Honda Civic 2005 $6,991

Vehicle Overview, , Honda's popular coupe and sedan earned a face-lift for 2004 that included restyling of the hood, bumpers, grille and headlights. A new Value Package became available. For 2005, a new Special Edition package that features a rear spoiler and an MP3-compatible six-CD stereo is offered on EX models., , Redesigned for the 2001 model year, the front-wheel-drive Civic was made to look more like its larger Accord sibling. Honda introduced the Civic Hybrid for 2003; it is powered by a gasoline engine that's augmented by an electric motor. Honda also offers the performance-oriented Civic Si hatchback., , Except for the Civic Hybrid and Civic Si, all Civics carry a 1.7-liter four-cylinder with outputs that vary from 115 to 127 horsepower, depending on the model. All Civics but the Si earn at least an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle rating. , , Exterior, , Measuring 175.4 inches long overall, the four-door Civic is nearly 3 inches shorter than the Toyota Corolla and about the same length as a Ford Focus sedan. Both the Civic coupe and sedan ride a 103.1-inch wheelbase, but the four-door model is 1.6 inches taller than the coupe., , Coupes and sedans have a similar hood, front fenders, front bumper and headlight styling, but the coupe's rear pillars, rear bumper and taillights are different, and it features a swept-back windshield., , , Interior, , All Civics seat up to five occupants and offer a more spacious feel than some other compact models. A shoulder belt is provided for the center rear seating position. Rear legroom is ample because of the Civic's compact rear suspension. The sedan's trunk offers 12.9 cubic feet of space, and the split rear seatback folds down for additional cargo room., , , Under the Hood, , When installed in DX and LX models, the Civic's 1.7-liter four-cylinder makes 115 hp. In EX models, this engine uses Honda's variable valve timing technology and produces 127 hp. Both engines are available with a standard five-speed-manual gearbox or an optional four-speed-automatic transmission. The HX coupe uses a 117-hp lean-burn engine that operates with reduced emissions and is available with a continuously variable transmission that has no gears. This transmission is standard in the 100-hp GX sedan that runs on compressed natural gas., , , Safety, , Side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional on all models. Antilock brakes are standard on EX models., , , Driving Impressions, , Civics are solid, quiet on the road, and easy and pleasant to drive, but they're a bit on the bland side in appearance and performance. Those aspects may be overshadowed easily by Honda's reputation for quality and dependability. The Civic EX is about as good as compact sedans get., , Throttle response in the 127-hp EX is good, but its automatic transmission reacts a bit slowly. Honda's manual gearshift, however, is precise, and the clutch performs expertly. The only minor drawback is its inability to move suitably at low speeds in higher gears due to a lack of low-speed engine torque., , Steering requires only modest effort. This car delivers excellent ride quality and is wholly capable during tight maneuvers. Civics are appealing and undeniably sensible, though they're not overpowering or alluring. , , , Civic Hybrid, , Honda introduced a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain in its conventional Civic sedan for the 2003 model year., , Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system in the Civic Hybrid makes the gas engine dominant. The electric motor provides additional power when needed. While yielding impressive fuel-economy figures and reduced emissions, the Civic Hybrid drives like any other automobile. The batteries never need to be connected to a power outlet because they're recharged while driving. An automatic idle/stop feature shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop as a means of conserving fuel., , The Civic Hybrid is available with either a five-speed-manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission that u

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