2004 Honda Civic

If cars were movie characters, the Honda Civic would likely be cast as the bespectacled brainiac who saves the world with his quiet competence. Instead of swinging a big stick like the Rock in Walking Tall, the Civic is more like Jeff Goldblum in Independence Day, who disables the defenses of the alien attackers with brains rather than brawn. Not everybody can be the muscular hero of the automotive arena, but the Civic's finesse and refinement, especially in the economy segment, sets a standard of quality that bedevils competitors.

Exterior upgrades for '04 include restyled front and rear bumpers, headlights, hood and grille.

From the moment you slip into the interior, the car feels utterly seamless with the driver. Everything is positioned where it should be, without a rough edge or cheap distraction to be found. The Civic's interior is one of the best found in the economy sedan class, with sufficient space for the driver and passengers, a logical dash design and appropriate material quality. Honda engineers must have spent long hours making the Civic as simple and worry-free as possible. There's no learning curve on this car for getting used to some quirky gauges, obscure switches or balky shifter. You just get in and go.


Speaking of getting in and going—economy cars are obviously about economical transportation, so don't expect the acceleration to give you apoplexy. But it won't put you to sleep, either, as the EX model we drove smoothly spools up to freeway speeds without fuss or fanfare, and provides predictable handling and a comfy ride.


The top-line EX model has a slightly peppier version of the 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine, good for 127 horses. DX and LX models are both powered by a 115-hp version of the same 1.7-liter engine. The Si hatchback is the hottest Civic in the lineup, featuring a spunkier 160-hp, 2.0-liter engine. It also boasts standard rear disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and special gauges.


The Civic is available as a sedan, coupe or hatchback and comes in a number of different trims. The two-door coupe has cleaner styling than the sedan, but there's really no functional difference between the two.