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2008 Honda Civic Sedan Performance Review

June 15, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

above-average fuel economy
Edmunds

nimble, with tight steering that also adds to the fun-to-drive factor
Cars.com

Shoppers seeking more power might be interested in the Si model
Car and Driver

Reviews around the Web recognize the 2008 Honda Civic sedan's smooth acceleration, flat cornering, and good fuel economy.

Cars.com reviewers find that even though the four-cylinder engine generates a mere 140 hp, the 2008 Civic offers "a lot of pep." ConsumerGuide is less enthusiastic, saying only that the Civic sedans "have adequate power around town and for highway merging and passing." Motor Trend notes that “the Civic's meager 140 horsepower hampered it” in their tests. They go on to say, “Despite its relatively svelte 2786-pound curb weight, the Civic…consumed 0-to-60 in 9.4 seconds.” Edmunds adds that “the 1.8-liter engine won't overwhelm anyone, but it provides enough power for comfortable city driving.” They also note that the 1.8-liter engine provides above-average fuel economy for the small car class: "The 2008 EPA estimates are 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for an automatic-equipped Civic."

The 197-hp Civic Si is another matter entirely. “It's a high-revving affair,” reports Cars.com. “This is Honda's performance trademark. When you slam on the gas the tachometer flies to an 8,000-rpm redline—that's high—and it doesn't feel like it will stop there. The engine noise is decidedly different to anyone used to gruntier muscle cars or the low torque that Volkswagen aims for in its GLI.” Car and Driver says the Civic Si “offers a slightly larger and more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 197 horsepower,” and “for those seeking an uncompromised, near-sports-car-like experience, the Civic Si Mugen sedan keeps the powertrain of the Si but features a multitude of chassis and exterior tweaks.”

Honda also offers a Civic Hybrid sedan (covered separately) and a Civic GX that’s powered with compressed natural gas. The natural-gas version, Car and Driver notes, gets a “113-hp, 1.8-liter CNG four-cylinder engine, two speakers instead of four, two-speed intermittent wipers, and an exterior temperature display.”

The base Honda Civic either comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional, “slick-shifting” five-speed automatic, according to Car and Driver. “The Civic Si is only available with a six-speed manual transmission,” they add. ConsumerGuide notes "the automatic is especially alert to throttle inputs."

The 2008 Honda Civic’s handling is noteworthy for its class. It’s “responsive and quiet with a firm, but not harsh, ride,” Cars.com says. “The Civic boasts accurate steering, strong brakes, a roomy interior, and a willing suspension,” Car and Driver agrees, while Edmunds says it’s “fun to drive, with great steering feel and impressive handling.”

TheCarConnection.com agrees for the most part with these reviewers. The 2008 Honda Civic’s power steering is quick, as is braking response. The ride is a little busy for the longish wheelbase, probably because of a compact suspension design. It’s the Civic Si that can be a bit much to endure on choppy roads; the Mugen edition is recommended only for hardcore enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 2008 Honda Civic sedan handles well in all forms; in Si and Mugen editions, it’s a strong performer outright.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:above-average fuel economyEdmundsnimble, with tight steering that also adds to the fun-to-drive factorCars.comShoppers seeking more power might be interested in the Si modelCar and Driver Reviews around the Web recognize the 2008 Honda Civic sedan's smooth acceleration, flat cornering, and good fuel economy. Cars.com reviewers find that even though the four-cylinder engine generates a mere 140 hp, the 2008 Civic offers "a lot of pep." ConsumerGuide is less enthusiastic, saying only that the Civic sedans "have adequate power around town and for highway merging and passing." Motor Trend notes that “the Civic's meager 140 horsepower hampered it” in their tests. They go on to say, “Despite its relatively svelte 2786-pound curb weight, the Civic…consumed 0-to-60 in 9.4 seconds.” Edmunds adds that “the 1.8-liter engine won't overwhelm anyone, but it provides enough power for comfortable city driving.” They also note that the 1.8-liter engine provides above-average fuel economy for the small car class: "The 2008 EPA estimates are 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for an automatic-equipped Civic." The 197-hp Civic Si is another matter entirely. “It's a high-revving affair,” reports Cars.com. “This is Honda's performance trademark. When you slam on the gas the tachometer flies to an 8,000-rpm redline—that's high—and it doesn't feel like it will stop there. The engine noise is decidedly different to anyone used to gruntier muscle cars or the low torque that Volkswagen aims for in its GLI.” Car and Driver says the Civic Si “offers a slightly larger and more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 197 horsepower,” and “for those seeking an uncompromised, near-sports-car-like experience, the Civic Si Mugen sedan keeps the powertrain of the Si but features a multitude of chassis and exterior tweaks.” Honda also offers a Civic Hybrid sedan (covered separately) and a Civic GX that’s powered with compressed natural gas. The natural-gas version, Car and Driver notes, gets a “113-hp, 1.8-liter CNG four-cylinder engine, two speakers instead of four, two-speed intermittent wipers, and an exterior temperature display.” The base Honda Civic either comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional, “slick-shifting” five-speed automatic, according to Car and Driver. “The Civic Si is only available with a six-speed manual transmission,” they add. ConsumerGuide notes "the automatic is especially alert to throttle inputs." The 2008 Honda Civic’s handling is noteworthy for its class. It’s “responsive and quiet with a firm, but not harsh, ride,” Cars.com says. “The Civic boasts accurate steering, strong brakes, a roomy interior, and a willing suspension,” Car and Driver agrees, while Edmunds says it’s “fun to drive, with great steering feel and impressive handling.” TheCarConnection.com agrees for the most part with these reviewers. The 2008 Honda Civic’s power steering is quick, as is braking response. The ride is a little busy for the longish wheelbase, probably because of a compact suspension design. It’s the Civic Si that can be a bit much to endure on choppy roads; the Mugen edition is recommended only for hardcore enthusiasts. ConclusionThe 2008 Honda Civic sedan handles well in all forms; in Si and Mugen editions, it’s a strong performer outright. 2008 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "a risk that has paid off" Edmunds: "looks awesome" Kelley Blue Book: "exterior styling is now one of the car's most appealing attributes" The 2008 Honda Civic sedan wins praise for a cabin of well-designed amenities and a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mazda3 has a reputation for the best handling in this class, and it offers a turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 edition as well. The Toyota Corolla is new for the 2009 model year and gets more refined and more expensive, though base versions can have a plasticky interior. The Ford Focus was restyled for the 2008 model year, and while most reviewers think it's a step backward, the Focus has new features like Ford's SYNC entertainment and hands-free phone controller.

Next Steps:

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See the Honda Civic Sedan in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Dennis Conniff #1, Posted: 6/23/2008

    Repeat owner

    My wife just got a new Civic 4-door LX automatic and got 38 mpg out of her first tank which was a combination of rural and highway driving. The car is super in every respect with a couple of exceptions, one major. The 'on-center' feel is dreadful and requires constant correction to keep the car straight. Very tedius on the highway and not typical of any of the other 20 Hondas we've owned. Also, the cruise control and dash light brightness controls are hard to see (use) at night. A bit of hi-tech overrunning practicality which is typical of the Japanese nameplates.
    A generally fine car with impeccable quality but it leaves much to be desired in terms of driving pleasure and comfort due to the squirrely steering feel on straight roads.

  2. By HUNG #2, Posted: 6/28/2008

    HONDA HAVE ANOTHER FACE

    I bought this car in Honda of Oakland, it's really badly services of Honda in the world, I could not believe honda is the best car that I have ever believed before having such as a bad sale services. I hope you guys whoever read this review not to come to this dealer to buy anymore car if they are not changing anything, cause I got it in branch new, and I bring it back to put in the leather seat as in my contract, when I came to pick up the car, there was a scratch and they broke my lovely car, it made me so disapointed. I hurt my feeling a lot, they said they just only fix it for me, and I have to take the car out of their dealer immediately if not they will give me a ticket for towing my car and pay for parking, I don't want to look at Honda anymore, such a bad service that I ever got.

  3. By Hung #3, Posted: 6/28/2008

    HONDA HAVE ANOTHER FACE

    I bought this car in Honda of Oakland, it's really badly services of Honda in the world, I could not believe honda is the best car that I have ever believed before having such as a bad sale services. I hope you guys whoever read this review not to come to this dealer to buy anymore car if they are not changing anything, cause I got it in branch new, and I bring it back to put in the leather seat as in my contract, when I came to pick up the car, there was a scratch and they broke my lovely car, it made me so disapointed. I hurt my feeling a lot, they said they just only fix it for me, and I have to take the car out of their dealer immediately if not they will give me a ticket for towing my car and pay for parking, I don't want to look at Honda anymore, such a bad service that I ever got.

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