No matter which Civic you choose, this Honda’s traditional strengths in comfort, overall quality and safety are all still firmly intact. Though we suggest doing a bit of comparison shopping - the sporty Mazda 3, affordable Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Rabbit/Jetta are also very good choices - the 2009 Honda Civic remains an ideal pick for a small sedan or coupe.

The current Honda Civic represents the eighth generation of this popular car. Introduced for the 2006 model year, the current Civic is available as a coupe or sedan. Both styles share five trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. All trims get a broad range of safety features, such as antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In terms of premium features, the DX is pretty limited, and you’ll have to jump up to the LX, EX and EX-L trims to get amenities such as air-conditioning and power accessories.

All trims but the Si are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 140 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Driving enthusiasts might want to take a look at the Civic Si. Offered in both coupe and sedan body styles, the Si is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 197 hp. It comes exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The Civic sedan is also available in three special trims: GX, Hybrid and Mugen Si. Powered by a 113-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Civic GX runs on clean-burning compressed natural gas. The Civic Hybrid features Honda’s latest Integrated Motor Assist system, which consists of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 20-hp electric motor. Total output is 110 hp. The Hybrid comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 40/45 mpg. The limited-production Mugen Si offers a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance exhaust and a specialized body kit.

In reviews and road tests, our editors found the Honda Civic to be a well-rounded car. Inside, this Civic has a dramatic-looking interior that features a two-tier dashboard layout. A digital speedometer sits on top of the dash, while the tachometer sits underneath. The 1.8-liter engine won’t overwhelm anyone, but it provides enough power for comfortable city driving. Honda has tuned the coupe to feel sportier than the sedan. Both are fun to drive, with great steering feel and impressive handling.

The 2009 Honda Civic is a small car available as a sedan or coupe. For both, there are five main trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda also offers the DX Value Package, the LX-S, the Hybrid and the GX.

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