Honda Civic: Stylish and Practical

When I was seventeen I wouldn't be caught dead in anything but a sleek red sports car. But when I reached my late twenties, I desired something more practical. And since then, I've owned several Honda Civics. The Honda Civic is both stylish and practical. It's a fun-to-drive vehicle with a reputation for reliability.

The Honda Civic line offers sedans, coupes and even a hatchback. I purchased the Civic EX sedan for just under $20,000 nicely equipped, including a tilt and slide glass sunroof, 15 inch aluminum wheels, power mirrors, upgraded audio with six speakers, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

I've owned Civics in black, white and silver. To my surprise, after ditching my beloved sports cars, I received numerous complements on "such a stylish car."

I drove the Honda Civic regularly from my home in New Jersey into Manhattan. It's large enough to feel safe and compact enough to find a parking spot on the crowded city streets. It's no wonder the Honda Civic remains one of the country's best-selling automobiles.

For those who are looking for something environmental-friendly, I suggest taking a look at the Honda Civic Hybrid. While three specialized Civics are specifically designed to minimize environmental impact and deliver better fuel economy, the Hybrid sedan is the most extreme. It gets up to fifty-one miles per gallon thanks to an electric motor that never needs to be plugged in. I test drove a Civic Hybrid, and driving one feels just like driving a conventional Civic.

Even the regular Honda Civic sedans are fuel efficient. They perform nicely with free-revving engines and solid handling. And they are comfortable, not only for the driver and front seat passenger, but for backseat passengers as well. It was the first vehicle I owned where I didn't receive any complaints about the cramped backseat. Plus the trunk is large, leaving the owner with plenty of storage space.

The six-cylinder engine provides adequate power for acceleration, merging and passing. It takes turns nicely. The Honda Civic evolved wonderfully from its ancestors, after subtle styling changes were made in 2004. The hood, bumpers, headlights and grilles were redesigned in the likeness of the smooth-looking Honda Accord.

So, if you're looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle, that's both comfortable and fun to drive at a reasonable cost, test drive a Honda Civic. For those in the market for a used vehicle, check out the pre-owned Honda Civics at your Civic dealer.