Honda Civic represents the new average

The Honda Civic is a perfectly ordinary car.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Not counting the Si version, Honda Civics aren't exactly dreamcar. Posters of Honda Civics are not found adorning boys' bedroom walls. But Civics do have a reputation as good transportation. We looked at a 2010 Honda Civic EX-L, the top-of-the-line trim level, and found a car that was extraordinarily average. 

Since this generation of Civic launched in 2006, competition in the small-car segment has increased. Buyers have more and better choices than ever, and the Civic doesn't stand out from the crowd. With its 1.8-liter engine, 30 mpg fuel economy, six-speaker stereo, and basic Bluetooth phone system, it represents a tech car baseline, with features that should be any shopper's starting point.