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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Honda Civic

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Honda Civic

Overview

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2008 Honda Civic Review

By KBB.com Editors

As Honda's best-known and best-loved car line, the 2008 Civic Sedan and Coupe continue to set the bar in the compact-car arena. Long considered the standard by which all other compacts are measured, the Civic is able to lure buyers thanks to its impressive fuel economy, unrivaled reliability and repair history and class-leading resale values. Once considered the Civic's only weak point, exterior styling is now one of the car's most appealing attributes. With its sharply raked windshield and low profile, the sleek Civic Coupe looks like nothing else on the road. The car's appeal to younger drivers has put Honda back into the good graces of the tuner and aftermarket crowd.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you appreciate world-class refinement (along with impressive mileage), and you're looking to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $23,000 for a new car, your test-drive schedule might not continue past the Honda dealer.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If the Civic's $15,000 starting price is the most you want to spend, you might be disappointed to find out the base model doesn't offer a factory-installed audio system, air conditioning, power locks, center console or even map lights.

What's Significant About This Car?

The Civic EX-L Sedan and Coupe introduce leather seating to the Civic line, while the Mugen Si Sedan debuts with a performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels and a sport tuned exhaust.

Driving the Civic

Driving Impressions We drove the Civic in both coupe and sedan form and found them both notable for what you don't hear or feel---the ride is smooth and quiet, while cornering and...

acceleration are easy and nearly effortless. The whole experience is more in line with what you'd expect from a bigger or pricier vehicle. The refined 140-horsepower engine never overwhelms you with power, but even when you run the tachometer up to its redline you don't feel like you're bullying the car. The coupe version gets a slightly sportier suspension to go with its decidedly sportier posture, but we found it to be still comfortable after hour-plus drives. Whether you're in the driver's seat or one of the Civic's other seating positions, the 2008 Honda Civic is a perfectly enjoyable way to travel.

Favorite Features

Audio Options
Listen to MP3s on CD. Listen to MP3s on a memory card. Listen to MP3s on an iPod. Listen to XM Satellite Radio. Listen through a 350-watt system with a subwoofer (coupe only). When you're feeling nostalgic, you can even listen to AM and FM radio broadcasts.

Two-Tier Instrument Panel
While some non-traditional instrument panel layouts come across as gimmicky, the Civic's two-tier execution seems to make all the sense in the world.

2008 Honda Civic Details

Interior

In addition to offering more in-cabin technology than we've come to expect, the 2008 Honda Civic also features the most visually futuristic interior of any vehicle on the market. Take a seat behind the wheel and your first impression is dominated by a uniquely sculpted steering wheel and an unconventional two-tier instrument panel. Technological highlights include an available navigation system and a broad array of digital audio options. Third, fourth and fifth passengers would be happier in the sedan's backseat than in the coupe's, because the sedan features about four more inches of legroom and two more inches of headroom than the cozy coupe. The fit, finish and design found inside the Civic are first-rate.

Exterior

Although the 2008 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan are both distinguished by a low-profile front end, short hood and long, laid-back windshield, the two models have never been more different. The taller sedan rides on a longer wheelbase than the sleeker, sportier coupe that also includes a decklid spoiler as standard equipment. Smaller gaps between the tires and body contribute to each model having a stance with better proportions and more balance. Beneath the sheet metal, the Civic features an advanced body structure designed to better absorb and distribute collision forces, especially in impacts involving taller sport utility vehicles and the like.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Notable standard equipment on the base Civic Sedan and Coupe models includes power windows, a four-way adjustable steering column, height-adjustable driver's seat, fold-down rear seatback and an impressive list of safety equipment such as front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and more. Notable as not included on the base DX trim level are an audio system, air conditioning and power locks/mirrors.

Optional Equipment

The Civic's list of optional equipment is highlighted by a navigation system with voice-recognition software. An advanced 350-watt AM/FM/XM/CD sound system with subwoofer is available on the Si Sedan and EX, EX-L and Si Coupe, but there are several iterations of a 160-watt CD sound system---and all audio systems have MP3/WMA CD playback capability. In addition to an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, Honda offers an accessory adapter that lets you control an Apple iPod through the car's audio controls. Getting the navigation system also gives you the ability to play music stored on a variety of digital media cards. More familiar options are included within the various trim levels and include an automatic transmission, one-touch power moonroof, power door locks with keyless remote, power mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted cruise/audio/navigation controls.

Under the Hood

Bridging the gap between the 197-horsepower high-output engine in the Civic Si and the 45-miles per gallon powerplant in the Civic Hybrid, the Civic sedan and coupe feature a 140-horsepower unit that delivers impressive city/highway mileage of up to 25/36-miles per gallon. A five-speed manual is standard, but a five-speed automatic mitigates the performance penalty normally associated with combining a small four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. Performance fans who can't work a manual gearbox are shut out of the Si, as no automatic is offered.

1.8-liter in-line 4
140 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34 (manual), 25/36 (automatic)

2.0-liter in-line 4
197 horsepower @ 7800 rpm
139 lb.-ft. of torque @ 6100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29

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2008 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1641 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

9.0/10

Fantastic Car

By Sean (NY) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Stylish and sporty, spacious, comfortable"

Cons: "Door lock problem"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love my 2006 Civic. It drives well, boasts a comfortable and very spacious interior (my cargo capacity amazes me), gets good gas mileage, and is stylish to boot. Of all the different designs of the Civic, I find this generation the most sporty and stylish looking. It isn't luxuriously appointed, but the sound system and sunroof are two highlights. It's small enough to park easily yet large enough to accommodate all sorts of cargo and passengers. The folding rear seats allow long cargo to be stored efficiently, making use of the rear cabin and trunk space. My only complaint would be an expensive issue with a rear automatic door lock. Not a cheap fix! Saw that mentioned in another review here as well. That aside, this car has been everything I'd hoped for. I'm overall very happy with the vehicle."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive

By DEET (OK) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,880

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "low price, fun to drive, efficient"

Cons: "cheap cpt, door locks, wheels scratch easily"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Only a couple of complaints. The carpets mats are quite flimsy and are made of cheap materials -- which show wear. Also, 2 of the automatic door locks quit working last Summer. Honda dealer said they could see what was wrong -- but it would cost a lot, since they would be taking off the door panels. Overall tho, I love this car, and I have owned a lot of cars in my day. Dependable, efficient, comfortable, easy, cute. What more could one ask for?"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Love this car! Fun to drive

By Zan (HI) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Honda Civic has been a wonderful investment. It holds its value beautifully. Just a fun, stylish car for any age."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love It

By M.robinson (OH) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fun to Drive, Stylish, Great Gas Mileage"

Cons: "It's a 4cyl so you are not going to get fast speed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Best Vehicle I have Owned, I just recently traded-In my Honda Odyssey (I loved that as well) but the Gas was killing me !!! So I decided to purchase a 2008 Honda Civic, Well that was one of the best decision I ever made about a car:) Rides Great and I'm loving that a full tank of gas last me about a week and a half and that's with me going to work Monday-Friday (25-30miles)."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I hate this car

By Katie (KY) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "gas mileage"

Cons: "no power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I hate this car. When I bought it, I was in love with the idea of the hybrid and with the body styling. Now I completely regret the decision. The mileage is lower than the dealership told me and there's no power at all behind the engine. Flooring it, I go 0 to 60 in about two weeks. It's also very plastic, dents easily, and is generally of lower quality than I had originally reqlized. I will never buy another honda after owning this one."

4 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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nice car

By mayra (NY) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "fun to drive, stylish, sporty, great cup holders"

Cons: "no navi/bt,sterring wheel should go lower"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"only problem i have with mine is that if the car isnt warmed up it will jerk between gears and the rpm will increase and decrease randomly. other than that very sport, reliable car for its price. after all, it is honda."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 1641 reviews