2009 Honda Civic Sedan: Road Test

Our road test for the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan help you decide if a 2009 Honda Civic Sedan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
5 5 6 4 5

With either transmission, 140-hp Civics are lazy away from a stop, but have adequate power around town and for highway merging and passing; the automatic is especially alert to throttle inputs. Slick-shifting Si models crave high rpm and respond with terrific acceleration.

With 27 less horsepower and 150 lb more weight, the GX can't match other Civics for acceleration. It feels perfectly adequate around town, however. The loss of power is more noticeable in highway passing maneuvers, where the GX labors to gain speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
8 7 8 10 7.1

In Consumer Guide testing, sedans with automatic transmission averaged 26.1-28.5 mpg. Si models averaged 26.3-29.4 mpg. Si requires premium-grade gas, other Civics use regular.

The only way to compare "fuel economy" of a Civic GX with gasoline cars is to calculate cost per mile. At $4.00/gallon, an automatic-transmission Civic that gets 28.5 mpg equals about 14 cents per mile. By contrast, over 115.7 miles in a Civic GX, the cost to fill it was $6.49, or 5.6 cents per mile. Thus, with gas at $4.00/gallon, we got the cost equivalent of 71.3 mpg on the test Civic GX.
RIDE QUALITY
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
6 6 4 6 5.2

Sedans take bumps in stride, with good absorbency and little float or wallow. LX and EX versions are especially stable at highway speeds. Even the firm-suspension Si never jars.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
6 6 7 6 5.9

DX models are competent, but no more than midpack for steering response or resistance to cornering lean. LX and EX versions could use more grip in fast turns, but feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Agile Si models are tenacious in corners, though they suffer slight torque-steer. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping control with good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
6 6 4 6 4.8

Non-Si models are near top of the class in suppression of road and wind noise. Some testers find the 140-hp engine on the noisy side. Si versions have a snarling engine and exhaust notes, which are race-car invigorating.
CONTROLS
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
6 6 5 6 5.9

Civic's two-tier instrument panel places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and separately housed digital speedometer directly above. The design works to good overall effect. The speedometer's digits are in driver's line of sight for viewing without taking focus off the road. Climate controls are within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires a stretch. The navigation system takes time to master, has undersized buttons, and absorbs too many audio functions, but programming via predetermined voice commands is a plus. Its screen is difficult to read in changing light conditions.
DETAILS
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
6 7 7 6 5.1

Controls move with smooth precision. Civic's cabin materials are a laudable mix of high-grade plastics and fabrics. EX and Si have richer trim with a more upmarket feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.6

A standard tilt and telescopic steering column and height-adjustable driver seat help tailor an accommodating driving position. The seats astutely blend support and comfort. Si's seats are further bolstered for a glued-in-place feel in fast cornering. Tall occupants have no excess headroom, especially beneath the sunroof housing. Long front roof pillars impede outward view to the corners; long dashtop shelf and sloping nose complicate judging distance in close quarters. Some sunlight conditions trigger annoying windshield reflections.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
4 4 4 4 4

Sedans have adequate adult headroom. Knee space is tight with the front seats far aft. Foot space is good unless the front cushions are near their lowest point. A flat floor aids overall comfort, as does the firm, well-contoured seat. The doors open wide for good entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
3 3 3 2 4.9

A wide, tall trunk with a generous opening and low liftover highlight Civic's cargo area. The lid hinges intrude on the cargo area. All but GX have a folding rear seatback. Interior storage is very good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
9 10 7 9 6.6

Dynamically, Civic matches the class-leading Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3. That's high praise, even if the Honda isn't quite as substantial feeling as the Jetta, or, except for the Si, quite as athletic as the Mazda. Civic is more comfortable than most rivals, despite being only as big inside as it absolutely needs to be. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative, entertaining even, without sacrificing functionality. What no competitor matches is this Best Buy's particular fusion of engineering, style, value, and reputation for reliability and strong resale value. Despite its limited availability, few cars can match the Civic GX's operating economy.
Total Score
LX, manual EX, automatic Si w/navigation GX Class Average
64 65 60 64 60.1

Total Score: 63

Scores for all Compact Cars
Low Score
48
Average Score
60
High Score
74