Overview

The Honda Civic is a compact car that was first introduced in 1973. Over the past four decades, the small car has grown in both stature and the number of variations in the lineup. Today's Civic is in its eighth-generation, last redesigned for the 2006 model year. An all-new model debuts for the 2012 model year, so the 2011 model is mostly a carryover.

The Civic is offered in five different models. These include sedan and hatchback body styles with gasoline, hybrid, and natural gas powerplants. Base DX models include cloth upholstery, power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, 15-inch steel wheels, and a height-adjustable driver's seat -but there is no radio.

Upgraded LX models add features such as keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, four-speaker audio system, and 16-inch steel wheels. The LX-S adds alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips, sport seats, a spoiler, and more. The EX gains a sunroof and a six-speaker audio system, among other things. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, while the Si models are configured with a more powerful engine, sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Under the hood of the DX, LX and EX models is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower. The Si receives a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 197 horsepower. The Civic GX burns natural gas in its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 113 horsepower, while the Civic gasoline-electric hybrid is rated at 110 horsepower. All models are front-wheel drive, and the standard transmission is a five-speed manual, with a five-speed automatic optional. The Civic Hybrid features a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Honda Civic between 21 mpg city, and 43 mpg highway, depending on driveline.

The 2011 Honda Civic DX starts with a base price of about $16,000 and tops out with the Civic GX model, which starts around $26,000.