The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX-L is a Front-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve engine which outputs 140 hp @ 6500 rpm and is paired with 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX-L has cargo capacity of 344 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1267 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX-L has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers and. Safety features also include Driver-side front airbag and Passenger-side front airbag. The front suspension is Independent front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a It has 16'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 153 N.m of torque and a top speed of 191 km/h. The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX-L accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds and hits quarter mile at 16.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.2 L/100km in the city and 5 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 24,390
| Name | EX-L | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 24,390 | |
| Body | Sedan | |
| Doors | 4 Doors | |
| Engine | 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | |
| Power | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | |
| Number of Seats | 5 Seats | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission | |
| Cargo Space | 344.0 L | |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 344.0 L | |
| Wheel Type | 16'' alloy wheels | |
| Series | Civic IX Sedan | |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | |
| Horsepower | 140 HP | |
| Torque | 153 N.m | |
| Top Speed | 191 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 9.1 s | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Fuel Consumption (City) | 7.2 L/100km | |
| Fuel Consumption (Highway) | 5.0 L/100km | |
| Gear Type | manual | |
| Weight | 1,210 KG | |
| Brand | Honda | |
| Model | Civic | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) | 16.6 s | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed | 138.4 km/h | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) | 27.6 s | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed | 155.8 km/h | |
| Modifications (MODS) | ||
| Modifications Cost | $ 0 |
| Used Condition | Trade In Price | Private Party Price | Dealer Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | $ 7,209 | $ 9,284 | $ 10,991 |
| Clean | $ 6,749 | $ 8,701 | $ 10,268 |
| Average | $ 5,828 | $ 7,534 | $ 8,821 |
| Rough | $ 4,907 | $ 6,367 | $ 7,374 |
The all-new 2012 Honda Civic remains a strong contender in the compact car category, but other new models now effectively match the Civic and threaten its traditional dominance in the marketplace.

For a new compact car to stand out in an increasingly competitive category, you'd think it should offer more than just a few subtle improvements. So we find ourselves in a rather unfamiliar position with the redesigned 2012 Honda Civic.

For years, the lineup of Civic models has been so much better than the competition that it has been a no-brainer to recommend one of these cars. But in the last few years, competing automakers have introduced some very impressive small cars. So while the ninth-generation Honda Civic is a very good and likable automobile, we have to wonder if the subtle changes to its design and engineering features will be enough to sustain its class supremacy. These days, even the least expensive models from competitive brands offer reliable powertrains, advanced safety features, top-quality interior materials and high-tech options.

To Honda's credit, the changes to the new Civic are welcome, even if they don't exactly leap out at you. Fuel economy remains pretty much the same as before for most Civic models, but there's a new Civic HF variant that's rated for 41 mpg highway. Fuel efficiency and power are improved for the Civic hybrid model as well, while the Civic Natural Gas remains the only factory-made car to be so fueled. As for the sporty Civic Si, it gets a new 2.4-liter engine that produces a welcome boost in torque compared to last year's 2.0-liter.

In terms of features, stability control is now standard throughout the model lineup. Other upgrades for 2012 include more interior room (3 inches of additional shoulder room up front and another 1.6 inches of rear legroom), and a few new technology features such as a 5-inch information display, the increased availability of iPod connectivity and an economy mode designed to help deliver maximum mpg.

Considering these improvements, the 2012 Honda Civic is still a solid pick with which buyers of compact cars will be pleased. But it's no longer the only game in town. We'd recommend test-driving this new Civic back to back with new competing models like the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 2012 Ford Focus and 2012 Hyundai Elantra. All three provide excellent fuel economy, and each holds selective advantages over the Civic in terms of interior design, feature content and value. The Civic Hybrid is pretty much in a class by itself, though you could also consider the equally frugal 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Meanwhile, gearheads lusting for some sport should also test the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3, 2012 Mini Cooper S and 2012 Volkswagen GTI.

The 2012 Honda Civic is a compact car offered in both coupe and sedan body styles. Mainstream models are offered in four trim levels, ranging from the base DX, to the midrange LX and EX and the top-of-the-line EX-L.

Entry-level DX models come equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, auto-off headlights, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear window defroster, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a one-piece fold-down rear seatback. Stepping up to the LX model gets you more features that buyers expect, including body-color door handles, power mirrors and door locks, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, floor mats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary/USB audio inputs.

A new fuel-efficient HF sedan starts out with standard features similar to those of the LX sedan, then adds a few upgrades designed to deliver maximum mpg. These include low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic cast-aluminum wheels, wind-cheating underbody panels and a rear spoiler.

Besides its different fuel, the Civic Natural Gas adds to the LX equipment 15-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent windshield wipers and Bluetooth. The EX model adds or supplants those extras with 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, auto-on/off headlights, a sunroof, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, an outside temperature display and a premium seven-speaker sound system. The EX-L model adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Civic Hybrid sedan is available in two trim levels. The base model's list of standard features is similar to the mainstream EX sedan, with the addition of 15-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires, outside mirrors with built-in turn signals, LED taillights, a rear spoiler and a 160-watt, six-speaker stereo. The top-of-the-line "Leather" trim level adds extras found on the regular EX-L including heated mirrors, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

The sporty Si coupe and sedan come in a single trim level that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a bigger engine, a limited-slip front differential, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, front and rear spoilers and a chrome exhaust tip. Inside upgrades include most of the items from the EX model's standard features list plus front sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an aluminum shift knob, red backlit gauges, a special Power Monitor display.

A navigation system with voice controls, satellite radio and real-time traffic updates is optional on all but the DX and LX.

The front-wheel-drive 2012 Honda Civic is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and an available five-speed automatic (HF and EX models get the automatic as standard equipment). This combination returns EPA fuel economy estimates ranging from a low of 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined in mainstream versions equipped with a manual transmission to a high of 29/41/33 in the HF model. In performance testing, a Civic EX-L went from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds -- an average time for this segment.
The Civic Natural Gas features a version of the same 1.8-liter engine powered by, as its name suggests, natural gas. It produces only 110 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque, however. A five-speed automatic is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is the gasoline equivalent of 27/38/31 mpg.
The Civic Hybrid gets a larger 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor for 2012, a combination that's good for 110 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. In testing, it hit 60 mph in 10.1 seconds -- on par with most economy hybrids. Not surprisingly, this powertrain is the most fuel-efficient of the bunch, with EPA numbers of 44/44/44, an increase of 3 mpg over the outgoing model.
The Civic Si's engine also grows in displacement to 2.4 liters, which bumps output to 201 hp and 170 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered. Despite this increased punch, EPA fuel economy estimates are still quite decent at 22/31/25. In testing, an Si coupe hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is on par with the Mini Cooper S and VW GTI but slower than the Mazdaspeed 3 and Subaru WRX.
The 2012 Honda Civic comes with standard safety features that include stability control, antilock brakes (four-wheel discs with the EX and Si), front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. In brake testing, the Civic EX-L came to a stop from 60 mph in a longish 131 feet, with prevalent brake fade. The Hybrid was a bit better with a stop of 124 feet, while the Si's brakes performed much better, with a stop of 120 feet and much less fade.
In government crash testing, the Civic sedan received a perfect five stars in the overall, frontal and side crash categories. The Civic coupe received four stars in each. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Civic sedan the highest possible rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Although the changes to the 2012 Honda Civic aren't radical, this is still one of the better-driving cars in its class. Both the coupe and sedan use shorter wheelbases than their predecessors and feel well-balanced and light on their feet. Power from the 1.8-liter engine is certainly adequate when fueled by gasoline; the Natural Gas is very slow. However, the automatic transmission's propensity to upshift early can be annoying. Wind noise is also a problem with the Civic, as it's noticeably louder than its competitors. This makes the Civic seem less refined on lengthy highway trips, despite one of the most comfortable and composed rides in the class.
The 2012 Honda Civic Si is still a fun car to drive. Refined suspension tuning, improved electric-assist power steering and additional torque at lower rpm give it a sharp attitude in and out of corners. But from a performance standpoint, it continues to be outclassed by the more muscular Mazdaspeed 3.
Interior changes are very minor for the 2012 Honda Civic. The two-tier dash display carries over but now includes a 5-inch monitor that displays information for audio, hands-free phone use and various vehicle systems. The cabin has picked up a tad more passenger room, and it's most noticeable for front seat sedan passengers who have more shoulder and elbow room, and seat adjustability. The trunk has also grown, offering a total of 11.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the coupe and 12.5 cubic feet in the sedan. The hybrid models sacrifice trunk space to the battery pack, leaving 10.7 cubic feet. The large fuel tank needed for the Natural Gas model curtails trunk space even further.
Most controls are well-placed, and the keypads and menu buttons on the steering wheel are intuitive enough for anyone who's spent time with a smartphone. But it's an overload of input sources; there can be up to 14 buttons and directional commands on the steering wheel alone, and the dash design that features the navigation system looks quite busy. Also the extensive use of low-budget hard plastics makes the cabin feel cheap, especially compared to competitors that have invested in upgraded materials for their interiors.
The 2012 Honda Civic is not the smoothest or quietest car in the category. Nor is it the most fun to drive. Curious, then, that we'd rate it tops in driving dynamics in our shootout of the four newest cars in the category. How does it do it? With the help of steering and pedal response that other automakers could only dream of delivering. It's easy to overlook excellence in these areas, but just as driving feel is a big part of the magic in a Porsche, the way the Civic gracefully listens and responds to a driver's input is a key reason we consider the 2012 Honda Civic the connoisseur's compact sedan.
Bluetooth AudioWe like being able to listen to the music on our iPhone without having to plug it in, and the Civic's Bluetooth Audio system is notable for how quickly it connects and begins playing.i-MID DisplayStandard in all but the base Civic DX trim is a new five-inch LCD monitor that provides music and mileage info, plus Bluetooth and navigation info when equipped.
If the 2012 Honda Civic has an Achilles' heel, it's the interior styling. Everything works wonderfully, but the design, textures and materials put its visual appeal in the bottom half of the segment, behind new and newly relevant nameplates like Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze.
Just when observers thought Honda might unleash the most expressive Civic yet - as an answer to the bold new Hyundai Elantra attracting so much attention – the even-keeled automaker instead delivered the most evolutionary Civic redesign ever. It's hard to argue against sticking to a styling strategy that's helped keep the Civic at or near the top of the sales charts for many years running.
The 2012 Honda Civic starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $ 16,555 (including destination) for a Civic DX, but that's with no radio, no air conditioning and no power mirrors or door locks. Stepping up to the Civic LX remedies those shortcomings and nets a few other goodies for an extra $ 2,000, but an automatic transmission will set you back another $ 800. The Honda Civic's myriad active and passive safety technologies are included as standard equipment across the line. The EX and EX-L models sit at the top of the 2012 Civic's non-hybrid, non-natural-gas pyramid, with the Si coupe and sedan covering performance side of the street.
A 2012 Honda Civic EX-L with Navigation has an MSRP at $ 24,225 and includes leather seats (heated front), a moonroof, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, a full-function i-MID display and a six-speaker AM/FM/SAT/MP3/ Bluetooth audio system with USB and auxiliary ports (which offers plenty of functionality but just-okay sound).
With no direct injection or turbocharging, 140 horsepower, and five speeds not six in the manual and automatic transmissions, the 2012 Honda Civic has the simplest powertrain of the newest compact sedans. Nevertheless, it delivers exceptional fuel economy and plenty of power. The mileage-maxing HF trim features the same powertrain, but adds two highway miles per gallon with a lower ride height, aerodynamic adds and tires with lower rolling resistance. The Civic Si, in sedan and coupe form, comes with 201 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission.Civic DX, LX, EX, EX-L and HF1.8-liter in-line four cylinder140 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,300 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/36 (manual), 28/39 (automatic), 29/41 (Civic HF automatic)Civic Si2.4-liter in-line four cylinder201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 (manual)Civic Hybrid1.5-liter in-line four cylinder + electric motor110 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm127 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,000-3,500 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 44/44 (Continuously Variable Transmission)Civic Natural Gas1.8-liter in-line four cylinder110 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm106 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,200 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
For an adequately equipped 2012 Honda Civic you're looking at close to $ 20,000. You'll find similar pricing for many of its key competitors, so if $ 20,000 is more than you care to spend and/or you want more goodies for your money, you might consider stepping down a segment into Honda Fit territory. Even though the 2012 Honda Fit isn't the least expensive car in the category, we deemed it the best value in our recent four-car comparison test thanks in large part to its legendarily strong resale value.
2012 Honda Civic DX
| Engine | Standard in Trim | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption - City | Fuel Consumption - Highway | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Half Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | LX | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | 153 N.m | 7.2 L/100km | 5.0 L/100km | 9.0 s | 16.5 s | 27.4 s |
| 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | EX | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | 153 N.m | 7.2 L/100km | 5.0 L/100km | 9.2 s | 16.7 s | 27.6 s |
| 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | EX-L | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | 153 N.m | 7.2 L/100km | 5.0 L/100km | 9.4 s | 16.8 s | 27.9 s |
| 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | DX | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | 153 N.m | 7.2 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km | 9.1 s | 16.6 s | 27.6 s |
| 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve | EX-L | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm | 153 N.m | 7.2 L/100km | 5.0 L/100km | 9.1 s | 16.6 s | 27.6 s |
| AM/FM stereo radio | AM/FM stereo radio with auxiliary input jack |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Air conditioning |
| Antenna | Glass-imprinted antenna |
| Bluetooth Wireless Technology | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | Driver-side vanity mirror |
| Front Wipers | Variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Interior Air Filter | Cabin air filter |
| Navigation System | Yes |
| Number of Speakers | 6 speakers |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | Front passenger-side vanity mirror |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Outlet | 12-volt power outlet |
| Power Windows | Power windows with driver one-touch up/down feature |
| Reading Light | Front reading lights |
| Remote Audio Controls | Steering wheel-mounted audio controls |
| Single CD | CD/MP3/WMA player |
| Special Feature | Sound system USB port |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and telescopic steering wheel |
| Trunk Light | Yes |
| Voice Recognition System | Yes |
| Cargo Capacity | 344 L |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1267 kg |
| Front Headroom | 963 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L |
| Height | 1435 mm |
| Length | 4504 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 920 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 919 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm |
| Width | 1752 mm |
| Bumper Colour | Body-color bumpers |
|---|---|
| Door Handles | Body-color door handles |
| Driving Lights | Yes |
| Exterior Mirror Colour | Body-color outside mirrors |
| Headlight Type | Halogen headlights |
| Headlights Sensor With Auto On | Automatic headlights |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Heated outside mirrors |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Power-adjustable outside mirrors |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes |
| Sunroof | Power glass sunroof |
| Clock | Digital clock |
|---|---|
| Floor Console | Yes |
| Floor Covering | Carpet floor covering |
| Folding Rear Seats | 60/40-split folding rear bench seat |
| Front Center Armrest | Yes |
| Front Seats Driver Power Seats | 8-way power driver's seat |
| Front Seats Front Seat Back Storage | Front seatback storage |
| Front Seats Front Seat Type | Bucket front seats |
| Front Seats Heated | Heated front seats |
| Instrumentation Type | Digital and analog instrumentation |
| Maintenance Interval Reminder | Maintenance reminder system |
| Number of Cup Holders | 4 cupholders |
| Outside Temperature Gauge | Outside temperature display |
| Seat Trim | Leather seats |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Water Temperature Gauge | Engine temperature display |
| Drive Train | Front-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission |
| Body | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine | 1.8L L4 SOHC 16-valve |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 (Automatic City)5.0 (Automatic Highway) |
| Power | 140 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper60000/km, 36/Months Emissions130000/km, 96/Months Powertrain100000/km, 60/Months Roadside AssistanceUnlimited/km, 36/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 60/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Anti-lock brakes |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Alarm system |
| Brake Assist | Brake assist |
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc |
| Child Seat Anchor | LATCH child seat anchors |
| Driver Airbag | Driver-side front airbag |
| Electronic brake force distribution | Electronic brake force distrbution |
| Ignition Disable | Theft-deterrent engine immobilizer |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger-side front airbag |
| Roof Side Curtain | Side-curtain airbags |
| Side Airbag | Front side airbags |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Front stabilizer bar |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Independent front suspension |
| Front Tires | P205/55R16 |
| Power Steering | Electric-assist rack-and-pinion steering |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | Rear stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent rear suspension |
| Spare Tire | Compact spare tire |
| Turning Circle | 16.1-meter turning circle diameter |
| Wheel Type | 16'' alloy wheels |
The 2012 Honda Civic ranking is based on its score within the 2012 Compact Cars category. Currently the Honda Civic has a score of 9.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 31 pieces of research and data elements using various sources. The 2012 Honda Civic is a high-ranking compact car ...
The 2012 Honda Civic coupe’s dimensions are almost identical to the 2011 model with the exception of the loss of 1.1 inches on the wheelbase and a loss of one tenth of an inch in width.
The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch. Find out why the 2012 Honda Civic is rated 7.0 by The Car Connection ...
The 2012 model year was a strange one for the Civic: Honda introduced a freshly redesigned version, and while the car was technically new from stem to stern, it was very similar to the 2006-2011 version that preceded it. Critics panned it for being too much like its predecessor; they also cited cheap interior trim bits and a driving experience that wasn't as engaging as in earlier models.
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