Introduction

For the past two years, the Honda Civic has dominated the small-car sales charts. That makes it not only a prime candidate for new customers, but also a well-defined target for every carmaker playing in the same league. For Honda, the Civic is a trademark car with a successful track record extending back more than 30 years. And the latest line of Civics seem poised to continue the winning streak. How can this phenomenon be explained? For starters, clever engineering, good assembly quality and a comprehensive menu of standard and optional features create an entry-level car that provides more than basic transportation. The expected virtues -- primarily fuel economy and small exterior dimensions -- are there, but good looks, comfort and better-than-average driving pleasure are also integral parts of the Civic driving experience. Better yet, these attributes apply to all Civics, regardless of equipment level. But there is another element that keeps the Civic on top. The small Honda is not one car, but several. In sedan form, it is a family hauler. But in hatchback or coupe trim it's a sporty runabout. It can be the stingiest of gas-sippers or deliver more performance than you might expect, depending on which engine is installed. Against members of its class, the Civic has been the pick of the litter for several years. It still is.

Walkaround

Honda is not a company to make changes arbitrarily. The Civic's exterior design was fresh and attractive four years ago and it remains so in 1999. A minor freshening of front and rear shapes this year gives Honda salespeople something to talk about, but makes no significant difference to the overall appearance. Three body styles are offered. A three-door hatchback is the entry-level version, followed on the size and price scales by a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. All three use identical sheet metal from front bumper to windshield. All adhere to popular styling themes, having a distinct wedge profile rising from front to rear with large headlights and taillights. Careful detailing lends character to what is overall a simple form. Some of the details that make the Civic appealing are also functional. The low cowl and hood line combine with generous glass area to provide exceptional visibility for driver and passengers. All three Civics have large doors, and offer handy access to well-shaped stowage spaces in back. The least expensive member of the family is the plain CX hatchback. Even a basic radio costs extra here, though a split/folding rear seat, tinted glass and a rear-window defroster are included. Regardless of body style, the basic DX trim level includes dual outside mirrors, an AM/FM radio and adjustable steering column. All sedans and automatic transmission-equipped coupes and hatchbacks come with power steering. Mid-grade LX sedans add air conditioning, power windows and door locks and cruise control. EX sedans and coupes come with just about everything, including a more powerful engine, a power moonroof and antilock brakes.

Interior Features

Civic interiors are well-designed, neatly executed and more functional than ostentatious. Interior materials seem to have been selected with durability rather than maximum eye appeal in mind. Monochrome interiors -- available in gray, dark gray or beige -- border on the monotonous and could benefit from more contrast. Four adults can ride comfortably in the Civic; it will also accommodate two adults with three children. Civics offer 12 cubic feet of luggage space and that can be augmented by folding down the rear seats. Pockets and bins provide storage for small items. Instruments and controls are simple in layout and function. A base Civic has but three gauges--speedometer, fuel level and coolant temperature--while up-level models add a tachometer. The switch layout is generally good; the radio buttons are somewhat small and fussy, but new-for-1999 electronic controls for heating/ventilation/air conditioning are easy to operate.