Flash Drive

2015 Honda Civic Sedan

 

The 2015 Honda Civic is stylish in a slightly conservative way, which is good for resale values.
The 2015 Honda Civic is stylish in a slightly conservative way, which is good for resale values.

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan 

Engine: 1.8-liter I-4, 143 horsepower 129 lb-ft torque 

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 30/City—39/Highway—33/Combined

Base Price: $24,340

As Tested: $25,130 

Performance:

Smooth 4-cylinder engine with good mix of power and economy

Very nice CVT transmission; improved from earlier versions

Pleasant highway ride

Easy to maneuver around town

Good city fuel economy; excellent highway economy

ECO mode via dash-mounted button 

Comfort:

The Honda Civic interior features quality materials and ample room.
The Honda Civic interior features quality materials and ample room.

Roomy interior belies the compact exterior

Outstanding front legroom

Quality interior materials

Soft, but supportive heated front seats

Thick, slightly contoured steering wheel

Sliding center armrest

Back seat knee room suffers when front seats are all back

Very good headroom

The 2015 Honda Civic is an outstanding commuter car.
The 2015 Honda Civic is an outstanding commuter car.

Utility:

Excellent auxiliary steering wheel controls

Medium size interior storage areas

Four overhead grab handles

Split rear seats fold almost flat, but higher than trunk floor

Spacious trunk with flat floor 

WOW Factors:

Near hybrid highway fuel economy figures

Spacious interior, especially for the driver

The Honda Civic is available  as a hybrid, but non-hybrids also deliver excellent fuel economy.
The Honda Civic is available as a hybrid, but non-hybrids also deliver excellent fuel economy.

Handsome although conservative styling

Quality construction

Strong resale value 

Whines:

Low tire pressure warning was erratic during very cold weather

Odd shaped, rather small pass-through opening from trunk to folded back seat

Substantial lift-over height on trunk opening 

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Honda Civic sedan lineup continues to enjoy great success and rightfully so. It’s not the most exciting compact sedan, but it’s spacious, very well built, and does everything efficiently.