2008 Honda Civic Safety Review [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

Compact sedans in general have been growing safer in the last several years, achieving crash test scores once thought impossible for cars so small.  The 2008 Honda Civic is no different, earning crash test scores typical of larger cars, but solidly in the middle of the segment in our rankings.  What many reviewers say does set the Civic apart is the list of safety equipment Honda has made standard on its economy cars.   Six airbags are standard, including head curtain airbags that safety experts now consider essential, but some competitors sell only as an expensive option.  The Civic also boasts active head restraints in all models regardless of trim, a trait that many reviews note is unusual at this price point.  Stability Control, however, is not available on any Civic except the Si, where it is standard.  Stability Control is optional on the Toyota Corolla and VW Rabbit, and standard on the Chevy Cobalt.  Return to our overview page to explore the 2008 Civic further.

Crash Tests

• In frontal- and side-impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), the Civic received the maximum possible score of five stars for protecting both front passengers in a frontal impact crash.  It also earned four out of five for protecting front seat passengers, and five out of five for protecting rear-seat passengers, in a side-impact accident.  NHTSA awarded the civic four of five stars for its ability to prevent a rollover.
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2008 Civic its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

Safety Features

• "All Civics come with front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Antilock brakes are also standard; EX and Si models have four-wheel discs, while the rest have rear drums." -- Edmunds
• The Civic "was engineered using Honda's Advanced Compatibility Body Structure (ACE) principles, which dictate better crash energy absorption through multiple load paths that limit structural penetration." -- Autobytel
• The "Civic has one of the best safety packages in the class." -- Detroit News
• "Civic also is the first [in this class] with active head restraints, which are designed to help minimize whiplash injuries during a rear-end collision." -- Road & Travel Magazine
• "In addition to better protection for the vehicle's occupants, Honda has also gone the extra mile to protect individuals outside the car. The Civic's crumple zones in the hood and front fenders help disperse energy in the event of impact with a pedestrian or cyclist." -- Automobile.com