2009 Honda Civic

The 2009 Honda Civic gets slightly freshened exterior styling, a few new features, and some new trim levels. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. Also offered is a gas/electric Hybrid sedan, as well as a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims. New for 2009 are DX-VP and LX-S sedans. The limited-edition MUGEN Si has been discontinued. DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Si versions have a 197-hp 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources. Most of the time, however, the gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. Hybrids require no plug-in charging. Available for sale in California and New York and to fleets is the Civic GX, which uses a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on CNG. All 140-hp Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. GX models are automatic only. Si only comes with a 6-speed manual. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid. New for 2009 is an available wireless cell phone link for EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid. Leather upholstery is also newly available on the Hybrid. More details.......