Overall Rating |  |
Civic's big attractions are dependability and quality. It's not cheap, but your money buys a big choice of well-made cars that are nice to drive and suitable for smaller families.
For
- Choice of hatchbacks, coupes, saloons and estates
- Excellent reliability
- One of the most refined small family cars
Against
- Above-average insurance costs
- Some contemporary designs are safer
- Some maintenance and repair items are costly
Road Test
Civic straddles the borderline between small and medium models. The three-door is definitely for smaller families or couples. Five-door hatchbacks and less popular saloons find favour with older buyers. The US-inspired coupe lacks a clearly defined target market. The scarce Aerodeck estate approaches medium car status, though there's not much load space.
Choose wisely - probably from the hatchback bodystyles - and you'll find high comfort levels thanks to refined engines, a ride that few rivals can match, and a well laid out cabin finished in good quality materials.
Drivers appreciate Civic's character, too. Even the basic 1.4i feels lively, while 1.5i, 1.6i and V-TEC versions thrive on revs and accelerate crisply. VTi versions are discreet 'hot hatches'. Handling is nimble, responsive and safe.
Civic's limitations are few: as an older design, its safety rating is poorer than newer European rivals; and security is below modern expectations.
Need To Know
NCAP: 3
Best Models: 1.5i LS; 1.6i V-TEC; 1.6 VTi 3-door
Worst Models: Saloons; 2.0TD
Replacement: by current generation Civic from late 2000
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
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