I currently own a 2007 LX 5-speed manual sedan in Atomic Blue. This is my third Honda product. I have previously owned a 2000 Civic EX coupe & a 2007 Honda Fit sport 5 speed manual. Since reading reports that Honda have decided to make the next generation Civic smaller I was wondering how this would affect the release timing for the next model. I don't mind Honda making the Civic smaller on the outside but would hate to to see a decrease in interior room of the car. I hope Honda reads this and considers some of the improvements I would like to see.
A small "bump" in horsepower from the current 1.8 litre engine to somewhere in the 145-150 hp range. Direct Injection would be "nice".
More low end tourge.
A 6 speed manual & 6 speed auto transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on EX & SI models.
Better sound deading to reduce road noise.
Larger A pillar side windows.
Sightly higer hip point for seats for making entrance into the car easier without compromising aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Faster speed sensitive windshield wipers during heavy rain & maybe a heating element to melt snow ice at the base of the front widshield.
Angle the rear window so that rain can be better blown off for better visibility during rain storms.
Offer optional navigation in LX models.
Improved rear visiability with rear seat headrest that are retractable when not carring rear seat passengers.
Standard rear seat cup holders on LX models.
Offer more body styles than just the sedan & coupes. a 5 door hatch with the magic seats type of design for that bodystyle.
I don't mind the digital speedometer but would like to have it intergrated with the tachometer.
Offer factory installed XM radio as an option on the LX trim line.
More than 1 12 volt power point & maybe a 110 outlet to plug in my laptop. & a larger locking glovebox that can hold conceal a laptop.
Heated side mirrors.
Trip computer that gives instantaneous fuel milage.
& a return of the double wishbone front suspension.
Side mirror turn signal lights on all models besides the hybrid version.
Overall I am very happy with the Civic I currently drive. I really don't drive it that much only have 23,000 miles on it since buying it in May 2007. I doubt any of these things I want for the next model will actually happen but a guy can have hopes, can't he?
What is your wish list for the 9th generation car?
I actually don't want to see DI yet in the Civic. I still question the durability of the injectors, and I honestly have not seen any car reviews that suggest that DI is as great as its proponents suggest.
6MT unlikely to be used in non-Si models. 6AT unlikely until the design is fully battle tested.
Forget the A pillar side windows. Get rid of them entirely and make the A pillars narrower to increase visibility. The pillars should resemble those of the Insight.
A lot of the stuff you mention is simply too expensive for a budget car like the Civic.
I hope Honda does offer a 5-door or tourer version.
The Civic could use more low end TQ.
Honda will more than likely stick with a 5 speed automatic for the next car but I have always felt that it needed a 6 speed manual in the lower trim lines than just in the SI.
I still think that Honda could work on reducing road noise in the next generation car.
My sisters 2009 corolla LE has heated power side mirrors. Why not in the Civic?
Scions & a few other brands have side marker repeaters in the same market segment have then on the side mirrors.
A heating element at the base of the windshield probably won't happen but I still think the wipers don't move fast enough in heavy rain situations.
Navi on the LX trim more than likely won't happen but it would be nice if they could at least make it an option.
Retractable rear seat headrest can't be that expensive to add.
Why can't Honda design rear seat cup holders standard instead of offering them as a dealer installed accesory in the rear seat door storage pockets? My Fit Sport had them.
Still feel a 6 speed manual in the LX EX is needed. doubt a 6 speed auto will make it into the next gen car.
Xm radio is available in the EX/SI couldn't be that expensive to have it on the LX.
The Mazda3 has a glovebox large enough to store a laptop.
110 volt power outlet is available in in the Vibe/Matrix
an extra 12v power point is needed.
A 5 door body style would offer more room for carrying large items that don't fit in the trunk.
The current EX has an outside temp info doesn't it alsol tell what the gas milage is too?
Sorry for starting a thread on the same subject. I forgot that I had already posted one earlier. I will check what I have posted in the past in the future before starting anymore threads.
Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
Its interesting to hear what everyone would like in the next-gen Civic, although some of the items are just not going to happen in this size car/this class of car.
I have a 2008 EX sedan w/ 10K miles.
The 5-speed needs a taller top gear or a 6-speed (unlikely)
Road noise can definitely be improved
I believe heated mirrors are standard on the EX-L
Heated windshield is so far only on the Ridgeline
Remote trunk opener should not only be on the EX & EX-L
XM radio can be added to any model at the dealer
A 12v outlet should be added - esp with all the other electronics available (USB, etc)
Im sure everyone wants more power, but this engine is a significant upgrade from the D17 in last-gen Civic
I think the front seats are a far cry from the 7th Gen Accord seats - they can use some work.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I think the current Civic is perfectly sized. It's small enough to feel light and nimble yet it's large enough to feel airy, spacious and somewhat substantial.
I know Honda plans to make the next generation Civic smaller but hopefully the interior space won't decrease.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
In our experience they are - and Sports and EXLs are big sellers - in fact we sold out of 09s a long time ago. We have had a number of people trading in older accords for them. My Civic sales are up 25% this year. Accords are well down.
It's funny you mention Navi on the LX... Navi Civics sell less and less through the years... Honda made more 2006 Navis, and fewer and fewer in '07, '08, '09 and very few '10s so far...
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
I own a 2009 civic coupe LX and my wish list for the next generation includes:
1) Available 5 or 3 door-hatchback
2) A decent drop in weight, smaller size, LESS WINDSHIELD and LESS DASH.
3) an option for a normal speedometer, I don't hate the digital one, it is just always changing and hard to adjust to your eye.
4) More sound deadening or some type of redesign to lessen road noise. The kias are quieter than my car. Not ok.
5) A small bump in horsepower/torque. I think the sweet spot for 4 cylinders for this size vehicle would be a 2.0L.
6) Possible push button start, maybe a cool idle engine stop feature?
7) 4 wheel discs on all models. Seriously, discs are cheap enough now that using drums is ridiculous.
8) I like the sporty stiffer suspension, however I think it can be tuned much better, little bumps cause the car to overreact.
9) Direct Injection or some type of technology to increase fuel economy 10-20%
10) More comfortable seats, the material is kinda wierd. I like the 2005 accord material much better. Also, I understand all companies are cutting corners to keep costs down but hard plastic is everywhere, it would be nice to see a reduction.
I know a lot of what I suggested will be costly and Honda wants to keep the price lower, but I feel it needs to be more competitve. If they do away with the fully independent suspension in the next generation like they did in Europe, I will seriously buy the kia forte instead.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
My sentiments exactly. When I was looking to trade out of the 08 Accord, my first stop was a Civic Si Sedan. BT was a welcome addtion to the 2009 options list. I could live without heated seats now that I'm in NC.
The only thing that kept me from getting into the Si was the road noise and the exhaust burble on the highway. A little more refinement in those areas is needed to make a 10 hour roadtrip more relaxing . . . Coming from an Accord (which has road roar, too) the Civic was a bit louder than I preferred.
lose the huge dash and windshield. scale back the a-pillars. get rid of the double tiered instrument cluster. the dash takes up a lot of interior room. bring back the double-wishbone suspension or do something to make the LX & EX handle better. Put something better than the crappy Bridgestones on the car. Needs more power for the weight.
CivicB18 wrote: I think the current Civic is perfectly sized. It's small enough to feel light and nimble yet it's large enough to feel airy, spacious and somewhat substantial.
I know Honda plans to make the next generation Civic smaller but hopefully the interior space won't decrease.
~Patrick
I am fairly sure they said they are going to make it smaller than they originally planned, not smaller than the current car...
I'm all for more features but some of the items that people are wanting are a bit much for a car in this price range or the initial investment required doesn't outweigh the results (DI).
My thoughts:
- Further refine the R18 for more midrange torque yet increase FE.
- R20 (160hp) in EX/EX-L Civics.
- Give the Si a power bump to 220hp/155tq without the sacrifice in the midrange.
- Cut weight without making the interior smaller vs current Civic.
- Make the interior a bit more upscale in presentation without loosing the sporty character ala Mazda3.
- Reduce road noise. (I'm not asking for Lexus levels of isolation but something needs to be addressed) - 6MT should replace 5MT on non Si Civics.
- More features (push button start, HIDs ETC ETC) - 5 door or a Civic sport wagon.
- Scratch resistant interior plastics.
- Higher level of quality control.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
My sentiments exactly. When I was looking to trade out of the 08 Accord, my first stop was a Civic Si Sedan. BT was a welcome addtion to the 2009 options list. I could live without heated seats now that I'm in NC.
The only thing that kept me from getting into the Si was the road noise and the exhaust burble on the highway. A little more refinement in those areas is needed to make a 10 hour roadtrip more relaxing . . . Coming from an Accord (which has road roar, too) the Civic was a bit louder than I preferred.
The exhaust note is one of the things I HOPE they DON'T change. It adds much charachter the sound, and is really completely unobtrusive. It took years to get them to finally add it, and if they take it away, then I will be pissed.
If you want isolation, an Si is not for you, and you should not be looking at it.
The road noise could be lessened, but frankly, it is WAAAAY over exaggerated.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
My sentiments exactly. When I was looking to trade out of the 08 Accord, my first stop was a Civic Si Sedan. BT was a welcome addtion to the 2009 options list. I could live without heated seats now that I'm in NC.
The only thing that kept me from getting into the Si was the road noise and the exhaust burble on the highway. A little more refinement in those areas is needed to make a 10 hour roadtrip more relaxing . . . Coming from an Accord (which has road roar, too) the Civic was a bit louder than I preferred.
The exhaust note is one of the things I HOPE they DON'T change. It adds much charachter the sound, and is really completely unobtrusive. It took years to get them to finally add it, and if they take it away, then I will be pissed.
If you want isolation, an Si is not for you, and you should not be looking at it.
The road noise could be lessened, but frankly, it is WAAAAY over exaggerated.
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
My sentiments exactly. When I was looking to trade out of the 08 Accord, my first stop was a Civic Si Sedan. BT was a welcome addtion to the 2009 options list. I could live without heated seats now that I'm in NC.
The only thing that kept me from getting into the Si was the road noise and the exhaust burble on the highway. A little more refinement in those areas is needed to make a 10 hour roadtrip more relaxing . . . Coming from an Accord (which has road roar, too) the Civic was a bit louder than I preferred.
The exhaust note is one of the things I HOPE they DON'T change. It adds much charachter the sound, and is really completely unobtrusive. It took years to get them to finally add it, and if they take it away, then I will be pissed.
If you want isolation, an Si is not for you, and you should not be looking at it.
The road noise could be lessened, but frankly, it is WAAAAY over exaggerated.
Agreed. Though since 08, they removed the trunk insulation which most likely lets a little extra noise in the cabin. You can buy the parts from College Hills Honda if you prefer. I have an 08 and I still think it's a pretty quiet car despite that, but most of the time I prefer driving with the windows down. The exhaust note is one of the many things that made me fall in love with this car :D
Grace141 wrote: Moses, how much extra would you be willing to pay for the features you want? If your wish list items would add $1500 US to the sticker of the LX would you buy the car? They'd need to move the EX up-market as well but let's say you're talking about an LX-E sedan.
I'd like to know if people are buying higher trim line Civics instead of Accords. A lot of people here have said that the Accord is too big for them. I've sat in an 8G Civic and the inside space seems comparable to my 5G Accord.
If people are willing to pay for the features, why not? Kind of strange that the Civic was once the "budget" car.
I did. I have always preferred the Accord's equipment levels, but they have just gotten too big and too heavy feeling. So I bought an Si.
My sentiments exactly. When I was looking to trade out of the 08 Accord, my first stop was a Civic Si Sedan. BT was a welcome addtion to the 2009 options list. I could live without heated seats now that I'm in NC.
The only thing that kept me from getting into the Si was the road noise and the exhaust burble on the highway. A little more refinement in those areas is needed to make a 10 hour roadtrip more relaxing . . . Coming from an Accord (which has road roar, too) the Civic was a bit louder than I preferred.
The exhaust note is one of the things I HOPE they DON'T change. It adds much charachter the sound, and is really completely unobtrusive. It took years to get them to finally add it, and if they take it away, then I will be pissed.
If you want isolation, an Si is not for you, and you should not be looking at it.
The road noise could be lessened, but frankly, it is WAAAAY over exaggerated.
What owequitit said. There's not a darn thing wrong with the exhaust note, and I'll also be pissed if it's taken away. I also couldn't care less about road noise. Current noise levels are perfectly acceptable to me. I like the level of tactility that the Si offers. If you're looking for a space/time vacuum, the Si is probably not for you...lol.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is going to have a 6 speed automatic transmission so I don't see why the next gen Civic can't have one. I don't mind the Civic getting smaller on the outside but I hope interior room isn't reduced. I enjoy my Honda & have been driving their cars for the last 10 years but I am not a big fan of some of their recent designs (Insight, Crosstour, Pilot) if the next gen Civic follows their current styling trend I might consider the new small Buick "Astra" or the next generation Ford Focus. The competiton in this segment is going to be very interesting in the next few years.
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