Review: Honda Civic losing ground to competitors

It's no surprise that sales of Honda Civics fell last year; the new-car market was a horror. But the decline also in its share of the market suggests that some consumers are being lured away from what has been the benchmark of small cars.

As the Civic's share slipped, those of some competitors, including the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, rose.

Five days and a few hundred miles in the current-generation Civic, which arrived as a 2006 model, suggest a few reasons for that.

The Civic's strengths are its elegant looks, a bright and airy interior and a comfortable ride, thanks to a suspension that takes the middle road between being firm for tight handling and overly soft for comfort. Civics got an exterior and interior freshening for '09 and no changes at all for 2010.

Its reputation for quality, well earned, remains strong. Dashboard controls couldn't be any simpler to operate or any more conveniently located.

But, now in its fourth model year, the Civic is due for a redo - and will get one for the 2011 or 2012 model year, according to some published reports. Honda's not saying.

Flaws include the thick, sloping front roof pillars mandated by the steeply raked windshield. The pillars are always in the way during turns and tend to leave the driver short on peripheral vision when approaching intersections.

The Civic's highly assisted power steering is short on feedback - a sense of what the front tires are experiencing. The engine is on the raspy side, and the tester emitted the foul odor of a hot catalytic converter when it was stressed, as when lugging uphill in top gear. To get stability control and brake assist Honda makes you opt for one of the most expensive versions, including the EX-L in the accompanying photo.

Engine power is just adequate and economy is OK; I averaged 31.4 miles per gallon in mostly highway miles. The 197-hp. Civic Si is worth considering.

The Civic isn't a slam-dunk winner anymore, and that means some careful shopping is in order. The Focus, for example, is a strong entry - one that, unfortunately, is too often overlooked by import-centric Long Islanders. The Mazda 3 is another excellent contender - fun to drive, as are most Mazdas. Others: the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Golf and Jetta and the Subaru Impreza. The VWs offer driving fun. The Subaru has all-wheel drive.

The Chevrolet Cobalt, in its final year, still is popular among the budget-conscious. It offers 155 hp. and competitive fuel economy. Its replacement, the Cruze, is due at dealerships in summer.

Civics start at $16,165 with stick shift.

The government gives the Civic sedan five out of five stars for frontal and rear-passenger side protection and four stars for driver's-side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls it a top safety pick.

2010 Honda Civic 4-door EX

Vehicle Tested:

Engine:

1.8-liter, four-cylinder 140 hp.

Fuel:

Regular

Transmission:

Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety:

Six air bags; 4-wheel disc brakes w/antilock; tire pressure monitoring; daytime running lamps

Place of Assembly:

Greenburg, Ind.

Trunk:

12 cubic feet

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates:

25 mpg, city; 36 highway

Price as driven:

$20,965 with freight

Bottom Line:

Top-flight but a bit of gray at the temples.