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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2010 Honda Civic

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Honda Civic

Overview

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2010 Honda Civic Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

As Honda's best-known and best-loved car line, the 2010 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 $16,000 to $25,000 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 $16,000 starting price is the most you want to spend, you might be disappointed to find out the least-expensive DX model doesn't include a factory-installed audio system, air conditioning, power locks, center console or even map lights.

What's New for 2010

After a thorough update last year, there are no major changes planned for 2010.

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 2010 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.

2010 Honda Civic Details

Interior

In addition to offering more in-cabin technology than we've come to expect, the 2010 Honda Civic also features the most visually futuristic interior of any non-hybrid 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, although the standard audio system itself could make due with some more power. 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 2010 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. Small 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. The DX-VP adds to the base DX trim an AM/FM/CD stereo and air conditioning, but still lacks power locks/mirrors.

Optional Equipment

The Civic's list of optional equipment is highlighted by a navigation system with voice-recognition software and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. An advanced 350-watt AM/FM/XM/CD sound system with subwoofer is available on the EX and EX-L, but there are several iterations of a 160-watt CD sound system – and all audio systems have MP3/WMA CD playback capability and, on LX and higher trims, an auxiliary audio input jack. 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, leather seating, 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)

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2010 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1577 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 Honda Civic 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

9.1/10

What's happening to Honda??

By Marquis80 (MI) on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Gas Mileage, Seat Comfort"

Cons: "Reliability, interior not wearing well, weak A/C"

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

"I purchased my 2009 Civic used, May 2011. It's my 4th and probably last Honda. The quality of this car is lacking compared to my previous Honda's I have owned over the years. It's been in the shop twice now in the past 7 months for unexpected repairs. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty and have had no out of pocket expense. The Bluetooth (which I don't even use) was draining the battery. Dealership had to keep my car over night to order parts to fix it. Would have been $750 if it weren't for the warranty. Last week, my engine light came on and the car basically went into limp mode. It ended up being the Rocker Arm Solenoid that monitors oil pressure. That would have been $450 if not for the warranty. My other Honda's never went into the shop other than normal maintenance. I certainly hope this is the last of the issues. The car seems under powered to me and the A/C zaps any that it does have. The A/C is weak and even on a moderately warm day, I have to keep it on Max Mode to keep any cool air coming into the car. The interior is wearing quicker than expected. The color on the dash board is dulling and turning black. The drivers seat has thin wear spots showing already. On the plus side, I am impressed with the gas mileage, the seats are comfortable and it has a good ride. Just wish it were more dependable. = ("

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I LOVE my Civic!

By Jenn (GA) on Friday, May 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliable, easy to drive, a good buy"

Cons: "Trunk size/space, not a "luxury" interior"

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

"I bought my 2007 Civic used at 25,000 miles, and up until now I haven't had a single problem! The car runs very smoothly, is easy and even fun to drive, and has a great turning radius which I love. I have a 4-door, and for me it is perfect, but I'll be honest, there isn't a ton of extra space. I feel this is made up for by the consistant 29mpg I get. The only reason comfort is at a 7 is because I have cloth seats that aren't so comfortable, and the space issues in the trunk. The top is oddly shapped so large things don't fit, but you will do just fine with everyday trips!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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see all 1577 reviews