Best Details: 2016 Honda Civic

The 2016 Honda Civic's base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for the class, according to test drivers, though they note that the optional turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gives you a satisfying boost in power. The Honda Civic comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic (CVT) is optional.

The 2016 Civic gets an EPA-estimated 31/41 mpg city/highway with the base engine and the automatic transmission, which is excellent for a compact car. Turbocharged Civics are rated at 31/42 mpg, according to the EPA. The Honda Civic rides smoothly, according to auto writers, and it handles corners with agility. Reviewers are also impressed with the Civic's sharp steering and strong brakes.

Interior Summary

The 2016 Civic has a quiet interior with premium materials and spacious rear seats, according to critics. The Civic's trunk capacity is excellent for the class. Reviewers are impressed with the number of high-end features available in the Civic, though they note that the optional touch-screen infotainment system has frustrating controls.

Standard features include a rearview camera, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Pandora Internet radio compatibility and a USB port. Available features include heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, a moonroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an eight- or 10-speaker audio system, a touch-screen infotainment system, satellite radio, navigation and the Honda Sensing package, which includes forward collision warning, automatic pre-collision braking, active lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

• "No longer a strong buy on name recognition alone, the 2016 Honda Civic is a genuinely good car that is now leading the compact sedan class. Stylish, agile and peppy (at least in 1.5L guise), with several new tech features to boot, the Civic is the total package.
• "The all-new compact is a return to the kind of car that made the Civic a favorite with generations of Americans: fun to drive, fuel efficient and good looking. After several disappointing years, the new car puts the Civic back where it belongs among the best compacts on the market." -- The Detroit 
• "Aggressive targets and excellent engineering have wrought a Civic that should be one of the best cars in the segment to drive and live with.

Other Cars to Consider

The Mazda3 has sharp handling, critics say, and is one of the most fun-to-drive cars in the class. Reviewers also love its premium interior, which features a standard touch-screen infotainment system that they think is intuitive.

The Kia Forte earns praise for its spacious back seat and trunk and for its user-friendly optional infotainment system, which has traditional buttons and knobs in addition to a touch-screen display.

Details: 2016 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year. The 2016 Civic seats five and is available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-T, EX-L and Touring. The Civic comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission (CVT) is available. EX-T and higher trims have a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired exclusively with a CVT.