Honda Civic

2010 Honda Civic

The 2010 Honda Civic ranks 2 out of 29 Affordable-Small-Cars/">Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 76 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Civic, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers agree that the 2010 Honda Civic is a winning combination of substance and style that has deservedly staked its claim as a class leader. It is one of the most reliable, fuel efficient and solid-performing vehicles in the affordable small car class.

Although several compacts have more comfort or utility, few cars have captured the media attention for all-around excellence like the 2010 Honda Civic. Unchanged for 2010, it continues to offer the same winning combination of form and function that led Consumer Guide to name the 2009 model a "Best Buy."

The Civic isn't flawless. Despite its great performance, excellent fuel economy and impressive list of features, it lags behind certain class competitors when it comes to interior comfort and cargo capacity. For example, the Honda Fit (which costs about $500 less than the base Civic) is well worth a look for those in need of more cargo space. With a versatile rear "magic seat," the Fit affords more cargo options than the Civic's 60/40 split rear seats. Those who want a more comfortable interior should also check out the Volkswagen Rabbit, which costs about $1,000 more and doesn't have the reliability scores of the Civic but, which is well-liked for its cushy interior, smooth ride and impressive power.

Choosing to buy a Civic is the easy part. The hard part is deciding which trim is right for you. The basic Civic comes in both sedan and coupe models and comes in several trims (DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX and EX-L) which range in price from approximately $15,500 to around $22,000. The Civic SI is performance-oriented trim, which offers 57 more horsepower than the base model, a few more performance options and a starting price of around $6,500 more. The Civic Hybrid has a separate review. The GX is an eco-friendly alternative to the Hybrid and runs on Compressed Natural Gas, but it's only sold in California (and other states that have excepted California's Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations) and it starts at about $10,000 more than a base Civic.

The Honda Civic is essentially unchanged for 2010, so savvy car buyers may want to consider purchasing a 2009 model. Dealers are under pressure to make room on their lots for the new 2010 models so you may be able to snag a deal on a 2009. Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a Civic.