2014 Honda Civic Pros vs Cons

Mr. Dependable: The 2014 Honda Civic

For over 25 years, the Honda Civic has remained one of the best-selling cars in the country. Thousands of Civic owners have grown to love the car’s unmatched reliability and impressive fuel efficiency. Unsurprisingly, the 2014 Honda Civic is expected to continue its domination of the compact sedan segment. From soccer moms to business owners, they can all be seen sprinting down the highway in a Civic. [ For the 2015 model see - Honda Civic Pros and Cons ]

What’s new for 2014?

Although the 2014 Honda Civic retains its same basic design, there are a few noteworthy improvements. To give the Civic a more aggressive nature, the coupe versions have received a sportier front fascia and new taillight lenses. The hood, fenders, and bumpers have also been designed to exude a more performance-oriented flair. These upgrades will certainly appeal to the drivers who desire the appearance of a legitimate sports coupe. To improve fuel economy and driver satisfaction, a continuous variable transmission replaces the five-speed automatic gearbox. Every Civic trim now comes standard with a rear-view camera system.

Ten Reasons to Buy a 2014 Honda Civic - the Pros

1) The Civic‘s proven dependability is one of its most intriguing selling points. With just the basic maintenance, the proven four-cylinder engine has the capability of lasting well over 300,000 miles. The low-maintenance design of the Civic is a very important consideration for budget-minded motorists.

2) With the price of gas being so unpredictable, the Civic’s excellent fuel economy will certainly provide some relief at the gas pump. The continuous variable transmission helps the Civic to deliver an efficient 39 miles-per-gallon on the highway. However, the available HF trim boasts an even higher fuel economy rating of 41 mpg during highway driving.

3) Some drivers love the thrill of shifting gears in a manual transmission. Performance enthusiasts will love the smoothness of the five-speed manual gearbox. When the throttle is punched, the manual-equipped Civic can race to 60 mph in less than eight seconds.

4) Aside from the standard rear-view camera system, the 2014 Civic is also available with Honda’s innovative LaneWatch camera system. With the assistance of a side-view camera, the LaneWatch feature allows the driver to obtain a complete view of their blind-spot. This system is especially beneficial when switching lanes on the highway.

5) Although the Civic is classified as a compact car, it still has a surprising amount of interior room. This means that the driver as well as the rear-seat passengers will have enough room to stretch out. While the Civic can not match the cargo capacity of a large sedan, the available trunk space will suit the needs of most drivers.

6) Unlike some of the other compact vehicles in it class, a high-performance version of the Civic is offered. Equipped with a sports-tuned suspension and a 205-horsepower engine, the racy Civic SI is able to compete head-to-head with sports cars such as the Scion FR-S and Hyundai Tiburon.

7) Most motorists love the great handling ability of the Civic. The agility of the car comes in handy during emergency situations that require quick maneuvers. Even in its base trim, the Civic is very fun to drive. Honda’s legendary Vtec valve system is able to provide an additional burst of performance when needed.

8) While the Kia Forte has proved to be a formidable competitor, it still can not match the resell value of the Civic. As long as the Civic is kept in relatively good condition, the owner can expect the car’s value to decrease at a very slow rate.

9) The Civic is available with all of the creature comforts that are sought by today’s motorists. Some of the features include a 160-watt audio system, navigation, leather seating, and Bluetooth technology.

10) The Civic’s five-star safety rating provides the driver with an additional sense of security. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and plenty of air bags help to keep all of the passengers safe.

Reasons You May Not Want To Buy a 2014 Honda Civic - the Cons

1) Drivers who live in areas that experience harsh winter weather may benefit from an all-wheel drive system. Unfortunately, the 2014 Civic is only offered with a front-wheel drive setup.

2) Some drivers prefer traditional automatic transmissions. Although the Civic’s CVT is a great all-around performer, the driving experience differs from a traditional automatic gearbox.

3) The Civic is known as a very practical machine. However, it does not offer a hatchback version. Some people find that a hatchback design offers more versatility.

4) Families will probably prefer the four-door model of the Civic. The two-door coupe may present a challenge for children.

If you are seeking a practical vehicle that has a reputation of being super reliable, you should definitely look at the Civic. The Civic's fun on-road character is just icing on the cake.