2012 Honda Civic EX-L -Drive & Review

Courtesy of YNN/ Time Warner Cable
Aired: 11/17/2011

Has it been almost 40 years? Hard to believe, but the 2012 Honda Civic marks the model’s ninth generation of production in the United States. This week, Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a look at the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L.

The pint-size hatchback, which first showed up in the US during the historic oil crisis, has now evolved into sedans, coupes and hybrids. I test-drove the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L. Let’s take a closer look.

Make: 2012 Honda
Model: Civic EX-L
MPG: city / 39 hwy. mpg.
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl. engine with 140 hp.
Price: starts at $21,955

The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan is available in four trim levels — DX, EX, EX-L, and high-performance Si — each with its own assortment of standard features, from cloth or leather seating, available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with 6.5-inch color touch display, and voice activation on upper trim levels.

Standard on the EX-L:
•Navigation System
•Bluetooth
•iPod input
•Satellite radio
•Side/Curtain Airbags
•Stability Control
•Traction Control
•Driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
•Emergency braking assist

In Car Entertainment:
•7 total speakers
•360 watts stereo output
•AM/FM, CD, MP3 with USB connection and iPod integration
•Speed sensitive volume control
•8″ subwoofer
•Red ambient lighting on the center console

Competes with:
•Nissan Sentra
•Volkswagon Jetta
•Ford Focus
•Chevy Cruze
•Hyundai Elantra
•KIA Optima
•Mazda 3
•Subaru Impreza

Likes:
•”Econ” button worked really well
•Impressive navigation system
•Smooth ride
•Great trunk storage

Dislikes:
•Cheap interior plastics
•Excessive wind noise
•Slow throttle response

The 2012 Honda Civic EX-L has excellent fuel economy, tight handling, and a solid value.