I bought the car for comfort, and reliability. Plus filling up is a breeze, and no sweat from my pocket. I didnt buy for others, I bought because of reliability and compfort. Being a mom, thats important to what I drive.
This car has been bashed by critics as boring and cheapened, especially the plasticky interior. I guess we're used to Honda hitting them out of the park, but this one rates a ground rule double. Good car, basically, but HO-HUM!
I rented one of these 2012 models for about 3 days and hated the "new car smell" - near toxic odors. I had to drive with the windows down most of the time. Honda needs to one-up the Prius with a car that gets 60 MPG, and they could do it with a diesel plug-in hybrid.
The civic is overpriced for its old engine & transmission... it looks pretty plain as well. I bought a 2012 mazda3 skyactiv---great handling car and has more horsepower, more torque, more mpg than this civic. It has double overhead cam (dohc), advance direct injection and 6-speed auto w/ manual mode. Civic gives you a single overhead cam (sohc), a 5-speed and no standard all disc brakes and bluetooth unless you get higher trims.
I test drove one of these and hated it, it was cheap feeling inside, slow, and the steering was numb. Bought a Focus instead- 20 more hp ,18 more torque, and 2 seconds faster to 60 according to Motorweek. I would buy a Honda over a Hyundai though, that hasn't changed.
I just bought one and have no complaints. I test drove the Elantra same day and IMO the ride did not compare. Hyundai has a great warranty and aggressive styling, but you have to drive it too. I drove several cars in the class and I still chose the Civic. The Mazda 3 looks like it's smiling and the ride is bumpy. The Impreza is nice, but good luck getting one. Price is always negotiable! Also, my car is built in Indiana, 65% U.S. parts. If you want to modify, the parts will be coming out quick.
The 2006-11 model was much better. The interior of this new civic is all hard plastic. The prev gen at least had some soft touch surfaces. The exterior of this car is hideous and looks like its from 2001.
Who the hell is doing the back of the Honda cars now?, it seems like somebody is doing the front part and another different person is doing those UGLY BACKS for the civic and the CR-V
Boring cookie cutter car now. I was never a fan of Hondas in general but at least the older ones had some soul to them and could be customized and modded. Now they're just soft and comfy cars.
Crap styling, crap performance, crap quality. Honda really screwed up with this Civic. Previous generations have all been amazing and the best in their class, but this one is a complete failure. My 6th gen coupe is better looking, better performing, and of a higher quality than this new trash heap.
Honda has admitted the 9th Gen Civic is a dud and is planning a mid-model refresh two years early. Look for the 2013 Civic to be improved substantially.
The Civic has padded armrests, the Elantra does not. The Focus automatic is smooth at speed, not in start off driving and in drive-throughs. The Civic still annoys me for the double decker dash and the confusing hvac and radio controls.
All you people who say korean crap is better take the civic and the elentra on the free way at 170. Civic is way more balanced and much more refined. Elentra is just crap hyundai is still learning to make cars.
@T77406 The motorweek crew can't drive for shit, which doesn't help. It tooks them 16 seconds to go down the quarter mile in a car that should run low 15s. With a decent driver i'm thinking you could atleast get to 60 in 9 seconds.
Honda is the number one selling engine in the world .you stick to wha got you there. the honda civic go's with the times and at this time with this economy the way it is the 2012civic gives us the brand loyalty 3 more miles to the gallon and it only cost 100.00 more then the 2011civic whitch gets 36 mile to a gallon, also the interior up grades, like the econ button that monitors and controls electronic's in the engine its like having a co pilot that lets you know distance range of fuel
I can't wait for the 2013 model. I'm actually hoping for a notable good change. This seems too much like the previous gen. I am a 2002 Honda Civic coupe owner.
honda platforms and redesigns change every 4 years. Inbetween the years they change styling and parts. The Civic is always to follows the accord design which they shrink by current year or past accord year.
Elentra is prehistoric it has a fucken torsion beam suspension. People just want to bash the champ. its human nature people want to take out the guy at the top(in this case the car)...even if it means saying a kia or hyundai piece of shit is better. its honda toyota nissan
@djbiggun1 It's interesting you say Nissan, my friend was just telling me how the transmission just failed in his 2008 Nissan Maxima. The problem with Toyota and Honda fanboys is they're getting defensive now that their favorite brands are now faced with real competition. That response is human nature, they're simply coming to the defense of their favorite brands or personal preferences. But in reality Toyota & Honda fanboys should be celebrating. They now have more choices. That's capitalism.
@djbiggun1 people dont want to belive it but they will find that the elantra has a gruffe more vibration less refined engine transmission combo. people say it dosnt but from the videos i watched it seems they do
@MrToyota420xp I also think that the economy numbers are "blown" way high on Hyundais, I have yet to see a review of the Sonata that shows it getting anywhere near the 34 highway MPG and the Elantra is the same....looks good on paper but does it perform in the real world like Honda's do?
@Mrjmoyer78 Depends on how you drive it. 34 MPG is the highway rating, not the real-world mixed driving number anyways. We own an Optima SX Turbo rated 22/34 on its sticker. On mixed highway and city, we average 28-29 MPG. On highway cruising it does actually get 35MPG. Idk about anyone else, but ours has delivered.
@MusicMan0007 That's exactly what I was thinking. I've read a lot better reviews on this Civic's fuel economy, steering, suspension etc... than those reviews of the Elantra.
The car is nice! I can't stand the Elantra's look nor that ir has heated rear seats for a compact car, Hyundai got their classes wrong! And oooo a nice exhaust note!
@idontcare80 I guess Consumer Reports doesn't like outdated stuff in the 2012 Honda Civic, that's why it got low scores, according to Consumer Reports. They complain about the same horsepower from the last gen for the 1.8 Liter, 5 speed transmission, higher cost, and unrefined ride quality. Even most Honda dealers will ask you to pay more money for the best-selling cars in their lineup! True it's reliable, because of it's logo, but it's not on par with the competition.
I'm with you. Before you read about things whether its here at YouTube, the blogosphere, and car magazines, ultimately, you have to visit the dealer and test drive it yourself. Your parents did, and are satisfied owners of a Honda Civic.
honestly, id rather buy a '94 civic. it gives u better speed, better fuel economy, better rear legroom, and PROBABLY even more reliable. plus they only cost 2000 dollars.......,AT MOST. but the crash tests are worse
awful job honda. You should be ashame of yourselves that the koreans now make better cars with more features for less money. Honda has become so toyotaish, making BORING cars with no features that are behind the times....All the compettors have 6 speed transmissions, direct injected engines, standard bluetooth, softtough materials,this is a EPIC FAIL...
Honda kept the same engine and transmission because the competition's more complex DI engines and 6-sp autos are still no match in real world MPG and performance.
I've never liked the design of all the civic's out their. And it still doesn't. And did anyone notice the the rear lights look like the ones off a 2004 Toyota Camry?
They look blah now like someone said, a camry look. They should have kept it the same rather than this, this won't sell well at all. My favorite is the gx and would still get that despite the blah look
I think civic has kept it's old carry over engines, because they are sooooooooooooo reliable. And the only reason I would buy a civic is because they never brake down. They are the most reliable cars out there.
Its a calculated move by Honda, they made the new Civics more affordable so its understandable that they dont want to change too much. The car handles much better than the competition in Autocross events. Honda SOHC engines are fine, its more important to pay attention to how the engine is designed, not how many parts goes into it. I can buy a new cheap mountain bike with the latest stuff but a 10 year old Schwin bicycle crafted well doesn't break in a few months from stressful riding.
I'm not sure what Honda was thinking with the dated and dull rear end styling. It looks like the rear end of an older generation Toyota Camry or Kia Rio was grafted on to the Civic! In this day and age of modern and sleek new automotive designs coming from the likes of Ford, Hyundai and even Kia...it seems to me the designers at Honda have either lost their way (Accord Crosstour) or have...as in the case of the 9th generation Civic...simply given up!
People complain about the styling and it's just stupid. 8th gen Civics were styled perfectly and had the added bonus of the ACE body structure. When it came time for the redesign, Honda knew if it aint broke, don't fix it. This model will sell like hot cakes. It's a great looking car with great reliability and that's all that matters.
@MotorFirst Well alot of factors influenced this. As in most buisnesses, being a underdog can be hard. Down the road it's success or failure and Hyundai/Kia managed to pull a success. Another reason was the disruption at Japan which haulted the factories relating to autos. Another reason is that Hyundai/Kia have highly aggresive prices which I haven't seen in a long time. Another reason I can think of is the styling they put from their low priced cars to high end.
If anything, this redesign is a step down from the 06-11 model. The front end is alright - similar to last year's, but a bit more sculpted. But the rear? It looks like Honda chopped the trunk off a 2002-2004 Camry and glued it onto this Civic. The interior is definitely a step in the wrong direction. The dash is a boxy mess, and the pleated leather looks better suited for an old lady's car. I'm very unimpressed.
This thing looks atrocious when put up against similar models from the competition. I can't believe Honda delayed release for THIS!! The Japanese are really beginning to lose their way...
Hate it or love it, good cars don't need to change. Look at the Porsche Carrera, Aston Martin's.This has evolved, not too much but just right. Honestly the person who buys a regular Civic doesn't want power, they want it to be quiet, reliable, roomy, good on gas and this car does it. And the Si is a lot better, with the more displacement Si owners will start to know what torque is.
IMO it's a better car overall but I'm not sure if it's a better Honda Civic.
Man Honda has gotten lazy. SOHC engines, down a gear, no direct injection, same styles, carry over engines. Hyundai, Ford, GM all coming out with strong competition. They better hope the brand loyalty thing plays out.
@TJPark01 It is not laziness. Acura has plenty of DOHC engines, so clearly Honda could do the same. SOHC engines are simply less expensive and more reliable, because they use fewer moving parts. If anything, the Civic is a victim of its own success.
Um, you need to look at the Acura line up more closely. Out of the 6 models they make only the 2.4: 4-cyl in the TSX sedan and the Turbo 4 in the RDX are DOHC designs. Their premium luxury cars are all V6 SOHC designs that make you rev 5k RPM before you can access the power. They're behind in engine technology and the sales numbers show that premium buyers aren't willing to pay up for dressed up Hondas.
@TJPark01 No need, I am quite familiar with them, thank you. Those two engines with DOHC are for a lineup with only 6 models. The point is, they have DOHC engines. That doesn't change the fact that DOHC's are less reliable and more complex than SOHC's. Anyway, if you don't like 'em, it's no skin off my back.
@TJPark01 lol, if you actually knew anything about automotive technology you would understand that the things you are listing don't always add an advantage and can actually be a disadvantage in some situations. Honda chose to build a drivetrain that works well in the real world and not one that just looks good on paper.
@idontcare80 Some of what you're saying is true but when the competition is packing DOHC there's something wrong. They could have pontentially have gotten more horsepower, more important torque, and better fuel milage from going to DOHC. There's nothing wrong with 5 speeds currently as they provide a great balance.
@undeadkillers I think you are confusing the benefits of DOHC with the benefits of a 4 valve head vs a 2 valve head, DOHC does none of those things. Only a high rpm (8000+) engine benefits from a DOHC configuration because of the reduced valvetrain mass. SOHC is by far the best setup for a daily driver.
@undeadkillers VTEC affects the exhaust and intake valves separately in both DOHC and SOHC engines. The operation of VTEC is entirely different than most VVT systems.
@TJPark01 While I agree with what you're saying that Honda has gotten lazy, those aren't reason enough. Honda has a reason to put a SOHC engine I don't really know somebody on vtec.net explained it. Being a down a gear while being competitive with fuel economy means Honda still has engineering genious. They also have direct injection but they chose to leave it out because they are still competitive. They can add it in when there's a refresh and it'll be crazy, they're just shitty with cash.
@zorkor sorry to burst your bubble but they can compete now since they completely redesigned there line up n there not a pos, the civic is to spaceship like
@zorkor Since when was a Honda Civic "high quality"? If you mean "reliable", then I would agree. But the Civic was never a "high quality" machine, especially with that plastic dash.
@2Kriss2Kross I disagree. My mother owned an 8th gen Civic until someone hit it and totaled it. Shortly after that incident she bought a 9th gen Civic, it is worlds better than the 8th gen. It's much more refined, it has a much better ride, it's quieter, it's power delivery is better and it's steering feel is MUCH better. My only complaint is with the looks of it, but my mother likes it.
Love the Civic now with gas prices sky rocketing up Honda still delivers on the Fuel savings for sure Not so much liking the new styling think it has to grow on me more. Wish they would decide to start getting to using turbos in there engines though would be nice change especially in the new Si. But overall I'll still buy another but in the mean time still happy with my 8th generation. Go Honda.
Comparing the interior to the 2011 model & this 2012, the 2011 will look & feel of high quality. I just dislike the subtle & conservative approach Honda took with the Civic's styling. Keeping the 5 spd auto around which is a great tranny, but after 6 yrs it's just long on the tooth. It's 1.8L really isn't anymore improved & the Si only got a carryover of the TSX engine just to deliver a little more torque. Civic is a fantastic car, but 2012 is a lazy approach..
I bought the car for comfort, and reliability. Plus filling up is a breeze, and no sweat from my pocket. I didnt buy for others, I bought because of reliability and compfort. Being a mom, thats important to what I drive.
Windytxmomof4 3 days ago
This car has been bashed by critics as boring and cheapened, especially the plasticky interior. I guess we're used to Honda hitting them out of the park, but this one rates a ground rule double. Good car, basically, but HO-HUM!
I rented one of these 2012 models for about 3 days and hated the "new car smell" - near toxic odors. I had to drive with the windows down most of the time. Honda needs to one-up the Prius with a car that gets 60 MPG, and they could do it with a diesel plug-in hybrid.
johnnyViDeO 1 week ago
9.7 secs is slow as fuck. my 2009 civic automatic can do 8.9.
MrIconoclasticIcon 3 weeks ago
The civic is overpriced for its old engine & transmission... it looks pretty plain as well. I bought a 2012 mazda3 skyactiv---great handling car and has more horsepower, more torque, more mpg than this civic. It has double overhead cam (dohc), advance direct injection and 6-speed auto w/ manual mode. Civic gives you a single overhead cam (sohc), a 5-speed and no standard all disc brakes and bluetooth unless you get higher trims.
caloyski31 1 month ago 3
son las calaveras mas feas que le he visto a honda.
zerry71 1 month ago
I test drove one of these and hated it, it was cheap feeling inside, slow, and the steering was numb. Bought a Focus instead- 20 more hp ,18 more torque, and 2 seconds faster to 60 according to Motorweek. I would buy a Honda over a Hyundai though, that hasn't changed.
xWhit3Devilx 1 month ago
everything will be over (reduce to junk) when the petroleum is finished...
adErsante 1 month ago
I just bought one and have no complaints. I test drove the Elantra same day and IMO the ride did not compare. Hyundai has a great warranty and aggressive styling, but you have to drive it too. I drove several cars in the class and I still chose the Civic. The Mazda 3 looks like it's smiling and the ride is bumpy. The Impreza is nice, but good luck getting one. Price is always negotiable! Also, my car is built in Indiana, 65% U.S. parts. If you want to modify, the parts will be coming out quick.
jesquire27 1 month ago
cheap quality car
n2n4n 1 month ago
@n2n4n When were Honda's ever cheap, for what they offer they are not cheap, they are quality I will give you that.
Azureecosse 1 month ago
The 2006-11 model was much better. The interior of this new civic is all hard plastic. The prev gen at least had some soft touch surfaces. The exterior of this car is hideous and looks like its from 2001.
InfamousPR 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Who the hell is doing the back of the Honda cars now?, it seems like somebody is doing the front part and another different person is doing those UGLY BACKS for the civic and the CR-V
CarlosContreras6 2 months ago
Boring cookie cutter car now. I was never a fan of Hondas in general but at least the older ones had some soul to them and could be customized and modded. Now they're just soft and comfy cars.
7477238 2 months ago
Comment removed
vegasOasis 2 months ago
@MotorFirst They brought a former Audi/VW lead designer on board. He's the one responsible for the great new styles and amazing fit and finish.
ABSjazz 2 months ago
Crap styling, crap performance, crap quality. Honda really screwed up with this Civic. Previous generations have all been amazing and the best in their class, but this one is a complete failure. My 6th gen coupe is better looking, better performing, and of a higher quality than this new trash heap.
ABSjazz 2 months ago 3
Honda has admitted the 9th Gen Civic is a dud and is planning a mid-model refresh two years early. Look for the 2013 Civic to be improved substantially.
Audioquest56 2 months ago
winning!
Ge0vone 2 months ago
Next on the price is right..
Ljiable 2 months ago
Looks like a step backwards in interior and exterior design. The gauge layout is still brilliant however. I'll be keeping my '08
AtibbsSPARTAN 2 months ago
@AtibbsSPARTAN I drive a '07 and was contemplating to get the 2012 SI... but now with the new scheduled refresh I gotta wait
aatechzwww 2 months ago
@T77406 v6 Vs 4 cylinder which one do you think it faster???
ImportKid954 2 months ago
I miss my Honda.....this is the best review i've seen yet, thanks Motorweek...the Civic is an excellent car
Mrjmoyer78 3 months ago
They last a long time!
mrcaymanislands1 3 months ago
This is slower than the 8th gen Civic.
belizetj 3 months ago
The Civic has padded armrests, the Elantra does not. The Focus automatic is smooth at speed, not in start off driving and in drive-throughs. The Civic still annoys me for the double decker dash and the confusing hvac and radio controls.
3656761 3 months ago
The previous Civic was sexier
danteare 3 months ago
All you people who say korean crap is better take the civic and the elentra on the free way at 170. Civic is way more balanced and much more refined. Elentra is just crap hyundai is still learning to make cars.
djbiggun1 4 months ago
@T77406 uhh not always the mini vans have bigger more powerfull engines
MrToyota420xp 4 months ago
He sounds EXACTLY the same as he did 20 years ago when he reviewed the Integra, NSX, Prelude, etc.
saboobuu 4 months ago 2
Its still a good car, but it certainly needs to have more features to be more competitive.
chrysleristhebest1 4 months ago
theres alway hard plastic in honda
coolgames14 5 months ago
where are the FOG LIGHTS!!! Xd
MassineAmenzu 5 months ago
@T77406 The motorweek crew can't drive for shit, which doesn't help. It tooks them 16 seconds to go down the quarter mile in a car that should run low 15s. With a decent driver i'm thinking you could atleast get to 60 in 9 seconds.
1993hondaaccord 5 months ago
Honda is the number one selling engine in the world .you stick to wha got you there. the honda civic go's with the times and at this time with this economy the way it is the 2012civic gives us the brand loyalty 3 more miles to the gallon and it only cost 100.00 more then the 2011civic whitch gets 36 mile to a gallon, also the interior up grades, like the econ button that monitors and controls electronic's in the engine its like having a co pilot that lets you know distance range of fuel
mrbigabe13 5 months ago
I can't wait for the 2013 model. I'm actually hoping for a notable good change. This seems too much like the previous gen. I am a 2002 Honda Civic coupe owner.
smashbrosfan13 5 months ago
Looks like a 2011 Civic and a Kia Forte merged together
Bigmikelakers 5 months ago
This car is gorgeous... well, compared to the CrossHorror. But then again, most cars are.
JWLboston 6 months ago 2
the 2011-present Honda Civic is assembled in
Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Greensburg, Indiana, USA
Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Swindon, England, U.K.
Annihilator1111 6 months ago
honda platforms and redesigns change every 4 years. Inbetween the years they change styling and parts. The Civic is always to follows the accord design which they shrink by current year or past accord year.
talonsbrutus 6 months ago
Elentra is prehistoric it has a fucken torsion beam suspension. People just want to bash the champ. its human nature people want to take out the guy at the top(in this case the car)...even if it means saying a kia or hyundai piece of shit is better. its honda toyota nissan
djbiggun1 6 months ago
@djbiggun1 It's interesting you say Nissan, my friend was just telling me how the transmission just failed in his 2008 Nissan Maxima. The problem with Toyota and Honda fanboys is they're getting defensive now that their favorite brands are now faced with real competition. That response is human nature, they're simply coming to the defense of their favorite brands or personal preferences. But in reality Toyota & Honda fanboys should be celebrating. They now have more choices. That's capitalism.
mes59 4 months ago
@mes59 maximas are awsome but expensive. the nissan sentra and altima dont realy appeal to me and with cvt they feel pretty slow.
MrToyota420xp 4 months ago
@djbiggun1 people dont want to belive it but they will find that the elantra has a gruffe more vibration less refined engine transmission combo. people say it dosnt but from the videos i watched it seems they do
MrToyota420xp 4 months ago
@MrToyota420xp I also think that the economy numbers are "blown" way high on Hyundais, I have yet to see a review of the Sonata that shows it getting anywhere near the 34 highway MPG and the Elantra is the same....looks good on paper but does it perform in the real world like Honda's do?
Mrjmoyer78 3 months ago
@Mrjmoyer78 Depends on how you drive it. 34 MPG is the highway rating, not the real-world mixed driving number anyways. We own an Optima SX Turbo rated 22/34 on its sticker. On mixed highway and city, we average 28-29 MPG. On highway cruising it does actually get 35MPG. Idk about anyone else, but ours has delivered.
techdude6693 2 months ago
How come CONSUMER REPORTS doesn't bash the Elantra's crappy Torsion beam suspension or the Corollas 4-sp AT.
Civic> Elantra in refinement, gas mileage, fun to driveness, etc.
MusicMan0007 6 months ago
@MusicMan0007 That's exactly what I was thinking. I've read a lot better reviews on this Civic's fuel economy, steering, suspension etc... than those reviews of the Elantra.
TheBoogie24seven 6 months ago
The '12 Civic that only interests me are the Hybrid and the Si.
76carmel 6 months ago
The car is nice! I can't stand the Elantra's look nor that ir has heated rear seats for a compact car, Hyundai got their classes wrong! And oooo a nice exhaust note!
SeadGBosnia 6 months ago
this new civic isn't bad.
PhreshNBeat 6 months ago 2
I actually like the exterior... it's unoffensive in a way, but the interior and features are mehhh
jsiszero 6 months ago
Watch my video of why the 2012 Honda Civic is "Not Reccomended" by Consumer Reports.
theballinmaster 7 months ago
@theballinmaster It's all BS politics. My parents bought one of these recently, it's an amazing car.
idontcare80 6 months ago 18
@idontcare80 I guess Consumer Reports doesn't like outdated stuff in the 2012 Honda Civic, that's why it got low scores, according to Consumer Reports. They complain about the same horsepower from the last gen for the 1.8 Liter, 5 speed transmission, higher cost, and unrefined ride quality. Even most Honda dealers will ask you to pay more money for the best-selling cars in their lineup! True it's reliable, because of it's logo, but it's not on par with the competition.
theballinmaster 6 months ago
@theballinmaster COMPARE it with the competition, it does just fine.
idontcare80 6 months ago
Comment removed
76carmel 3 months ago
@idontcare80
I'm with you. Before you read about things whether its here at YouTube, the blogosphere, and car magazines, ultimately, you have to visit the dealer and test drive it yourself. Your parents did, and are satisfied owners of a Honda Civic.
76carmel 3 months ago
No test loop mileage figures...curious.
TechMaven 7 months ago
looks like im going with the new imprezza
andrewerdna100 7 months ago
honestly, id rather buy a '94 civic. it gives u better speed, better fuel economy, better rear legroom, and PROBABLY even more reliable. plus they only cost 2000 dollars.......,AT MOST. but the crash tests are worse
blueburaq 7 months ago
Comment removed
blueburaq 7 months ago
Motorweek wouldn't exist without John Davis
jsiszero 7 months ago
Does this guy have a bad thing to say about any car? This thing looks like a complete POS, Honda has lost it...
clarker011 7 months ago
If Honda wasnt known for the most reliable engines, this car will just FAIL
RayzaBlayz 7 months ago
bye bye K20 HELLO K24
timforsyth89 7 months ago
The civic has very similar rear lights as a 2004 Toyota Camry
MrVnick1 7 months ago
@MrVnick1 sadly. :'(
Dillon1791 7 months ago
i love how he says its "very well balanced" when the damn thing has more body roll than a fat opera singer
soiceyboy33 7 months ago
@soiceyboy33 Yeah, it looks pretty damn sloppy on the slalom to me also -__-
TechMaven 7 months ago
awful job honda. You should be ashame of yourselves that the koreans now make better cars with more features for less money. Honda has become so toyotaish, making BORING cars with no features that are behind the times....All the compettors have 6 speed transmissions, direct injected engines, standard bluetooth, softtough materials,this is a EPIC FAIL...
davewhodavedunn 7 months ago
Honda kept the same engine and transmission because the competition's more complex DI engines and 6-sp autos are still no match in real world MPG and performance.
MusicMan0007 7 months ago 3
Honda is ignoring all the hatchback and wagon buyers ...
davidhalifax 7 months ago
the european civic does not look so boring.
kaga1310 7 months ago
I've never liked the design of all the civic's out their. And it still doesn't. And did anyone notice the the rear lights look like the ones off a 2004 Toyota Camry?
MrVnick1 7 months ago
civic is stooping down to corolla's level
chapastig 7 months ago
They look blah now like someone said, a camry look. They should have kept it the same rather than this, this won't sell well at all. My favorite is the gx and would still get that despite the blah look
tommy35ss 7 months ago
I hate the new hondas -_- A new s2000 sounds nice right now.
mazda6tuner99 7 months ago 3
I think civic has kept it's old carry over engines, because they are sooooooooooooo reliable. And the only reason I would buy a civic is because they never brake down. They are the most reliable cars out there.
OneOfaKind949 7 months ago
Its a calculated move by Honda, they made the new Civics more affordable so its understandable that they dont want to change too much. The car handles much better than the competition in Autocross events. Honda SOHC engines are fine, its more important to pay attention to how the engine is designed, not how many parts goes into it. I can buy a new cheap mountain bike with the latest stuff but a 10 year old Schwin bicycle crafted well doesn't break in a few months from stressful riding.
KeepingModern 7 months ago
Comment removed
KeepingModern 7 months ago
Its a great "normal car" but that's all
cesarhidalgo23 7 months ago
I'm not sure what Honda was thinking with the dated and dull rear end styling. It looks like the rear end of an older generation Toyota Camry or Kia Rio was grafted on to the Civic! In this day and age of modern and sleek new automotive designs coming from the likes of Ford, Hyundai and even Kia...it seems to me the designers at Honda have either lost their way (Accord Crosstour) or have...as in the case of the 9th generation Civic...simply given up!
kingofalldoughboys 7 months ago
People complain about the styling and it's just stupid. 8th gen Civics were styled perfectly and had the added bonus of the ACE body structure. When it came time for the redesign, Honda knew if it aint broke, don't fix it. This model will sell like hot cakes. It's a great looking car with great reliability and that's all that matters.
hondaboii89 7 months ago
The people who say that the Hyundai Elantra looks ugly I think those stupid people own a civic or a corolla and really have no sense of style.
I'm just wondering what is Hyundai's secret to getting this great this fast?
MotorFirst 7 months ago
@MotorFirst Well alot of factors influenced this. As in most buisnesses, being a underdog can be hard. Down the road it's success or failure and Hyundai/Kia managed to pull a success. Another reason was the disruption at Japan which haulted the factories relating to autos. Another reason is that Hyundai/Kia have highly aggresive prices which I haven't seen in a long time. Another reason I can think of is the styling they put from their low priced cars to high end.
undeadkillers 7 months ago
such a fail!! 2009 looks way more cooler than this shit!! this model looks like toyota corolla...
xAzooozx 7 months ago
The new Porsche Boxster changed more in terms of styling than this, that's bad...
TylerBrandonHardwick 7 months ago
If anything, this redesign is a step down from the 06-11 model. The front end is alright - similar to last year's, but a bit more sculpted. But the rear? It looks like Honda chopped the trunk off a 2002-2004 Camry and glued it onto this Civic. The interior is definitely a step in the wrong direction. The dash is a boxy mess, and the pleated leather looks better suited for an old lady's car. I'm very unimpressed.
ihategeneralmotors 7 months ago
why dis duh so ugly? *asian accent
BigBoss13198 7 months ago
It looks a lot like an 2003 Camry
MotorFirst 7 months ago 6
@MotorFirst yeah it has the same rear lights =D
xAzooozx 7 months ago
wow... this is the first time in a while ive seen jon davis actually drive a car while reviewing it.
GOBbluthagain 7 months ago
@keithie13 check out the 2011 Hyundai Elantra instead... Trust me I'm a doctor!
MrVnick1 7 months ago
i would rather have a 2012 Ford Focus !
keithie13 7 months ago 3
@Jakeman2164 agreed.
alphie20 7 months ago
This thing looks atrocious when put up against similar models from the competition. I can't believe Honda delayed release for THIS!! The Japanese are really beginning to lose their way...
alphie20 7 months ago
@alphie20 nope it is just honda and sometimes toyota, nissan, mitsubishi, subura, are still going strong
obscuresword 7 months ago
Hate it or love it, good cars don't need to change. Look at the Porsche Carrera, Aston Martin's.This has evolved, not too much but just right. Honestly the person who buys a regular Civic doesn't want power, they want it to be quiet, reliable, roomy, good on gas and this car does it. And the Si is a lot better, with the more displacement Si owners will start to know what torque is.
IMO it's a better car overall but I'm not sure if it's a better Honda Civic.
Yoda8232 7 months ago
kinda disappointing honda being conservative as usual.
TJC450 7 months ago
@eskimochild87 I thought the same thing.
cm18cam 7 months ago
this honda civic is already outdated...boring
wtf000000000000 7 months ago
The rear looks like a 1 gen Prius...
samtheman48 7 months ago
Man Honda has gotten lazy. SOHC engines, down a gear, no direct injection, same styles, carry over engines. Hyundai, Ford, GM all coming out with strong competition. They better hope the brand loyalty thing plays out.
TJPark01 7 months ago 44
@TJPark01 It is not laziness. Acura has plenty of DOHC engines, so clearly Honda could do the same. SOHC engines are simply less expensive and more reliable, because they use fewer moving parts. If anything, the Civic is a victim of its own success.
Rolandzebub 7 months ago
@Rolandzebub
Um, you need to look at the Acura line up more closely. Out of the 6 models they make only the 2.4: 4-cyl in the TSX sedan and the Turbo 4 in the RDX are DOHC designs. Their premium luxury cars are all V6 SOHC designs that make you rev 5k RPM before you can access the power. They're behind in engine technology and the sales numbers show that premium buyers aren't willing to pay up for dressed up Hondas.
TJPark01 7 months ago
@TJPark01 No need, I am quite familiar with them, thank you. Those two engines with DOHC are for a lineup with only 6 models. The point is, they have DOHC engines. That doesn't change the fact that DOHC's are less reliable and more complex than SOHC's. Anyway, if you don't like 'em, it's no skin off my back.
Rolandzebub 7 months ago
@TJPark01 lol, if you actually knew anything about automotive technology you would understand that the things you are listing don't always add an advantage and can actually be a disadvantage in some situations. Honda chose to build a drivetrain that works well in the real world and not one that just looks good on paper.
idontcare80 7 months ago
@idontcare80 Some of what you're saying is true but when the competition is packing DOHC there's something wrong. They could have pontentially have gotten more horsepower, more important torque, and better fuel milage from going to DOHC. There's nothing wrong with 5 speeds currently as they provide a great balance.
undeadkillers 7 months ago
@undeadkillers I think you are confusing the benefits of DOHC with the benefits of a 4 valve head vs a 2 valve head, DOHC does none of those things. Only a high rpm (8000+) engine benefits from a DOHC configuration because of the reduced valvetrain mass. SOHC is by far the best setup for a daily driver.
idontcare80 7 months ago 2
@idontcare80 VVT on a DOHC valvetrain setup is more efficent than on SOHC.
undeadkillers 7 months ago
@undeadkillers VTEC affects the exhaust and intake valves separately in both DOHC and SOHC engines. The operation of VTEC is entirely different than most VVT systems.
idontcare80 7 months ago
@TJPark01 While I agree with what you're saying that Honda has gotten lazy, those aren't reason enough. Honda has a reason to put a SOHC engine I don't really know somebody on vtec.net explained it. Being a down a gear while being competitive with fuel economy means Honda still has engineering genious. They also have direct injection but they chose to leave it out because they are still competitive. They can add it in when there's a refresh and it'll be crazy, they're just shitty with cash.
brandentang 6 months ago
@TJPark01 Honda has always had SOHC in it's civic's! Since the 2001 model
SeadGBosnia 6 months ago
the rear end reminds me of a 02–2006 Toyota Camry
eskimochild87 7 months ago
KIA and Hyundai are disposable cars, they cant even come close to something as high quality as a Honda Civic.
zorkor 7 months ago
@zorkor as high quality as a honda civic? lmao
gearhead291 7 months ago
@zorkor sorry to burst your bubble but they can compete now since they completely redesigned there line up n there not a pos, the civic is to spaceship like
eskimochild87 7 months ago
@zorkor Since when was a Honda Civic "high quality"? If you mean "reliable", then I would agree. But the Civic was never a "high quality" machine, especially with that plastic dash.
chevystud88 7 months ago
Excellence evolved? I love Honda but this car didn't evolve alot.
2Kriss2Kross 7 months ago 22
@2Kriss2Kross I agree.
MrCarGuy20 7 months ago
@2Kriss2Kross I disagree. My mother owned an 8th gen Civic until someone hit it and totaled it. Shortly after that incident she bought a 9th gen Civic, it is worlds better than the 8th gen. It's much more refined, it has a much better ride, it's quieter, it's power delivery is better and it's steering feel is MUCH better. My only complaint is with the looks of it, but my mother likes it.
idontcare80 7 months ago
@idontcare80 You sound like you work for Honda.
MrCarGuy20 7 months ago
@MrCarGuy20 Why? Because I'm stating my opinion?
idontcare80 7 months ago
Hondas to me have been diaspointing over the last couple of years.
Carnut91 7 months ago
il take my time and chances on the kia koup by 2012. they might get a turbo for the sx trim. honda is a mainstay but this too tame of a design
crimsoninred 7 months ago
Love the Civic now with gas prices sky rocketing up Honda still delivers on the Fuel savings for sure Not so much liking the new styling think it has to grow on me more. Wish they would decide to start getting to using turbos in there engines though would be nice change especially in the new Si. But overall I'll still buy another but in the mean time still happy with my 8th generation. Go Honda.
soyntgo4it 7 months ago
Honda could've done better. Interior quality went downhill.
Intechdude300 7 months ago
@Intechdude300 Call me crazy but I prefer this over the Focus.........Unless you find trim pieces to rip off.
wokeupthismorning100 7 months ago
@wokeupthismorning100
Comparing the interior to the 2011 model & this 2012, the 2011 will look & feel of high quality. I just dislike the subtle & conservative approach Honda took with the Civic's styling. Keeping the 5 spd auto around which is a great tranny, but after 6 yrs it's just long on the tooth. It's 1.8L really isn't anymore improved & the Si only got a carryover of the TSX engine just to deliver a little more torque. Civic is a fantastic car, but 2012 is a lazy approach..
Intechdude300 7 months ago
kinda looks like an '03 camry from the back
MightyMaul 7 months ago
@MightyMaul That's what I was thinking!
casmatori 7 months ago
Love it.
ConnorLindfors 7 months ago