The Honda Civic compact sedan rolls into 2010 virtually unchanged, following a mid-cycle refresh in 2009, which added such features as new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, as well as upgraded interior seating cloth. The Civic retains its streamlined shape, with its long windshield and fairly short rear end, as well as its good fuel economy, comfortable cabin, peppy performance, and overall build quality. In addition, the Civic continues to hold its value well, all of which helps to ensure its continuing popularity among car buyers.

Honda offers the Civic in eight trims for 2010, including DX, LX, and EX trim levels, as well as fuel-sipping Hybrid and sporty Si versions. A trio of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines powers the various Civic trims. The standard powerplant for most trims remains a 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, which drives the Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L trims. The powerplant generates 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, and features multi-point fuel injection, a Direct Ignition system, and a Drive-by-Wire throttle system, which enhance performance, fuel economy, and responsiveness.

A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on all trims with the basic four-cylinder, while drivers can opt for an available five-speed automatic transmission. Owners report good performance with either the manual or automatic transmission, with more than enough power for both around-town and highway driving, although the powerplant seems particularly responsive when mated to the automatic, owners note. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers of 26/34 mpg with the manual transmission and 25/36 with the automatic. The engine runs on regular unleaded fuel.

The Civic Hybrid's powerplant combines a 1.3-liter, SOHC four-cylinder gas engine with a 15kW electric motor, which together produce 110 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid sends power to the wheels through a CVT continuously variable transmission, which provides smooth shifting. The powerplant posts fuel economy numbers of 40/45 mpg, achieved in part by an idle-stop feature, which shuts down the engine when the vehicle stops in traffic to conserve fuel. A similar fuel cut-off feature saves gas when the Hybrid decelerates. A regenerative braking system recharges the Hybrid's 158-volt nickel metal hydride battery.

The hybrid system switches smoothly and precisely between gas and electric operations, owners report. However, some owners would like to see better performance from the powerplant when accelerating or passing.

The Si holds the distinction as the most powerful Civic sedan available for 2010, thanks to its 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, which produces 197 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing, a cold-air intake, and a high-flow, low-heat exhaust manifold result in a quieter exhaust note at cruising speeds but a full, throaty sound under aggressive acceleration. The engine mates to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy numbers for the Si check in at 21/29 mpg.

Inside, the Civic's eight trims offer something for just about every buyer, from the basic to the relatively luxurious. Such features as power windows, a tilt/telescoping steering column, blue backlit gauges, rear-seat heater ducts, and a fold-down rear seatback come standard in the Civic DX, while the DX-VP adds air conditioning and a 160-watt, four-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player, speed-sensitive volume, and MP3 input jack.

Stepping up a notch, the mid-level Civic LX comes equipped with such standard features as power door locks, cruise control, a center console with a sliding armrest, and map lights, while the LX-S adds a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as such exterior features as a rear spoiler and chrome exhaust pipes. At the top of the line, the Civic EX includes a one-touch power moonroof, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, a six-speaker audio system, and a USB interface jack, while the EX-L comes well-equipped with such upscale features as leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. In addition, such options as Bluetooth and a navigation system with voice recognition and XM satellite radio are available only on the EX and EX-L trims.

The Civic Hybrid includes such standard features as automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker, 160-watt audio system with a CD player. Options include leather upholstery and heated front seats, as well as the navigation system, Bluetooth, and XM satellite radio. For the Civic Si, the audio system upgrades to a 350-watt, seven-speaker system with a subwoofer and a CD player. The Si also comes standard with a power moonroof, and offers a navigation system with Bluetooth as an option.

All 2010 Civic trims come standard with antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, while the EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid also include a Vehicle Stability Assist system with traction control. The DX, DX-VP, and Hybrid ride on 15-inch wheels with all-season tires, while the LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L receive 16-inch wheels, also with all-season tires. As befitting its sporty nature, the Civic Si zooms on 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin performance tires.