Road Tests: Full Test

Specifications and Performance 2001 Honda Civic EX Coupe Specifications: Model Year: 2001 Make: Honda Model: Civic Style: EX Coupe Base Price: $17,100 Price as Tested: $17,100 Drive Type: Front-wheel drive Transmission Type: 5-speed manual Displacement (liters): 1.7 Engine Type: I4 Valve Train: 4 valves per cylinder Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 127 @ 6300 Torque (lb-feet @ rpm): 114 @ 4800 Redline (rpm): 6,750 (tachometer indicated) Curb Weight (lbs): 2,553 Sticker EPA (mpg): 32 City 37 Highway Edmunds Observed (mpg): 31 Test Conditions: Temp (deg Fahrenheit): 72 Humidity: 32% Elevation (ft): 85 Barometer (bars): N/A Wind: 3mph Track Performance: 0 - 60 Acceleration (sec): 7.9 1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 16.2@86.2 60 - 0 Braking (ft): 124 200 ft. Skidpad (g's): No Data 600 ft. Slalom (mph): 61.1 Acceleration Comments: With any Honda VTEC engine you don't really get the power bulge until higher up in the rev range and this engine with its 6,750 redline was no exception. The best run was done with all shifting done at or after redline, but before the 7,000 rev limiter cut in. Honda is known for getting good power from its small, efficient, and clean-burning engines, and this engine delivers it all. An engine that allows the car to go 16s in the quarter mile, that gets 37 miles to the gallon on the freeway and is also ULEV-rated, what more could you ask for? Braking Comments: Excellent stopping distances that are more in line with a sport sedan than an economy car. Moderate ABS system noise was noted, but the Civic EX exhibited good stability, short stopping distances and little nose dive. Skidpad Comments: Skidpad not available at time of testing. Slalom Comments: For a car with such a short wheelbase and so little weight to shift around, I had expected slightly better numbers, but I won't dissect that whole issue of double A-arm front suspension versus MacPherson struts. Handling was as predictable as Honda's reputation for reliability; in other words, no surprises. It pushed out at the limits, which were understandable, not extremely high, nor really low. Like most of the Honda line, it doesn't invoke any real driving passion, but it does work well. — Neil G. Chirico