2004 Honda Civic Review

Specifications

From A to Z and Back Again

I strongly believe everyone and their dog has owned, owns or at some time in their life is going to own a Honda Civic. For example, I was driving downtown one afternoon when the traffic light turned red. I was the first to stop. Then alongside me pulled up a fellow Civic driver, and beside this person was another Civic (with a dogs head peeking out the front window). Turning right onto the same main road was another Civic, and then turning left the oncoming traffic included a Civic. I felt like I was in one of those “Civic Nation” commercials, the TV ad where there are at least a thousand Civics all decked out in import-tuner “drag,” cruising the city streets and then magically ending up on the Bonneville salt flats; a charming commercial no doubt.

But of all the Civics in close proximity, mine delivered the most bells and whistles. First, the 2004 Coupe has an updated front and rear fascia, with new headlights and tail lights making it even sleeker than its predecessor. Although the differences are subtle between this and last years model, the updated rear lenses, now including circular reverse lights instead of the 2003 models rectangular ones, are the main “indicators” that I was driving a 2004 Civic EX Coupe.

Next, my test Coupe had optional front, side and rear skirts, adding to the “Civic Nation” feel. The body-colored option made the exterior less boring - in fact, I really like it. But what would have made it look better would have been larger diameter wheels and tires. The sporty EX coupe only comes with 195/60R15 all season radials on 15-inch alloy wheels, with inexcusably no option to “size-up.” With competition such as the Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V both offering 17-inch wheels and tires as part of their top-of-the-line trim packages, the Civic just cant compete.

Bigger tires or not, the EX still delivers amazing road handling skills. If I could sum up its handling in one word, it would be “stable.” Even at higher speeds and during tight turns, the coupe had minimal body roll and showed no signs of instability. The firmness of the steering coupled with an agile suspension made for quick A to B, to C and then onto D transportation. In fact, it was so fun Id take it to Z and back again. It features a front independent toe control link strut with stabilizer bar suspension and rear double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar suspension, combining a smooth ride with sporty driving dynamics. The front cloth bucket seats, with their substantial side bolstering, also made for a supportive yet comfortable ride.

Harnessing the power from the signature Honda V-TEC engine through its standard 5-speed manual transmission is easy, as there isnt a heck of a lot of power to begin with. Like its sedan sibling, shifting was ultra easy, smooth with relatively short throws considering the coupe doesnt come with a close-ratio gearbox. With 127 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, the 1.7-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, V-TEC 4-cylinder engine is again not nearly as enticing as engines offered by Honda competitors such as the Mazda3 (148 hp base engine and 160 optional engine), the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (162 hp) and Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (170 hp). Still its adequately powered for its size and class, and offers better fuel economy than any competitor previously mentioned.

Whenever I think of the word “coupe,” I think of poor visibility. In this case, I was proven half wrong. Visibility around the traditional C-pillar blind spots was surprisingly good. The tiny side window was large enough to let me see comfortably around the car without the need to take my eyes off the road for too long.

Visibility out the rear wasnt optimal, however, made worse by the inclusion of my test EX coupes rear trunklid spoiler. Also, the rear decklid is angled upwards making it harder to parallel park or back up than others in its class. The rear wing wasnt too much of a hindrance though, but it didnt help visibility either.

Other goodies my EX featured included a 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a carbon fiber look instrument panel and center console, and 4-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) coupled with the standard 4-wheel disc brakes. Base price of the Civic EX coupe starts at $16,860, but with an automatic transmission and side airbags it tops out at $17,910.

Standard features in the EX includes cruise control, cupholders, keyless entry remote, power door locks and windows, air conditioning, power moonroof with privacy glass and sunshade, 120-watt AM/FM/ stereo with CD player and 6 speakers and then some. Standard safety features include driver and passenger dual stage, dual threshold airbags (SRS) and immobilizer.

Although the Civic is a little underpowered and “under-rubbered” in comparison to most its competitors, its legendary reliability, performance and fuel economy make it extremely an extremely strong contender, perhaps thats why everyone and their dog has owned, owns or will one day own a Honda Civic.