The wise choice.
In 2001, Honda launched the 7th generation of its ever-popular Civic. Few would have guessed back in 1973 that the Civic would become the best selling car in Canada. It was quite small yet had room for four passengers and managed 40 miles per gallon. Compared to the much larger, better equipped American cars on the road, it seemed to be outclassed. At around the same time, people began to be more conscientious about fuel consumption and pollution. The demand for these small cars grew exponentially and eventually every manufacturer had one on the road. Even though there were and still are many sub-compact cars to choose from, very few can match the reliability, resale value, economy and the "fun to drive" factor of the Honda Civic. This is why it has been the best selling car and vehicle (has outsold the Chrysler minivans) in Canada for a number of years.
To keep buyers interested, Honda has in the past introduced sporty versions such as the SiRs with more powerful engines, better brakes, skirt kits and spoiler. They do this to maintain its grasp on the younger market with the hopes that they will eventually become repeat buyers. The Civic Reverb is an example of this part original, part after-market look that, at the moment, is very hot with the tuner crowds.
A base Civic coupe or sedan retails for $16,200 and the top Civic Si Coupe with the automatic transmission sells for $23,600, excluding the Hybrid. The tested Civic Reverb equipped with the manual gearbox can be purchased for $19,100.
Exterior styling
The Civic is a champion of subdued styling. Simplicity is the order of the day. For many, the aforementioned characteristics represent what they are searching for in a car's styling. For others, lower body-side extensions, a deeper front fascia, bumper extensions, a rear spoiler and the 2003 SiR's alloy wheels are what they are looking for. If this is the case, the Reverb is the answer. The skirt kit distinguishes the Reverb from even the Si-G coupe and personally, I find it tasteful and not too over the top. The body panels are well assembled and paint application is smooth and even.
Interior styling
The black interior is very sombre and yet, inviting at the same time. The dash is very simple and well thought out. The gauges are large and very easy to read. The plastics and other materials used are once again for Honda, top notch. The look and feel is classy and the fit and finish are first class. The big double-din after-market style radio generates a clear powerful sound, however reception is quite poor.
The front seats are firm and very comfortable. Lateral support is also quite good. The quality of the Japanese maker's seats make for another feather that Honda can tuck into their hat. Interior room for both front and rear passengers is very generous. The trunk is also impressively large. The big boot-lid makes for easy loading and unloading.
I found a few spot welds on the inside of the doors that looked like they had been forgotten during the assembly. Otherwise though, the rest of the car is well assembled. Visibility overall is quite good. The only downside is that the trunk spoiler of the Reverb does partially block the rearward view.
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To keep buyers interested, Honda has in the past introduced sporty versions such as the SiRs with more powerful engines, better brakes, skirt kits and spoiler. They do this to maintain its grasp on the younger market with the hopes that they will eventually become repeat buyers. The Civic Reverb is an example of this part original, part after-market look that, at the moment, is very hot with the tuner crowds.
A base Civic coupe or sedan retails for $16,200 and the top Civic Si Coupe with the automatic transmission sells for $23,600, excluding the Hybrid. The tested Civic Reverb equipped with the manual gearbox can be purchased for $19,100.
Exterior styling
 |
Interior styling
The black interior is very sombre and yet, inviting at the same time. The dash is very simple and well thought out. The gauges are large and very easy to read. The plastics and other materials used are once again for Honda, top notch. The look and feel is classy and the fit and finish are first class. The big double-din after-market style radio generates a clear powerful sound, however reception is quite poor.
 |
I found a few spot welds on the inside of the doors that looked like they had been forgotten during the assembly. Otherwise though, the rest of the car is well assembled. Visibility overall is quite good. The only downside is that the trunk spoiler of the Reverb does partially block the rearward view.