I dove into the Japanese auto market back in 1974, I was always a Honda motorcycle fan so I figured they can't really go wrong with a car. 1973 was the first year of the Honda Civic in the US, not one to buy the first year of anything I waited until 1974 when I purchased a Civic with a trunk. This was powered by a 1200 cc four cylinder with a manual transmission. I commuted in this car 6 years averaging 30 plus miles per gallon.
Fast forward to today and Civic is alive and well, in fact you can choose from seven models, back in 1974 you had two models to choose from, a hatchback or with a trunk.
Today's Honda Civic is the drivers car, basic in that you have what you need to get from point A to point B with little effort or expense but very comfortable. Honda touts 39 miles per gallon, the best I have been able to get with cruise control, running 65 miles per hour reading the average miles per hour gauge on the dash says I can't get more than 37.4.
This is really not a problem, anything over 30 miles per gallon is OK in my book, especially when you can get a Civic for a base price starting at less than $16,000 dollars!
My test vehicle was the EX model with tons of base features, like A/C, four wheel disc brakes, Mc Pherson struts up front and rear multi-link in the rear, four door with plenty of room for rear passengers sand back seat that will flip 60/40 and fold for added storage in the trunk and back seat. You get other features standard like tire pressure monitoring, 160 watt sound system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 with six speakers well positioned around the cabin of the Civic. The steering wheels has cruise control, audio and phone controls to help keep your eyes on the road, you can also keep an eye on your fuel economy, push the Eco button and watch the money you will save. Going up hill? You may want to turn off the Eco button for this part of the trip, you will need the power.
You also bet Bluetooth, USB connectivity, center console, power windows with auto up/down power for the driver window, tilt and telescope, 12-volt outlets, exterior temp gauge. Also included in the base price, a one touch tilt/electric sunroof, auto off headlights, variable wipers, remote keyless entry, and heated rear window defroster.
Safety is abundant, dual front airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti lock brakes, brake assist, side impact beams in the doors, front and rear crumple zones all designed to keep you and your passengers safe!
I enjoyed this Honda Civic, it has truly come a lone way hauling families and college students since 1974, I would put this in my garage if I was looking for basic transportation with a little luxury all rolled into a car that cost less that $22,000 plus tax license, I would buy!