Still Running Strong After 5 Years

With the release of the 2011 Honda Civic, the tradition of the 4 to 5 year model change has been extended, but is that a bad thing? Good looks, great performance, top safety, vast aftermarket support, and affordable prices never go out of style. With an average of nearly 200,000 units sold annually, this current model may be arguably the most popular generation of the Civic platform. With the success and popularity of this current Civic, It's welcome to hang around for a year or two longer, although we do believe that 2011 will be the last year of this generation Civic.

When the 8th generation Civic was introduced in 2006 it already looked ahead of it's time, with its futuristic snub nose front end, aerodynamic ultra low windshield profile and sporty stance. With the mid-model facelift received in 2009, the 2011 Honda Civic is in no danger of loosing its edge. The exterior and interior changes, as well as the new wheel designs introduced in the mid-model change still feel fresh, while maintaining the familiarity that we have come to expect from the Civic. While the exterior color options are still the same as the previous year, the 2011 Civic Si still looks just as menacing in crystal black pearl, and the hybrid looks just as vibrant as last year, wearing atomic blue metallic paint.

Just like the color options, the powertrain options for the 2011 Civics remain the same. The 2.0 liter dual overhead cam i-VTEC engine in the Si trim is just as potent of a powerplant as it was when it debuted. While the 1.8 liter found in the DX through EX trims also remains unchanged, there is nothing wrong with an engine producing 140 horsepower while achieving a combined EPA estimate of 29 MPG. The McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions still deliver phenomenal ride quality and class leading handling characteristics, while the ACE body structure, side curtain airbags and occupant position detection system provide excellent passenger protection. Although the safety and performance features are the same as last year, Honda has a history of having industry leading innovations and the 8th generation Civic models are no exception.

Honda not only continues the tradition of being at the forefront of vehicle design, but provides all these technical innovations at extremely affordable prices. For years the Civic has been synonymous with value, and the 2011 Honda Civic continues that tradition. With a starting price of under $16,000 the current Civic makes a ton of sense in a strained economy, or at any time for that matter. The "bang for the buck" that the 2011 Honda Civic provides makes it the perfect fit for value hunters or people seeking the competitive edge without breaking the bank.

While the technical specs and value may be quite the same as last year, the aftermarket continues to innovate new ways to customize the Civic platform. Customization provides owners the means to improve upon this already great vehicle and create truly unique expressions of themselves. From cold air intakes and bolt on turbo kits, to custom wheels and exterior styling, the extensive aftermarket support of the 8th generation Civic offers so many options that we are in no danger of becoming bored with this model. In essence, the 2011 Civic is the same as its predecessor; a highly customizable, value packed, safe, performance oriented machine.

---