A subcompact from its inception, is rated in the compact segment with the arrival of a seventh-generation four-door sedan and two-door coupe for 2001.
Honda wider cabin, especially with the increase of 5 million ceiling and removing seats from the floor. The coupe was slung a bit lower, though the back seat was still quite decent.
The Honda has stiffened the unibody structure with an emphasis on disclosure practices and refining the street Civic (the coupe was further enhanced for even better ride-and-handling characteristics). By selective use of high strength steel, where appropriate, all Civics won good ranking of the crash.
Four-door sedan and two-door coupe body style return front-drive Civic, but the two-door hatchback is gone. The most spacious interior in 2001 moved to the category of Civic compact cars subcompact, according to the criteria EPA.
Power for all models now come from 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which replaces 1.6-liter. Also new to the composition is a model coupe LX.
Although the interior is larger, the new Civic is about half an inch shorter at 174.6 inches. Honda trimmed off about 2.5 cm from the front and add 2 inches in the rear. The coupe and sedan share the hood, front fenders, front bumper and headlights, but the coupe has a steeper windshield and is 1.6 inches shorter.
The sport made-in-England hatchback Sir joined the lineup for 2002, packing a 160-hp 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC engine and unique style.
Long admired for improving the mechanical, the 2001 Civic probably took a step backwards in terms of noise and harshness. On the DX and LX versions, the engines produce 115 horsepower. EX models have variable valve technology and Honda 127 hp. Both engines are available with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
The coupe HX has a 117-hp «lean burn" engine Honda says works with reduced emissions. The CVT transmission is also available on a new GX model that runs on compressed natural gas.
Car and driver and the engine has been possible at higher speeds, wind noise was widespread and the steering was nowhere near as sharp and exposed the biggest Civics.
The new Civic feels more solid and substantial and is quieter than its predecessor. Horsepower ratings are virtually the same as last year, but the new engines develop more torque, which gives the Civic a stronger force passing and smoother operation with an automatic gearbox. Prices increased in small amounts, so there's still plenty of value in the line of Civic.