2005 Honda Civic Sedan New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Honda Civic?
A new 2005 Honda Civic Special Edition model joins the lineup this year. Available for both coupe and sedan body styles equipped with EX trim, the Civic Special Edition includes an upgraded stereo with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and auxiliary inputs; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels; a body color wing spoiler; and special badges. Tango Red replaces Radiant Ruby Pearl on sedans and Rallye Red on coupes. Finally, a new home refueling system is offered as an option with the natural-gas Civic GX model.

Advantages of the 2005 Honda Civic:

• Natural gas and gas-electric hybrid models available
• All Civics rated an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) in all 50 states
• Five-star crash test ratings for front and side protection
• Deserved reputation for reliability
• Proven ability to hold value over time

Objections to the 2005 Honda Civic:

• Low, flat, mushy seats
• Tall dashboard with murky ergonomics
• Rear suspension bobs oddly on dips

Editor's Advice:
Honda's best-selling Civic defined the economy car class at one time. Today, that's no longer the case. In our opinion, the primary reasons are increased competition and an interior that is poorly designed and uncomfortable. Still, there's no denying that the 2005 Honda Civic is a handsome, reliable, and affordable car possessed with impressive crash test scores and a talent for holding its value over time. And with ULEV engines, an available natural gas model (the GX sedan) and a hybrid version available, the Honda Civic is environmentally responsible. Plus, a wide variety of aftermarket speed parts go a ways toward improving the Civic's somewhat lackluster performance. Honda is trading more on the Civic's image than substance, but if the current Accord is any indication, we'd expect that the next iteration of the Honda Civic, due next year, will be substantially improved.