- 2010
2008 Honda Civic
- Used Honda Civic
Honda Civic - What the Auto Press Says
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). With the escalating gas prices, the Civic has also become the best selling car in the U.S, knocking the Ford F-150 pickup truck off its longstanding pedestal for that title in May 2008. As recent automotive excesses (we're looking at you, Hummer) fade away, the Honda Civic could be poised to become the automotive symbol for leaner, more responsible times.
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 2009 Civic is now available, with a modified front end, and a few more cabin features. The Civic has long been considered the benchmark other compact cars are measured against.
- "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
- "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. Read More
Civic Exterior - 8.0 (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." Read More
Civic Interior - 7.8 (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. 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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
