2005 Honda Civic Reverb Road Test

Having said that, there are design aspects of the interior which could be called into question. As one of my favourite

The silver-trimmed six-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 capabilities is a nice touch to the Reverb motif, it just looks completely out of place. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

temporary little monsters entered the Reverb, the first words out of his young mouth were "the CD player doesn't go with the rest of the car!" Ah, the honesty of children, but I couldn't agree with him more.

While the silver-trimmed six-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 capabilities is a nice touch to the Reverb motif, it just looks completely out of place with its black backdrop. But take that as you will. To some, the contrast might be appealing, but for me, it would better blend if perhaps there was some silver trim around the instrument cluster, climate knobs or gear selector.

After all, with a name meaning "A reverberative effect produced in recorded music by electronic means," I would expect the interior to harmonize on a higher note. This is however, not to discredit the functionality of the

The visibility out of the Civic was not so great, but then, visibility in coupes is generally less than optimal. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

souped-up audio system. For not having a subwoofer, the AM/FM stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD player including equalizer sounded quite good. Just like the Civic itself, the stereo system was easy to use and ready to rock (and roll). Too bad the engine doesn't sport such power.

Anemic acceleration aside, the visibility out of the Civic was not so great, but then, visibility in coupes is generally less than optimal. Depending on my seating position, whether I was sitting closer to the wheel or a little more relaxed, the 'B' pillars often obstructed my vision. In addition, the trunk lid spoiler was at the perfect height to often block other cars' headlights from my vision in the rear-view mirror. I'm of average height so that might not be applicable for everyone.