2012 Honda Civic LX Sedan 5-Speed AT

As in previous years, the Civic is offered in sedan and coupe versions. With three trim levels (LX, EX and EX-L) there's a Civic to suit any need, ranging from basic commuter car to compact family tourer. The high-performance Civic Si provides sporty and practical city driving.

Meanwhile, those looking for a greener car have plenty of options: the Civic HF, which has the same engine as the base model but adds a host of fuel-saving measures; the Civic Hybrid, which carries Honda's mild-hybrid system; and the Civic Natural Gas, a special version powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

The 140-horsepower, 1.8L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that powers most of the Civic lineup provides perky performance with either the standard 5-speed manual gearbox or 5-speed automatic. All models have electric power steering that is responsive in feel yet saves fuel.

Hybrid models come with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, which pairs a somewhat larger 1.5L 4-cylinder engine with a 23-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Civic Natural Gas models come with a 110-hp version of the 1.8L.

Civic Si models appeal to performance enthusiasts with a strong, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The engine revs high, with a 7,000 rpm redline, but also makes more torque and accessible power at lower revs. The Si is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox and comes with a limited-slip front differential and sport-tuned suspension, among many appearance and feature extras.

Front side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are included on all 2013 Civic models, as is a standard rear backup camera and Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering, which helps nudge the driver back toward stability if the computer finds the vehicle on the verge of a skid.

The new Civic interior features excellent soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality cloth upholstery is featured throughout. Front seats offer great support, especially the side bolsters. Sedans come with a trunk that's more than ample for a long weekend for two or a large load of groceries, while Civic coupes sacrifice some trunk and rear-seat space for their sportier profile. In most Civic models, the rear seatbacks fold forward for expanded trunk capacity. Both the Hybrid and Natural Gas models have a fixed rear seatback, due to their unique powertrains.

Most Civic models feature an ECON mode that changes powertrain parameters and is more sparing with the air-conditioning compressor to maximize fuel economy. The Civic Si models come with a Power Monitor, which provides real-time information about engine output. Hybrids include a more sophisticated i-MID display that helps coach the driver toward more fuel-efficient driving.

All Civic models include power windows and an auto up/down driver's window. A key fob-based remote entry system is also included. The EX, EX-L and Si models also include a power moonroof with sliding sunshade.