Civic is chosen as the best sedan under $20,000) and Cars.com (where the Civic is the best car for first-time drivers). Consumer Reports has an excellent review for the 2007 Honda Civic that focuses on long-term reliability, though you must be a subscriber to read their report.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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Sensible Shoes
Patrick Bedard
Dec. 2006

Although this comparison review of six budget family cars includes the 2006 version of the Honda Civic, the review is still useful since changes in the Civic for 2007 were not extensive. The other cars in this roundup are all 2007 models, including the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. The Honda Civic finished significantly ahead of the Corolla, but the Volkswagen Rabbit ultimately wins the roundup. Editors say the Civic has great handling, acceleration and fuel economy. Some testers didn't like the cockpit layout, and the rear seat is a tight fit for three adults.

2. Edmunds.com
Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007
Editors of Edmunds.com

For 2007, the Honda Civic has been chosen as the best sedan under $20,000. The reasons for this choice, according to the review, are its terrific fuel-efficiency, sporty feel, safety features and 'fun factor.' Kudos are also given to the 2007 Honda Civic's commodious interior and cabin design.

3. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
2007 Honda Civic review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests nearly all small sedans, giving a "recommended" or "best buy" rating to the editors' top picks. The 2007 Honda Civic gets a road test and notes on driving impressions, along with data on long-term predicted reliability and historical owner satisfaction. You must be a subscriber to read this report, however.

4. AutoWeb.Com
2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan First Drive
Christian Wardlaw

AutoWeb.com delivers six pages worth of content on the 2007 Honda Civic, which is very helpful for those interested in the nuts and bolts of this vehicle. Interestingly, there is no true criticism in the article, yet it still sounds sincere. Editors like the exterior, comfort, ride quality and interior. They say that the 2007 Honda Civic is fun to drive -- and especially fun to drive aggressively.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Honda Civic review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com takes a different approach to car reviews, focusing on a quick 'bottom line' assessment and notes on predicted reliability. Editors say you can't go wrong with any of the models in the 2007 Honda Civic lineup. Reading this review online will cost you a dollar.

6. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Honda Civic Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Nov. 2006

The 2007 Honda Civic receives Consumer Guide's highest "Best Buy" rating in its category. High points are acceleration, fuel economy and steering/handling. However, rear-seat entry is said to be tight. Overall, the Honda Civic is the best car in its class, and fuel economy competes with some hybrid cars.

7. Cars.com
2007 Honda Civic review
Editors of Cars.com
Sept. 2006

Cars.com names the 2007 Honda Civic the best car for first-time drivers, with a refined drive quality, quiet interior, good safety features and a powerful drivetrain. Editors say that headroom/legroom could be a bit better, but the weight of the review is very positive overall. The Honda Civic isn't directly compared to other cars.

8. Autobytel.com
Fun with Four Doors
Thom Blackett

This review of the 2007 Honda Civic was seemingly released before the vehicle hit the market, as it reads more like a list of things to come than an actual review of the vehicle. Unfortunately, it lacks the detail and balanced criticism of other reviews.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

2007 Honda Civic Review