Civic's

Champion called the Civic's steering too numb and said the car's body leans too far in turns.

CNN.com 2011

The Civic's problems signal opportunity for other compact vehicles, such as Ford Motor Co.'s Focus and Hyundai Motor Co.'s Elantra.

Nissan Gears Up to Outrun Honda Chester Dawson 2011

From 10 paces, the 2012 Civic's exterior looks a lot like the popular outgoing model.

Auto Makers Sweeten the Recipe for Small Cars Joseph B. White 2011

And even though Honda has gotten an earful about the Civic's exuberant sprays of cheap-feeling plastic, the new Civic has even more.

Honda's Sporty New Civic, Heavy on the 'Ick' Dan Neil 2011

Better yet, the standard Civic's fuel efficiency is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway, an improvement in both measures.

Auto Makers Sweeten the Recipe for Small Cars Joseph B. White 2011

Civic's U.S. sales were down 26% in September and 15.6% year-to-date, a cratering rivaled only by the 15.7% decline registered by the Honda Accord.

Honda's Sporty New Civic, Heavy on the 'Ick' Dan Neil 2011

Enthusiasts bemoan the replacement of the old Civic's sporty "double wishbone" front suspension with softer-riding McPherson struts.

The Civic Timeline 2011

Officers also spoke with his Latino neighbor, who said that in August his Honda Civic's alarm erupted, prompting him and his roommates to go outside.

The Crime Scene: Hate-crime streak may include duck beheading Dan Morse 2010

All of this would have been enough to solidify the Civic's position as a leader in the small car pack—two years ago.

Auto Makers Sweeten the Recipe for Small Cars Joseph B. White 2011

Alas, the back seat feels pretty confined compared with the Civic's.

Brand-New and Almost Out of Date 2010