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The 2011 Honda Civic lineup spans a wide range with technologically advanced Civic Sedan and Coupe models, a Civic Hybrid, a high-performance Civic Si and a Civic GX model that runs exclusively on natural gas.

A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players and more. Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and fun-to-drive handling performance with its fully independent suspension.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. The Civic EX-L, Civic Si and Civic Hybrid include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, as standard safety content.

Price: $15,605 – 27,150.
Invoice: $14,385 – 24,977.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. The system includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a wireless telephone interface that works with compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via §teering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic DX-VP and above trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the DX-VP and LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3- and WMA-formatted CDs. A ÚSB Audio Interface is standard on the Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models, providing integration for a compatible MP3 player or a ÚSB flash drive loaded with compatible music files.

Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The audio display provides CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Engine

The Civic lineup for both the Sedan and Coupe start with the value-rich Civic DX model equipped with a standard 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires, and a folding rear seat. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, a four-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The Civic LX adds or upgrades: cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up/down driver’s power window, and a folding rear seat. The Civic LX-S Sedan adds or upgrades: alloy wheels, LX-S-exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, LX-S-exclusive leather-wrapped §teering wheel, LX-S-exclusive rear-deck spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The Civic EX Sedan and Coupe add or upgrade to the Civic LX: a one-touch power moonroof, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, ambient console lighting, §teering wheel-mounted audio controls and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio2. The Civic EX-L adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces, console, §teering wheel and shift knob; heated seats; and heated door mirrors. The Civic EX Coupe and EX-L Coupe exclusively feature a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM audio system with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled).

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid gets slightly freshened exterior styling and some new features. This gas/electric hybrid compact car comes as a 4-door sedan. It combines a 1.3-liter gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources.

Most of the time, however, the gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. It requires no plug-in charging. This sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT).

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system with voice activation is available. Newly offered for 2009 are a wireless cell-phone link and leather upholstery.

The 2009 Honda Civic GX runs on natural gas rather than gasoline. It is currently sold to retail customers only in California, New York, and Utah, but is available to fleet buyers in 32 states.

The GX is similar to the Civic LX in terms of features, but the GX comes only as a 4-door sedan with 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine (the LX’s 1.8 makes 140 hp) and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The large tank used to store the compressed natural gas sits behind the rear seat, which deletes the folding rear seatback found on most other Civics.

The tank also eats up about half of the trunk space, yet the GX has only about two-thirds the driving range of other Civics. Available safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

The 2010 Honda Civic GX is largely unchanged. It runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) rather than gasoline. It’s only sold to retail customers in California, New York, and Utah, but is available to fleet buyers in 32 states.

The GX is similar to the Civic LX in terms of features, but the GX comes only as a 4-door sedan with a 113-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine (the LX’s 1.8 makes 140 horsepower) and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The large tank used to store the compressed natural gas sits behind the rear seat, which deletes the folding rear seat back found on most other Civics.

The tank also eats up about half of the trunk space, yet the GX has only about two-thirds the driving range of other Civics. Available safety features include ABS, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

The 2010 Honda Civic Coupe sees no major changes after a modest freshening for 2009. In addition to a 2-door coupe, these compact cars also come as 4-door sedans and a gas/electric hybrid sedan (see separate reports). DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims are offered. All except the Si have a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Si versions have a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. The 140-horsepower Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Si has a mandatory 6-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. A navigation system with voice activation and a wireless cell-phone link are available on EX, EX-L, and Si.

As the 2010 model year rolls in, the Honda Civic has now gone four years since its last major redesign, yet it still manages to look fresh. At the time it was introduced, the Civic was a little far out design-wise, with a swoopier, more ached roofline; a stubbier, yet more aerodynamic front end; and a bold, two-tiered video-game-like instrument panel that made other small-car dashes look plain.

The Civic fits in with a crowd that has largely started to emulate it, while still managing to look fresh. Numerous reviewers like the look overall. Honda Civic is “instantly recognizable and much sleeker-looking than most of its competitors.” Motor Trend reports that, “when the latest-generation Civic first hit the market, many were surprised by its unusual styling, but the Civic’s looks have proven a hit with buyers.” Car and Driver points to the “the large, fast windshield, minivan-like front end, and UFO-style two-tiered dashboard” as love-it-or-hate-it design elements.

The unusual two-tier instrument panel layout definitely causes a stir, but Honda sticks with it through last year’s styling touch-up. According to Motor Trend, “all Civic sedans now feature a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.” Overall, the dash design has more positive than negative comments, with saying, “though the design is very different than most instrument panels, it doesn’t take long to get used to and see the logic in it.