2003 Honda Civic

But the Civic can't be described that easily because the lineup is composed of a family of diverse models: a practical four-door sedan, a slick two-door coupe, and a hot hatchback.

Honda completely redesigned the entire Civic line for 2001. Refinements for 2002 included improved handling and reduced noise and vibration, though we think there is still room for improvement in that area.

For 2003, sedans and coupes come with improved seat fabrics and the outboard rear headrests are now adjustable. There's a sporty new four-spoke steering wheel on most versions, and a new center console and armrest on LX and EX. Civic LX and HX models now come with a standard CD player, and the driver's seat on the LX is now height-adjustable, as it has been on the EX. Aluminum wheels are now standard on the EX coupe. Hybrid gas-electric cars have recently been in the news as the government threatens to increase fuel economy standards. Major manufacturers are busy talking about producing hybrid SUVs to help improve their economy. However, just two companies, Honda and Toyota, have actually brought hybrid cars to market.

Honda has gone one better than anyone with the world's first mass-produced hybrid. What's more it's used to power the most popular subcompact car in America, the Honda Civic.

Many people mistakenly think a hybrid car needs charging like an electric car. Far from it, a hybrid runs on gasoline just like a regular car. What makes the car special is that there is an auxiliary electric motor that works to assist the small gasoline engine when extra power is needed. Honda calls this the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system.

In 1999 Honda introduced the first ever hybrid, the Insight, as a specialized hand-built high-tech two-seater car that is still on the market. But it had limited appeal because of its small size.

This should change with the Civic Hybrid with its increased practicality. It is a car that makes sense for owners interested in great fuel economy and low emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Civic Hybrid at 48/47 mpg on its City/Highway test. The most remarkable thing about this car is that it seems unremarkable: For the most part, driving this gas-electric Civic is just like driving a regular gas-powered Civic.
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