2007 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic went on the U.S. market in 1973. A redesigned eighth-generation version of Honda's smallest model went on sale for the 2006 model year, and is, in fact, the most-changed Civic since the model was introduced. Considering a redesign the previous year, the only significant change for 2007 is the addition of a high-performance Civic Si sedan. The Civic Hybrid was redesigned alongside the regular Civic sedan for the 2006 model year. The Civic was improved as now under certain low-speed cruising conditions, the gasoline engine can deactivate temporarily and the Civic Hybrid can run solely on battery power. Honda says this Integrated Motor Assist system offers greater fuel-efficiency. There are a variety of models available from the base LX all the way up to the performance oriented Si.
 

Powering and Handling of the 2007 Civic

Powertrain choices for the 2007 Civic  include a high-performance 197-horsepower four-cylinder engine in Civic Si models and a gasoline/electric powertrain in the Civic Hybrid. Regular Civic coupes and sedans use a new 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that delivers 140 hp and 128 pounds-feet of torque. Both the Civic Si coupe and sedan hold a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that develops 197 hp at 7,800 rpm and 139 pounds-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential are installed. The Civic hybrid powertrain includes a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20-hp electric motor; total system output is 110 hp and 123 pounds-feet of torque. Honda also continues offering a natural gas-powered sedan, the GX, which the company introduced during the 2006 model year. Availability is limited to residents of New York and California and fleets there and elsewhere. All models use drive-by-wire throttle control. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is available. For handling, Civics use a MacPherson strut front suspension and a compact multilink double-wishbone rear suspension. Due to its relatively taut suspension, surface imperfections are noticeable in the Civic sedan. Steering effort is light yet satisfying, and the Civic is quite agile.
 

'07 Honda Civic Design

Five distinct models of the Civic are available: Civic sedan and coupe, Civic Si sedan and coupe and Civic Hybrid sedan. In addition, approved Honda dealers in California and New York carry a Civic GX that is powered by natural gas. Sedans and coupes have unique wheelbase and exterior dimensions. Sedans are 176.7 inches long, 69 inches wide, stand 56.5 inches tall and have a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Coupes are almost 2 inches shorter, roughly the same width, 3 inches shorter and have a 2-inch shorter wheelbase. Design touches include a steeply raked windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs, and reduced gaps between the tires and fenders. The sedan's somewhat abbreviated trunk lid and chopped off tail end adds perceived mass to the tightly proportioned, smallish sedan. The Si coupe wears an i-VTEC label just forward of the rear wheel well, the Si sedan the same on the lower rear side door.
 

Inside the 2007 Civic

The Civic has room for five.  The driver faces a two-tier instrument panel and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Honda's satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition is available in Si, Hybrid and EX models. XM Satellite Radio is available. Trunk space totals 11.5 cubic feet. The front seats are comfortable and provide abundant back support, but their short bottoms aren't as strong on thigh support. Seat cushioning is adequate, but a little more might be welcome. Backseat space rivals that of some midsize models. The large tachometer and digital speedometer are easy to read. Visibility is satisfactory, but the triangular glass panes ahead of each front side window provide no improvement in visibility. The fabric upholstery feels durable and its robust nap assists the modest side and seat bottom bolsters in restraining occupants during spirited motoring. The Si models get sport front seats with more aggressive bolsters both bottom and side for improved support. Seat bottoms provide better than average thigh support. The manual height adjustment on the driver's seat pivots on front hinges, forcing drivers to choose between seat height and legroom. The Civics are easily competitive with other cars in their classes when it comes to interior room. Almost oversize rear doors provide easy rear seat access. The bench seats in the rear are flat and do little to keep passengers in place twists and turns.
 

2007 Trim Levels

The Honda Civic DX comes standard with power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and fold-down rear seatback. The coupe gets a rear decklid spoiler. Brakes are disc in front, drum in rear.P195/65R15 tires wrap around steel wheels with full-cover hubcaps.

The LX includes air conditioning; power mirrors; keyless remote and central locking; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; a center console with sliding armrest; overhead map lights; a 160-watt, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 and WMA playback, an auxiliary input jack and speed-sensitive auto-volume control; front passenger seatback-mounted magazine pocket; and floor mats. The coupe has a rear seat walk-in feature that remembers the front passenger seat's setting

The EX adds power moonroof; variable windshield wipers; a second 12-volt power outlet; a 60/40 split folding rear seatback; a seven-speaker, 350-watt, XM-ready, premium stereo with auxiliary input jack and steering wheel-mounted controls; and outside temperature indicator. The keyless remote adds a trunk release button.

The Si coupe and the new-for-2007 sedan come with all the gear found on the LX coupe and sedan plus leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, amber-tinted headlight trim rings and a body-colored rear wing spoiler. Standard tires are all-season, P215/45R17 on alloy wheels. New for 2007 and standard on both coupe and sedan is electronic vehicle stability assist system with traction control.

The Hybrid sedan adds to the LX's features automatic climate control, a roof-mounted radio antenna, a rear decklid spoiler and hybrid-pertinent digital data displays.

Summary

For safety Honda promotes the Civic's safety features, including its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that improves vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management. All models have side-impact and side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints and antilock brakes. Three Civic trim levels are available: DX, LX and EX. The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and popular economy compact sedans/coupes in its class. For years it has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact car market.