2017 Honda Civic Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2017 Honda Civic will now be available with the 1.5-liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a six-speed manual transmission for coupe and sedan models. A four-door hatchback is also on the way this year, as is the return of the sportier Si model.
Vehicle Summary
The 2017 Honda Civic front-drive compact is offered in sedan and coupe models. The Civic was all-new for the 2016 model year, and most of its features carried over for 2017. The Civic is slotted between the Fit and Accord in Honda's lineup.
Overview
For 2017, Honda will offer the Civic coupe and sedan with the new powertrain pairing of the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission. A 2.0-liter four cylinder engine (the base engine) is also available with a standard manual transmission, while both engine options can be paired with the available CVT. EPA fuel economy from the 2016 model year for the 1.5-liter engine is 31/42 mpg, while the 2.0-liter engine gets a rating of 31/41 mpg with the CVT and 27/40 with the manual.
The 2017 Honda Civic coupe and sedan models will be offered in multiple trim levels from LX to Touring. The manual transmission will come standard on the base models, while most trims feature the CVT as standard.
Safety
As most of the 2017 Honda Civic's features carry over from the previous model year, it's expected that the new Civic will earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, as the sedan and coupe models earned this designation for 2016. Safety features include an ACE body structure, front, side, and curtain airbags. Standard active safety features include ABS brakes, brake assist, LED daytime running lights, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Optional safety features include dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation.
What We Think
The 2017 Honda Civic is now a year into its 10th generation, and although in recent years the car wasn't the most exciting vehicle in its segment, the redesigned model is much improved. The exterior moves away from safe, subdued styling in favor of an exterior that sparks interest. The interior offers up more passenger and cargo room, with rear passengers sitting more comfortably, but the sloping roof makes it harder to get in and out of the rear seat for taller passengers.
For cars as efficient as they are, the engines deliver a modestly powerful punch, and the overall driving dynamics of the Civic are spirited. The Honda Civic may offer well-controlled body motions and good performance, but the steering feel could be tighter. The 2017 Honda Civic clamors to once again be one of the top contenders in the compact segment, no longer comfortable with complacency.
Look for a new four-door hatchback model to join the coupe and sedan this year, with a sportier Civic Si model making more than 200 hp.
Cool Fact
On the upcoming hatch and sedan, the 2017 model year marks the first time that Honda will pair the 1.5-liter direct-injected VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission.
Key Competitors
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Hyundai Elantra
- Nissan Sentra
- Mazda3
- Toyota Corolla
