Vehicle Type: Sedan or Coupe

History/Description:  In 2011, the latest-generation Civic hit the road as a 2012 model year vehicle with numerous updates and enhancements. Canadian-built and highly recognized as one of the smartest choices in its segment, the 2012 Civic carried forward with an award-winning reputation for reliability, durability, residual values, fuel efficiency and safety.

Available feature content includes the colour-changing ECO display in the instrument cluster, Bluetooth, a sunroof, navigation with voice command, heated leather seating, automatic climate control and a full array of standard safety systems. A premium audio system can also be specified. Elsewhere, Civic is noted for generous at-hand storage facilities, a flat rear-seat floor for enhanced comfort, and a generous trunk.

Engines / Trim: Look for sedan or coupe models, with the sporty Civic Si topping the model range, and the LX or EX trim grades coming in as basic or mid-line, respectively. A Civic Hybrid was also available.

Standard four-cylinder engines make 140 hp and come with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox for most of this generation’s life. The high-performance Civic Si, available in coupe or sedan, gets a 200 hp, high-revving 2.4L engine and six-speed manual transmission backed by various chassis and cosmetic tweaks.

Civic Hybrid (sedan only) packs 110 ultra-clean horsepower and achieves mileage as low as 4.3 L/100 km. All Honda Civic engines are fitted with the automakers Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) system for maximum performance and efficiency.

If you’re shopping for a near-new model, look for a 2014 or 2015 to take advantage of a slightly updated interior, new fuel-saving Continually Variable Transmission (CVT), and new technology like a display audio screen, LaneWatch camera system and HondaLink connected-car technology with Smartphone integration and in-dash apps.

Upgrade with Honda Factory Performance: Test Drive: 2013 Honda Civic Si HFP

What Owners Like: Owners say Civic is maneuverable, comfortable and relatively solid to drive, though the driving experience isn’t the primary reason most shoppers pick a Civic. Reliability and purchase confidence is highly rated, as is Civic’s generous-for-its-size roominess. Owners note generous trunk space, and cargo space, with the rear seats folded. Fuel efficiency and performance are both rated well, too. Many owners, having previous experience owning an older Civic model, purchase newer ones having enjoyed a no-fuss ownership experience.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripe points include some plasticky and low-budget interior bits, excessive road noise on some models, and an interior design that’s highly functional, albeit boring to look at.  Some owners report that the CVT transmission on newer models takes some getting used to, thanks to sometimes-jerky operation, or what’s been called the yo-yo effect, referencing a slight delay between throttle application and acceleration. Finally, note that some owners report dissatisfaction with the seat comfort in this generation Civic, so be sure to confirm you can achieve a comfortable driving position on your test-drive.

Here’s a look some owner reviews on autoTRADER.ca

The Test Drive: As the latest version of one of the most reliable cars on the road, there’s not a lot of worry-factor in buying a used copy of a Honda Civic this new. Still, shoppers are advised to make several key checks and inspections for maximum peace of mind.

First, remember that many cars have a timing belt, which needs to be changed pre-emptively ahead of failure at pre-set intervals, usually with a fairly hefty associated bill. This generation Civic doesn’t have a timing belt like older ones did – and the timing chain used instead should last the life of the vehicle without incurring any expenses, providing the engine oil schedule is adhered to. Check service records where possible to ensure that’s been the case for the model you’re considering.

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