2012 Honda Civic EX tested

Back when we announced that the redesigned-for-2012 Honda Civic LX scored too low to be recommended, we were asked what would have happened if we tested the up-level Civic EX. Given how much interest from our readers there is in the popular—and previously high-scoring—Civic, we bought one to find out.

Let me explain why we selected the Civic LX for the initial test: Honda sells approximately the same number of LX and EX Civics. We chose the less expensive $19,405 LX because its price falls more in line with the typical $20,000 small sedan in our Ratings than does the $21,275 EX. The EX has 16-inch wheels and tires instead of the LX's 15-inch running gear. But thanks to Honda's strict options packaging, the EX trim also includes a mandatory sunroof, which pushes up its price.

As you'd expect, the EX's bigger wheels and tires do improve braking distances and cornering grip, but those measures improve to merely OK rather than class-leading. Opting for the heavier, bigger-tire-shod EX also brings a fuel economy cost—one mpg overall in our instrumented testing. Here's how those performance numbers for the two Civics compare to our current CR Top Pick small sedan, the $18,205 Hyundai Elantra GLS:

Overall, while the Civic EX does score better than the LX, it still doesn't score high enough for us to recommend. That's because multiple inherent problems remain, including a choppy ride, abundant road noise, vague steering, and cheap interior. We do expect the Civic to be reliable, but that alone doesn't make it a good car.

That brings us back to the Civic EX's price. While we don't score cars based on price, it costs a fairly high sum for what you get. An Elantra Limited, with a sunroof, leather, and 17-inch alloy wheels comes in at $21,205. We haven't tested one, but it's likely that those additional features would improve its score over the already-top-scoring Elantra GLS. Never mind that a few hundred dollars more buys a bigger Hyundai Sonata.

Hopefully Honda can address the Civic's shortcomings in a mid-cycle refresh. But for now, the Civic remains a considerable fumble in a newly competitive market segment.

Related:
Honda redesigns: Is the automaker resting on its laurels?
2012 Honda Civic LX: Scores too low for Consumer Reports to recommend

—Tom Mutchler