Used 2013 Honda Civic Review & Ratings

Performance

With a wide variety of powertrains and a composed and comfortable ride, the 2013 Honda Civic is an obvious pick in the compact car segment. There are a few different engines to choose from, and they all offer desirable qualities. The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder paired to a five-speed manual to offer 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, and returns 28 mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. Opting for the five-speed automatic improves these numbers to 28 and 39 respectively. Civic Natural Gas gets a different version of the same engine. Output is much lower at 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque, and fuel economy is 31 mpg combined. Those getting the Civic Hybrid will enjoy 110 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque from its electric motor and 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is outstanding at 44 mpg across the board. Lastly, Civic Si gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and yields 25 mpg combined. As for handling, Civic is regarded as one of the segment's best driving vehicles. Steering is more refined for 2013, and the suspension delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. It also received an extra dose of sound-deadening properties this year to keep the cabin quiet.

Technology

• Audio - The base four-speaker audio system does come with a CD player, iPod interface, auxiliary jack, and Pandora® functionality, but it only offers 160 watts. Unfortunately, even the upgrade version with seven speakers and XM® radio get the same power.
• Bluetooth - Use this feature with your mobile phone for hands-free calling.
• SMS Text Messaging - When you connect your phone to this interface, it will read your text messages to you.
• Navigation - The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is voice-controlled and can recognize more than 10 million points of interest.

Safety

Once again, Civic receives a -Top Safety Pick- award and is given a -Good- rating in roof, front, and side-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That being said, braking abilities are not as impressive. EX models take a very long 130 feet to stop from 60 mph while Si manages to do it in 120 feet, which still does not compete with others in this class. Standard and available features include:
• Lane-departure warning system
• Forward collision warning
• Traction control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Daytime running lights
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Stability control
• Emergency braking assist
• Rear door safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Remote anti-theft alarm system

Appearance

The 2013 Honda Civic is available in sedan and coupe body styles and in an array of trims. This is a simple but good looking car with clean lines and an aerodynamic roof. LX models have 15-inch steel wheels while Ex gets 16-inch alloy ones. Si models feature 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, and fog lights. So, this car can look very different depending on trim.

Comfort

Materials are noticeably nicer this year, and the dash and center stack have been tweaked to a more attractive and user-friendly layout. On the downside, depending on trim, there can be as many as 14 controls on the steering wheel, which can be a little overwhelming. When comparing Civic Sedan to Focus and Cruze, you immediately notice how much roomier Civic is. Even adult passengers can get comfortable in the back seat.

Cargo

Civic Sedan gets a generous 12.5 cubic feet trunk while Coupe gives you 11.7 cubes. Hybrid models only offer 10.7 cubes because of the battery pack.