The Detroit Free Press has an interesting look at how Honda brought the Civic back to its hip roots. “After gaining mass appeal, Honda was wary of pushing design too far for fear of turning off customers,” the article explains. However, in the early 2000s it was clear the Civic was losing some respect from young people and tuners. So when Honda set out to design the new Civic, it “took drastic measures.” First, the team came up with a bold design — a steep-slanting hood and windshield. Focus groups were reportedly “freaked out” by the dramatic look, but Honda stuck with the radical design. “It’s a huge hit,” says enthusiast Jeff Palmer. “It’s definitely gotten a lot of the mojo back for Honda.”
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05/15, 2:42 PM
posted by:
BCM
Interesting that the article does noit discuss the interior design, which isn’t up to the standards of the exterior. Nor that the US version is rather tame-looking compared to the European model.
05/15, 3:04 PM
posted by:
JW
They must’ve been high when they designed it after the old old toyota minivans that look like space ships… they shouldve made it really customizeable like scions.
05/15, 3:17 PM
posted by:
TH
Funny, The GTI was compared against the Civic SI, both in Car & Driver and Road & Track two months ago. Both said it was pretty good but the GTI was better. But not bad for a grocery getter.
05/15, 3:23 PM
posted by:
Adriano Faur
I think they’re talking about the european Civic, the US version is as bland as always
05/15, 3:28 PM
posted by:
Jon
I don’t like the new fascia of the ‘Americanized’ civic. The rest however is pure gold, especially the rear, very good looking and they did not copy anyone else’s design; which happens so often these days.
Jon.
05/15, 3:54 PM
posted by:
Ahk-Med
Anyone want to name a better car sold in North America that starts at 14.5k or less?
05/15, 4:03 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
I work at one of thelargest Honda Dealers in Michigan, we have 6 Civic’s both coupe’s and sedans for sale. The Si has a 3 month wait list nationwide, the hybrid is about a 4 month wait list atleast in Michigan. Si’s and Hybrid’s are still bringing premium prices as well 8 months after their release. If Honda screwed up please elaborate how. The Si lost to the GTI only because it lacks a hatchback and because as a daily driver its not as friendly. Around a track the Si wins hands down, and 1/4 times are within .5 seconds. The Si also has like 70 less lb/ torque than the GTI and is naturally aspirated
05/15, 5:50 PM
posted by:
JW
#6 ….Dodge Caliber
05/15, 5:52 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Ugh, I hate the look of the Civic. Damn Japs need to hire new designers, IMHO.
05/15, 5:54 PM
posted by:
Cartman
I think the new Civic looks great and is a perfect example of why the U.S. automakers continue to lose market share, which is design by focus group. Look at everything from Ford and GM that is not retro (Pontiac G6, the new Ford sedan that is so boring I can’t remember it’s name etc.) Focus groups don’t buy cars. You have to inspire people and create some emotional reaction.
05/15, 6:09 PM
posted by:
Carlos
“Funny, The GTI was compared against the Civic SI, both in Car & Driver and Road & Track two months ago. Both said it was pretty good but the GTI was better. But not bad for a grocery getter.”
Some reviews have gone the other way (edmunds.com, I think), and there’s a significant price difference too. But the important thing is that the Civic Si’s market likes it (and don’t care about the things that make the GTI a better all-around car). Their complaints are far fewer than the ones they had about the last Civic Si, and on that basis one can say the Si is ‘back’.
I’m not really in love with the USDM design, but it’s working (including the interior) for a lot of people, and it DOES make everything else look old.
05/16, 10:51 AM
posted by:
E
It’s amazing how bland the US market is… I was watching a review of the new Euro-spec Civic coupe on Top Gear last week, and it’s very different from the US version.