Honda Civic

Impressions: The eighth-generation Civic, unleashed just last year, proved that Honda could still impress seekers of agile and comfortable transportation at an accommodating price. The story is much the same for 2007 as the Civic holds its pattern while adding a special high-performance Si sedan (to match the coupe) to the mix. The current Civic is sleeker than the previous model (to help cheat the wind), more powerful and bigger between the wheels to provide more interior room. And that cabin is a much friendlier place to be, especially for the driver who's seated in front of a futuristic-looking instrument panel with electronic-readout-style speedometer and fuel and temperature gauges positioned in their own pod directly above a centrally located tachometer. The body panels are attached to a considerably stiffer platform, all in an effort to improve road manners and provide a more rattle- and squeak-free environment. The 2007 Civic lineup is a blend of sensible sedans, sporty coupes and fossil-fuel-snubbing models such as the Hybrid and the California only natural-gas-powered Civic GX four-door that produces near zero emissions (and is eligible for a $4,000 rebate from the Federal Government). The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 140 horsepower, while the Hybrid has a 90-horsepower 1.3-liter I4 combined with a 20-horsepower electric motor to help the car achieve a 50-m.p.g. fuel-efficiency rating for city as well as highway driving. Atop the Civic hierarchy is the red-hot Si coupe and new four-sedan that runs with a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic, while a six-speed manual is exclusive to the Si. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable unit. A grand total of six airbags, including side-impact and side-curtain protectors, come with all models, along with anti-lock brakes. Most Civics, except for the price-leading (and relatively spartan) DX, get air conditioning (climate control on the Hybrid), power windows, cruise control, outside mirrors and locks, height-adjustable driver's seat, tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a 160-watt sound system. Base price: $14,800 (coupe); $15,000 (sedan) Type: Two-door coupe; four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 1.8-liter SOHC I4 (140) Optional engines (hp): 1.3-liter SOHC I4 gas/electric hybrid (90+20 for the electric motor, Hybrid) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; five-speed automatic (opt.); continuously variable (Hybrid); six-speed manual (Si) Mileage (city/hwy): 30/38 (MT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes Weight (lb.): 2,630 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Optional Web: www.honda.com