2008 Honda Civic Sedan

The Civic has developed a reputation over the years as a safe, reliable and practical vehicle for value-conscious buyers. Its universal appeal has made it one of the best-selling model lines in North America.

Honda's success can be attributed to not only the many trims lines it offers, from the entry-level DX to the loaded and luxurious EX-L, but also to the way each trim comes standard with the same efficient engine, refined chassis and long list of safety features.

The Civic was completed redesigned for the 2006 model year.

The 1.8-liter four-cylinder strikes a good balance between power and fuel economy. With 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, it provides lively performance for moving around the Civic's relatively light 2,600 to 2,800 pounds (weight varies depending on equipment level).

With the standard five-speed manual transmission, it returns an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. With the optional five-speed automatic, these numbers change to 25 and 36, respectively.

As stated, the DX is the base Civic. To keep the price down, many convenience items are left off including air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, map lights and even floor mats.

The next trim up, the LX, has these features and more, while the EX and EX-L pile on the amenities.

These top models come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, heated exterior mirrors and six-speaker CD stereo. In addition, leather seats are standard on the EX-L. A navigation system is optional.

The two-tier dashboard of the Civic is unique, featuring a digital speedometer up top near the windshield and an analog tachometer down below.

Enhancing the Civic's appeal among environmentalists, the sedan is also offered in two fuel-sipping versions, a gas-electric hybrid and natural-gas model.

The hybrid model has a 110-horsepower gas motor and 20-horsepower electric motor. It comes with a continuously variable transmission and gets an estimated and impressive 40 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway.

The 113-horsepower natural-gas model can be set up for refueling at home. Its efficiency is estimated at 24 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.