2008 Honda Civic

2008 Honda Civic Lineup Comprised of Spacious, Sporty and Efficient Sedans and Coupes; New Civic EX-L Introduces Leather-trimmed Interior

Model range spans from high-performance Civic MÚGEN Si to ultra-environmental hybrid and dedicated natural gas models
The 2008 Honda Civic features a technologically-advanced Civic Sedan and Coupe lineup highlighted by a Civic Hybrid, a dedicated natural gas-powered Civic GX and a high-performance Civic Si.
New for 2008, the Civic EX-L Sedan and Coupe introduce a leather-trimmed interior to the Civic lineup for the first time. A Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan also debuts for the 2008 model year with a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
'Quality construction, a technologically-advanced and spacious interior, and fun-to-drive performance put the Civic in a class of its own,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'The availability of high-performance versions, a hybrid and a dedicated natural gas vehicle also makes Civic one of the most diverse vehicles in the automotive industry.'
A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance tailored into two distinctive sedan and coupe body configurations. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players, compact discs and more.
Available features include a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice activation and a 350-Watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM® Satellite Radio Premium Audio System with seven speakers including a subwoofer. The Civic EX-L Sedan and Civic EX-L Coupe add heated seats and side mirrors along with leather trim to the steering wheel, seating surfaces and center armrest to the Civic EX list of features.
Every 2008 Civic integrates a wide array of standard safety technologies that include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic GX, having earned the distinction of 'cleanest internal combustion vehicle in the world' by virtue of its certification, is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the Civic's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine - and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Both Civic Hybrid and Civic GX are classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Civic GX is further certified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV).
Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and refined handling performance with its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media® Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash® cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names.
Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic LX and above trim levels (and Civic GX for 2008) and allow for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the LX sedan). All audio systems feature are capable of playing MP3 and WMA formatted CDs. Standard Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. Audio displays include CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).
Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe (1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)
Standard features on the Civic DX include a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers, and P195/65R15 tires. The Civic LX adds air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, a 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD Player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver's power window, and a folding rear seat. The Civic Coupe LX adds a 6-speaker audio system.
In addition to all of the Civic LX features, the Civic EX Sedan and Coupe adds or replaces: alloy wheels; 60/40 split folding rear seat; one-touch power moonroof; ambient console lighting; and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio. The Civic EX-L adds a leather-trimmed interior, heated seats and heated door mirrors to the Civic EX list of features. The Civic EX and EX-L Coupe exclusively features a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled).
Civic Si Sedan and Coupe (2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)
The Civic Si Sedan and Coupe serve as the performance cornerstone for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) A helical-type, limited-slip differential enhances traction in high-performance driving situations. The Civic Si sport suspension adds firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. Exclusive exterior features include a low-profile rear wing spoiler and Si emblems. The sports-oriented interior adds specially-bolstered synthetic suede seats with red fabric stitching and unique trim panels.
Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan (2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)
Built on the foundation of the Civic Si Sedan and tuned by the prestigious racing and aftermarket performance company, MÚGEN, a Honda-prepared Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan debuts for 2008 and adds a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a full aerodynamic body kit with an adjustable rear wing spoiler and rear diffuser, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
Civic Hybrid (1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with IMA)
The Civic Hybrid with its advanced IMA hybrid technology achieves the highest fuel economy of any 2008 Honda automobile with an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon . The Civic Hybrid is equipped with Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) equipment and a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Civic Hybrid can deactivate up to all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20 horsepower electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.
Civic GX (1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, dedicated natural gas vehicle)
The ultra-clean Civic GX produces near zero emissions, enables owners to become eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit and can refuel with an available, first-of-its-kind 'Phill' home refueling appliance by FuelMaker Corporation (available through qualifying Honda dealers in California). The 2008 Civic GX is the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available to retail customers in the Únited States and achieves an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36 miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent5. Currently, natural gas is approximately thirty-five percent less expensive than gasoline when purchased at a refueling station, and can be more than 50 percent cheaper than gasoline when supplied by a Phill home refueling appliance. The Civic GX is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic GX is available to consumers at qualified Honda dealers in the states of California and New York and is also available to fleet customers nationwide from qualified Honda dealers.
Manufacturing
The majority of Civics are produced and assembled in the Únited States and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts. Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are solely produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Civic Sedan models for the Ú.S. are primarily produced and assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Civic Sedans are also produced and assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Some Civic Sedans and all Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan, manufacturing facility.

Source - Honda

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Proves Efficiency and Fun-to-Drive Can Co-exist

Environmental dynamo delivers high fuel economy and low emissions

Based on the technologically-advanced Civic Sedan, the ultra-efficient Honda Civic Hybrid includes Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40/45 miles per gallon - the highest of any 2008 Honda automotive product.
A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 music players, compact discs and more. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice activation is available.
'The Civic Hybrid pioneered the introduction of gasoline-electric technology into mainstream vehicles,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'Now in its second generation, the Civic Hybrid continues to prove that the fun-to-drive, accommodating nature of the regular Civic translates well into an advanced technology vehicle.'
A 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20 horsepower electric motor produce a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. torque @ 1000-2500 rpm. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifies the Civic Hybrid as an Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) - the best-possible emissions rating for a hybrid vehicle. The IMA hybrid system uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power and the electric motor provides both additional power and electricity regeneration capability. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) smoothly optimizes transmission ratios for optimal fuel efficiency.
The primary IMA components consist of a 15 kilowatt, 2.8-inch-wide (70 mm) electric motor, positioned between the engine and the transmission, an Intelligent Power Únit (IPÚ) that controls the flow of electricity to and from the electric motor, and a compact nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.
During acceleration, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to propel the vehicle. During cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can propel the vehicle. In certain steady-state cruising situations, the IMA system can deactivate all four of the engine's cylinders and operate using only the electric motor.
During regenerative braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as generator to replenish the battery pack. At a stop, the engine can enter an idle stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions by turning off the engine until the brake pedal is released. While in idle stop mode, the hybrid air conditioning compressor can maintain operation while the engine is off.
Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and refined handling performance with its fully-independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
A wide array of standard safety technologies includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Standard general features include 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, P195/65R15 tires, automatic climate control, cruise control, power door locks, power windows with driver-side auto up/down, security system with remote entry and trunk release, a 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM audio system with CD Player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment, progressive blue illumination instrument panel with IMA operation mode display and battery status meter.
The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2 has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA files from CompactFlash® cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. XM® Satellite Radio is standard on models with navigation. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Source - Honda

2008 Honda Civic Si Takes Sport Compact Fun to 8000 RPM; Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Makes Debut

Powerfully-capable Civic is available in sedan or coupe form
The 2008 Honda Civic Si combines razor-sharp handling with a high-revving, 197-horsepower, 8000 rpm redline, 2.0 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine; 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission; and a helical-type, limited-slip differential. For 2008, the exclusive and limited production Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan debuts with a high-performance suspension, lightweight forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body kit with adjustable rear wing spoiler and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
'The Civic Si delivers pure Honda performance with its potent 4-cylinder engine and dynamic sports suspension,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'Engineered for the enthusiast driver, the Civic Si merges the everyday refinement of the Civic into a highly-entertaining performance package.'
Available as a coupe or sedan, the Civic Si enhances the performance potential of the Civic architecture. Exclusive sports suspension highlights consists of firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance P215/45 R17 87V tires. Exterior appointments include a low-profile rear wing spoiler and front and rear Si emblems. The interior design provides a performance-driving environment with firmly-bolstered synthetic suede seats with red stitching, red backlit gauges, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
A 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine produces 197-horsepower @ 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. of torque at 6100 rpm. A standard close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission allows for quick, smooth gear changes with torque distributed via a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction in high-performance driving situations.
The interior's two-tier instrument panel conveys a futuristic design with quick-reference meter positioning and includes a rev-limit indicator light. A leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is standard, along with a leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob. The 7-speaker, 350-watt premium audio system features a subwoofer, Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC), MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input jack and XM® Satellite Radio for navigation-equipped models. Additional features include a 60/40 split folding rear seat, one-touch power moonroof, red ambient console lighting, keyless entry with security system, power windows, power locks, a dual trip meter odometer and a Maintenance Minder™ indicator. The voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available.
Every 2008 Civic integrates a wide array of standard safety technologies starting with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) provides launch, oversteer and acceleration-understeer control by modulating engine power and/or applying brake pressure independently to each wheel. VSA can be manually deactivated if conditions warrant it.
Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan
Built on the foundation of the Civic Si Sedan and tuned by the prestigious racing and aftermarket performance company, MÚGEN, a Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan debuts for 2008 and adds a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a full aerodynamic body kit with rear wing spoiler and rear diffuser, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
'Honda enthusiasts have long been asking for MÚGEN performance products similar to what the company offers in Japan,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. 'We're enthusiasts, too, and the ultra-premium Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan offers exclusive style and elevated handling performance with legendary Honda refinement.'
The track-tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the conventional Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent. Lightweight 16.98-pound 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17x7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich® g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to create MÚGEN's unique, rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character.
The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille, side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. The sport-tuned exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back. The Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan is available exclusively in Fiji Blue Pearl and includes front and rear MÚGEN emblems. Inside, a MÚGEN Limited Edition placard is located on the center console along with a spherical 50 mm MÚGEN aluminum shift knob.
The name MÚGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MÚGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.
The limited-production Civic MÚGEN Si Sedan (maximum of 1,000 units for the 2008 model year) is backed by the standard factory Honda warranty. A prototype of the Honda Civic MÚGEN Si was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in fall, 2006.

Source - Honda

Honda Civic and Ridgeline Rank Highest in Segment for Total Quality in Strategic Vision Customer Survey

The Honda Civic and the Honda Ridgeline rate as top vehicles in their segments according to the 2007 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index™ (TQI), a measure of new vehicle owner satisfaction.
The TQI survey asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience, from buying and owning to driving. The Honda Civic scores highest in the small car segment, with a TQI rating of 882 (segment average 847). The Honda Ridgeline scores highest in the standard pickup segment with a TQI rating of 879 (segment average 841).
The 2007 Honda Civic lineup features a well-equipped and technologically-advanced Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, an ultra-efficient Civic Hybrid, a dedicated natural-gas powered Civic GX and an ultra-sporty Civic Si Coupe and Sedan. The Ridgeline pickup has introduced a number of innovative and exclusive new features to the half-ton truck segment including an In-Bed Trunk™ and a fully independent four-wheel suspension.
To calculate TQI, Strategic Vision analyzes responses from more than 27,000 buyers who purchased 2007 model year vehicles in September, October and November of 2006. The San Diego-based research firm's 2007 results are based on the ratings of new vehicle owners in 19 product segments.

Source - Honda