DRIVEN: So, How's That "New" 2012 Honda Civic Actually Play Out In The Real World?

One of the most puzzling products for the 2012 model year is the 2012 Honda Civic. The brand claims it is "all-new" but it looks like a rehashed, last-generation product. Even the interior, which was suppose to get a large makeover, isn't really doing anything to reinvent the wheel.

But isn't that exactly what your typical Honda buyer is looking for? I guess we'll have to wait until the sales numbers debut.

Regardless, with new cars out there like the all-new Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra, we're curious to see how this one plays out. And from the looks of things down below, it doesn't seem like Scott Burgess of The Detroit News is hating or loving it.

Did Honda just create a middle-of-the-road product with the 2012 Civic?


The Honda Civic was once a default purchase in the compact segment. There were other cars, but the Civic just felt more complete, more mature than any of the other choices.

It's not anymore.

The compact car world has evolved much too fast for the Civic to hold that particular premium. The Ford Focus and Hyundai Sonata are more stylish, the Chevy Cruze is more practical, and there are a host of other small hot wheels breathing down Honda's tailpipe. But the 2012 Civic, redesigned to provide more room and a better interior, remains one of the most civil of choices...

[Source: The Detroit News]


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uaw_lax - 6/10/2011 9:38:36 AM

-1 Boost

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

truckman - 6/10/2011 11:34:01 AM

+1 Boost

When first introduced the Civic blew the competition away, Sportiest,most economical,safest, most powerful, today it is still the same car, except the competition has passed it, it just doesn't stand out like it did, and the older one looks better, the nose on this doesn't look as good, I own a 2007.

truckman - 6/10/2011 10:42:00 PM

+1 Boost

For an economy car it is the sportiest of the group in 2006-20??..? In 2007 the Civic's slalom speed is the same as the Subaru WRS STI, according to consumer reports, I own a 2007 and I am a fan, the Chevy Cruz advertises that it is more economical, I am impressed that it won the real world mileage, and the new Civic doesn't look as good as the older one in my opinion, safety has slipped with the higher standards, I know Honda's are one of the safest auto manufacturer, but isn't some of the competition safer? I haven't got around to checking, I just hear people ranting that others are safer?

CarCrazedinCali - 6/10/2011 1:24:18 PM

+1 Boost

pass, I'll take a Hyundai over a Honda now please and thank you... Poor Honda has truly lost it's way

CarCrazedinCali - 6/10/2011 2:10:11 PM

+2 Boost

at least the design is interesting, the cars in this class aren't exactly performers anyhow, I don't expect it to drive like a performance vehicle of any kind

truckman - 6/11/2011 3:31:38 PM

+2 Boost

blazinboy, Honda has fully independent suspension.

truckman - 6/15/2011 12:32:08 AM

+2 Boost

Blazinboy, you may be on to something with Hyundai being on top, one question, is the double wishbone any better than what is in the Civic now? Remember according to CR the Civic does the slalom as fast as a Subaru WRX STI, would the double wishbone suspension do it as fast as the Civic's independent suspension? I always thought double wishbone suspension was independent, is there a difference?