If the CVT transmission, which we rate as tops for clever design and would like to see available in all three body styles, isn't your cup of tea, Honda offers enough alternatives within the Civic line to suit almost any compact-car buyer. Regardless of powertrain, the Civic offer top performance and economy. And there's a higher level of mechanical refinement than those unfamiliar with Hondas might expect in this class. For price-conscious buyers, a DX with selected extras is a very good value. A top-of-the-line EX sedan may seem less so at $16,480 ($800 more with an automatic transmission), especially since that's $1000 above the price of a base Accord. But if reliability, economy, compact exterior dimensions and an unexpected (but welcome) dose of driving pleasure are important to you, the Civic is a top choice.
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