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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Honda Civic

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

Overview

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2011 Honda Civic Review

By KBB.com Editors

As Honda's best-known and best-loved car line, the 2011 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. And, despite its five-year old design, the Civic's exterior styling is still 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 or power locks. Shop around and you'll find your money goes a lot further at a Hyundai or Kia dealership.

What's New for 2011

The Honda Civic sees no major changes for 2011.

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 2011 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.

2011 Honda Civic Details

Interior

In addition to offering more in-cabin technology than we've come to expect, the 2011 Honda Civic also features one of 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 2011 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 \ and 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 DX-VP 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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2011 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1650 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

Great car......lousy Company

By frank625 (CA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 118,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Great overall....118K on the clock and still tight"

Cons: "Having to deal with the dealers and the Honda Corp"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"I have been very pleased with this car, blast to drive, economical and an engine that is bullet-proof. Honda is like all of the other greedy carmakers. There were several issues with this model that Honda just did not take responsibility for: (1) third gear syncros were bad in all the cars, (2) serious rear suspension problems that literally eat the rear tires. Honda's solution to both these problems was to issue a Service Bulletin telling the service people how to fix the problems. If you were fortunate to complain about these while the car was in warranty they would fix the problem gratis. If not, you were out of luck. I have owned Honda's exclusively since 1990 but I think I am done with them. I think I will allow Toyota to screw me over in the future."

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I will never own anything other than a Honda!

By Maylin (MS) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas mileage, economic, fun to drive & looks good!"

Cons: "If you're a smoker, the 06 Civic has no ashtray."

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

"I have had 7 vehicles throughout my life and 5 of them have been Hondas. The best thing about them is the gas mileage! They are reliable cars, parts & maintenance are relatively cheap. I don't see myself owning anything else other than a Honda. I owned an Infinity & an Acura before, but I've got to say Honda is best overall!"

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Very Disappionted

By iusetolikehonda (KY) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "Gas mileage, reliability"

Cons: "everything else"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I.ve always liked Honda's I have owned 2 Accords and this Civic. I was excited to own another Honda when I bought this car, But it has really been a let-down. Don't get me wrong,the gas mileage is great,but the intirior quality is bad, it is not very comfortable, and it doesn't handle well at all. Overall, I was expecting more from Honda, a lot more"

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Great reliable vehicle, typical Honda, Great Car!

By Torch (CA) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "A very nice designed car and reliability."

Cons: "Under powered, especially going up the hill, 4cyl."

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

"Had this car for my son and had the Scion Tc prior, a 2006, and this Civic is a lot more solid and the drive is great. The ergonomics is pretty. Going uphill my son tells me it is underpowered, noticed a little bit, but I shifted gear to D3. Over all, as a school car and first car, this Honda is great."

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excellent sporty comfy daily driver

By gamer (CA) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great drivers daily driver car."

Cons: "You should be a good driver to handle this sporty"

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

"Coolant needed to be changed finally at 97400 miles, I do all my basic maintenance myself, spark plugs, oil and filter and thats it, very reliable and easy to maintain. I am the first owner with 98000 miles and the engine and tranny has not failed me once, excellent daily driver. Ofcourse I only use mobil 1 full synthetic."

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Love this car!

By MiataMama (IN) on Saturday, June 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great gas mileage and surprisingly nimble handling"

Cons: "No leather or traction control"

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

"I bought this car new in 2008, and am very satisfied with it. I would have liked to have leather, traction control, and sunroof, but I know that it was not offered for this model year. I believe the new Civic Hybrid has a lot more options available. I am also very pleased with my gas mileage, and only need to fill up every 2-3 weeks. I am retired and have another vehicle, so I only put on 5000 miles a year up to now. Would highly recommend this vehicle."

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