2010 Honda Civic Overview

The 2010 Honda Civic lineup starts with the frugal Civic DX, then builds up to LX, EX, and EX-L models. Each of those models come with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 140-horspower and hooked up to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Si models get, in addition to a range of performance upgrades, a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid models get a version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system, altogether producing110 horsepower.

Models with the standard engine or Si version are offered either as a 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe. The Coupe version gets a slightly racier image, thanks to a different, more aggressive roofline toward the back and a tilted-back look to the rear fascia. Coupes have a full-size back seat, though entry and exit is a little more difficult. Trunk space is about the same in the Sedan and Coupe-very ample with a low lift-over height in both cases.

Even in its base DX form, the front-wheel-drive Civic feels responsive and nimble, yet also refined and comfortable enough for long-distance cruising. Si models have a definite edgier feel that won't be to everyone's liking, but they're better-suited to everyday driving than some of the other 'pocket rockets'-provided you don't mind a manual transmission.

The Honda Civic Hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid systems that's simpler than the full hybrid systems in some rival vehicles yet achieves nearly as much of a gain in fuel economy-especially in highway driving.

The other very green Civic model, the Honda Civic GX, remains the only normal retail-sale natural-gas-powered vehicle for sale in the U.S. According to Honda, the GX is eligible for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits, and natural gas costs about 35 percent less than gasoline.

The base Civic DX doesn't come with a lot of luxury or convenience features (there's no air conditioning), but it does hit on most of the basics, including power windows and a folding rear seat to expand trunk space to accommodate long items. A DX-VP (Sedan only) adds more popular equipment, including air conditioning and a 160-watt CD/MP3 sound system with auxiliary jack. Next up, the LX, brings power locks, cruise control and a center console with armrest, with an LX-S Sedan bringing alloy wheels, a spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The well-appointed EX Sedan and Coupe get a moonroof, split-folding back seat, steering-wheel audio controls and ambient lighting, while the EX-L adds leather upholstery, leather trim, and heated seats and mirrors. Top EX and EX-L Coupes exclusively get an upgraded speaker system, including a subwoofer.

An in-dash navigation system and XM Satellite Radio are optional only on the EX and EX-L. Honda says that it now includes more than 7 million points of interest; it also has voice-activation and integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling.

The Civic comes with plenty of occupant protection, including front side and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.