2021 Honda Civic

Hondas are generally affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient, with intuitive controls and good driving characteristics. Its SUVs and sedans are usually near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings for road tests and predicted reliability. Many Hondas have earned Consumer Reports recommendations. Used Hondas also score near the top of our reliability rankings for 5- and 10-year-old vehicles, making it a brand worth considering for options under $20,000. Honda’s SUVs include sub-compact models like the HR-V and compact CR-V, one of the best-selling SUVs in North America. The two-row Passport and three-row Pilot are larger options. Honda’s sedans include the compact Civic and the midsized Accord. Honda also makes the Odyssey minivan and the Ridgeline, a midsized pickup truck. For buyers seeking fuel efficiency, several of the most popular models are available with hybrid powertrains that get competitive mpg figures and are pleasant to drive.

Most Civic redesigns have been evolutions on a theme. Not this one; Honda pulled out all of the stops, building a clean-sheet design. The result is a newly refined Civic that feels more upscale and substantial than previous efforts. Base models still use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but all higher trims have a 1.5-liter turbocharged four. Both engines are refined and economical, and the CVT automatic works well. Handling is spry and responsive, and the ride isolates against most road bumps. Road noise is subdued, addressing a longtime Civic vice. The interior features nicer materials and has a spacious rear seat. Basic versions have an easy-to-use radio, but uplevel trims have an unintuitive touchscreen infotainment system that lacks any traditional knobs and buttons. Almost every trim offers the optional Honda Sensing safety suite, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. A hatchback version joined the lineup for 2017. The Civic received a number of interior and exterior styling updates for 2019, as well as standard Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment on all but the top performance versions -- the Si and Type R. Beginning with the 2020 model year, the Civic Sport Touring hatchback gets an upgraded infotainment system and is now offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Other changes for 2020 include standard Honda Sensing on the Si, as well as a new final drive ratio for the manual transmission (in an attempt to boost the Si's acceleration). Updates for the hot Type R model include various exterior and interior styling changes, suspension upgrades, and standard Honda Sensing.