2001 - 2005 Honda Civic Pre-Owned

But for those looking for slightly better fuel economy, Honda had an ace up its sleeve in 2003: the Honda Civic Hybrid. Using technology lifted from

The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid followed in the GX's eco-friendly footsteps using the same Integrated Motor Assist program found in the Honda Insight to net an EPA rating of 51 miles per gallon. (Photo: Honda Canada)

the Honda Insight, the Hybrid utilized Honda's signature Integrated Motor Assist to attain EPA mileage ratings of up to 4.6 L/100 km (51 mpg). Also, all models across the board gained optional front side airbags, making them that much safer. The interiors were freshened, sporting new seat fabrics, adjustable rear headrests, and new steering wheels. HX, LX, and EX models got better gauge elimination, and the HX and LX specifically received better centre consoles, as well as standard CD players. Outside, new wheels and redesigned taillights separate 2003 models from their predecessors.

The minor redesign continued in 2004, with the DX coupe being replaced by the VP coupe in the United States. More than just a name change, the VP coupe gained air

New bumpers, headlights, grills and hoods are among the changes that seperate 2004 Honda Civics from their predecessors. Also, a Value Package model based on the DX debuted, taking it's place as the cheapest Civic available. (Photo: Honda Canada)

conditioning, a CD player, and a centre console; all of which had been previously unavailable on the DX. The rest of the lineup was changed as well, and the 2004 Civic lineup sported a flashy new headlight and bumper package both front and rear, as well as a new hood and grille. Inside, all models of Civic benefited from increased sound deadening material as a result of numerous wind noise complaints, as well as higher quality speakers, since the previous ones had elicited complaints about tinny sound. Rounding out the lineup's updates were floormats for the LX and EX, keyless entry on all LX models, as well as slightly more interesting trim for the SiR. Honda's newest eco-friendly baby, the Hybrid, obviously got the same floormats and speakers as the other models, as well as the same centre console and adjustable rear seat headrests the HX and LX models had received last year. Finally, and perhaps most notably for some, Canadian Honda Civic fans with kids finally could enjoy the benefits the Si model in with four doors. As well, an additional model called the SE came into the lineup between the DX and LX models, giving buyers the option of getting AC, power locks, and adjustable steering without paying for the additional features of the LX or Si.

The final year of the seventh generation Civic saw the addition of the Special Edition in the US. The vaguely named model benefited from an MP3 capable six-disc CD player, as well as an auxiliary input jack to work in concert with portable music players. The rest of the models remained unchanged throughout their last year before being replaced by the all-new 2006 model.

So, what is the seventh generation Honda Civic? To put it simply, it's a

The seventh generation Civic astounded no one with its performance, and the suspension is generally considered a step backwards, but it's affordability, reliability, and high resale value helped the Civic overcome it's performance deficit and become the best selling compact car, period. (Photo: Honda Canada)

very, very sensible car. It's cheap, reliable, and owning one is more or less a worry-free experience, if not a thrilling one. With a myriad of engine options, none of them topping 160 horsepower, and a backwards suspension setup, the '01 to '05 Civic is simply not a performance machine. But, for those who aren't concerned with blistering acceleration and blackout-inducing lateral Gs, it may be just the ticket for hauling the kids to and from school in safety, without shelling out wads of cash every time you pass by a gas station. All in all, a very sensible choice indeed.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door coupe, 2-door hatchback,4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 115-hp, 110 lb-ft of torque,1.7L, 16-valve I-4
• Optional Engine: 117-hp, 111 lb-ft oftorque, 1.7L, 16-valve I-4
• Optional Engine: 127-hp, 114 lb-ft oftorque, 1.7L, 16-valve I-4
• Optional Engine: 160-hp, 132 lb-ft oftorque, 2.0L, 16-valve I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spdauto, CVT)
• Curb Weight (Coupe): 1,090 kg (2,405 lbs)
• Curb Weight (Sedan): 1,098 kg (2,421 lbs)
• Curb Weight (Si): 1,244 kg (2,744 lbs)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (optionalrear discs, ABS)
• Cargo Volume (Coupe): 365 L (12.9 cu ft)
• Cargo Volume (Sedan): 365 L (12.9 cu ft)
• Cargo Volume (Si): 611 L (21.6 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 32/38 MPG (EX, DX,LX)
•                                            36/44 MPG (HX)
•                                            46/51 MPG (Hybrid)
• Direct Competitors: Nissan Sentra, FordFocus, Toyota Chevy Cavalier,    Dodge SX2.0, Chrysler Neon, Mazda Protege,Mitsubishi Lancer, Pontiac Sunfire, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Mini
• Web Site: www.honda.ca