2008 Honda Civic [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 54 Civic reviews and test drives.
Honda Civic - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Honda Civic ranks 1 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 54 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Civic, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
In our rankings, the 2008 Civic is engaged in a sibling rivalry with the 2008 Honda Fit. The Civic holds an edge in safety and visual appeal, while the Fit's versatile cabin makes it a better choice for some buyers. Little has changed in the Civic for 2008. Honda introduces a leather seating option and a high-performance model, the Civic Mugen Si.
The 2008 Honda Civic wins praise for performance and value, class-leading safety ratings, and a body style that stands out in from its competition. Reviews say its cabin is comfortable, though a few competitors offer more space or upscale styling. The current generation of the Civic was named Car of the Year when it debuted in 2006 by both Motor Trend and the Detroit News, and by a jury of automotive journalists at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was a Consumer Reports top pick in 2007 (Hyundai Elantra took the prize in 2008).
The Civic is available as a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan in a variety of trims, as well as the Civic Hybrid and the performance-oriented Civic Si. The Civic has long been considered the benchmark other compact cars are measured against. Several competitor cars have been redesigned lately and are worthy of consideration, but the Honda Civic receives a high score in every category.
- "There's no single thing that blows you away about the Civic. Except the total package." U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman
- "Feels like a car in an entirely different class." -- Motor Trend
- "A great little fuel-efficient car that's affordable, not too hard on the environment, and oozing with style and charisma." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "Great styling, high quality, smooth ride, sweet powertrain, super mileage, excellent quality. And it costs less than $20,000." -- Detroit News
- "Looks, feels and drives like a car that costs thousands more." -- Kansas City Star
- "Wrapped in edgy new styling, the Honda Civic reigns as the most diverse car on the market, including an ultra-efficient hybrid model, high-mileage gas versions, models with luxury trim, and even a clean-burning natural-gas option." -- Arizona Republic
- "Civic has grown into a stylish sedan that, in most respects, rivals the mid-size Honda Accord of just a few years ago." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Civic Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Motor Trend says, "There's a velvety fluidity to this car's every move that sets it apart." Reviews consistently praise the 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that powers the 2008 Honda Civic as surprisingly refined for the affordable compact car class. Continue reading our full performance review to learn more about the Civic's powerplant, its well-regarded handling, and a selection of transmissions often considered the best available at this price point. continue
Civic Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Once a weak point for the Honda Civic, the car's exterior styling is now a highlight and among the best in the small car class. Initial critical reception to the somewhat futuristic look was mixed, but the automotive press has almost fully embraced it now that the shape has been on the road for more than two years. The Washington Post says, "The nerd is gone. The new Civic looks like it's ready to run." See for yourself in our photo gallery, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn more about the Civic's unique styling. continue
Civic Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2008 Honda Civic's cabin impresses most reviewers with a level of execution unusual among economy cars. The Kansas City Star says the Civic features "a surprisingly high level of fit and finish," with "tight panel gaps, an energetic interior design and a high level of standard equipment." Some competitors offer more interior space. See details in our photo gallery, or continue with our full Interior Review to read more about the Civic's cabin, including one of the most unusual dash layouts in the industry. Though The Car Connection likes that the Civic's cabin is "laid out efficiently and handsomely," others in the class offer more space and upscale styling. continue
Civic Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
As the Detroit News points out, the 2008 Honda Civic "has one of the best safety packages in the class, with standard antilock brakes, side air bags and side curtain air bags." The 2008 Civic achieves excellent safety ratings in government crash tests, and impresses the automotive press with its list of standard safety equipment. Continue with our full Safety review to learn more about the Civic's strong crash test scores and an impressive set of safety features that Civic buyers don't have to pay extra to own. continue
Civic Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda Civic reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Honda provides a basic warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles for all Civics. To read about one of the automotive industry's strongest reliability histories, continue with our full Reliability review. continue
