Fifty years ago, the Honda Civic was introduced as a two-door or four-door subcompact sedan, a three-door or five-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It had starting cost of about $1,400 and weighed 1,411 pounds. Simultaneously, not much and everything has changed.
The debut Civic’s four-cylinder, 61-horsepower engine, was propelled by a four-speed manual transmission. It advanced from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 10.5 seconds and it had a top speed of 90 mph. The new Civic had a spacious interior, and it quickly built a reputation as environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient and reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Civic Sport: 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 156 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission.
- $24,095 for the Civic Sport with destination fee.
- 0-60 mph in slightly less than eight seconds, slightly slower than last year’s model.
- 30 mpg city and 37 highway.
- Infotainment: a 7.0-inch touchscreen, with a 9.0-inch unit optional as is a 10.2-inch digital gauge display.
- Warranty: Honda has kept its three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for too long, and it should reconsider the parameters.
The 2022 Honda Civic, the debut of the car’s 11th generation, designates the brand’s 50th anniversary. It does so in grand fashion, particularly with the sport trim among the eight configurations offered.
Years of Reliability
It’s still environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. And if it follows the carmaker’s half-century legacy, it will be reliable for years.
What’s different is remarkable. For not much more than half of the average price of a new car in the United States, the new Civic re-defines what once was considered the epitome of automotive bland.
The 2022 Honda Civic in its sport trim features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 156-horsepower, a continuously variable transmission and the personality of a sports car. It accelerates from 0-to-60 miles per hour in slightly less than eight seconds and is slightly slower than last year’s model.
Modernized For 11th Generation
Nonetheless, with its new modernized exterior and interior redesigns, the slightly diminished acceleration isn’t an issue.
The 2022 Civic includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. A 9.0-inch unit is optional as is a 10.2-inch digital gauge display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and also offer wireless connectivity when paired with the larger of the two screens. In-dash navigation, a Bose stereo system and a wireless smartphone charging pad are optional.
Honda Sensing, which includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance will continue as standard in all trim levels.
Honda knows it’s no longer the only top-level offering in the segment. The Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla are worthy choices, all offering some enticing qualities. Hyundai offers the best warranty. Mazda has emphasized sportiness in recent years throughout its lineup. Toyota’s longevity is superior.
The “Baby Accord”
With the demise of Honda Fit, the 2022 Honda Civic is the manufacturer’s smallest car, and it’s sometimes referred to as a “Baby Accord.”
The body lines are simplified and refined, with a more sophisticated appearance. The headlights and taillights have a new sleek look. The A-pillars are moved back two inches. The hood angle is now horizontal.
Keeping a minimalist approach consistent, the Civic’s new interior will feature a “straight-line” design.
Pricing and Fuel Economy
A new industry report detailed the average price of a new car in the United States has for the first time surpassed $45,000. With its destination fee, the Honda Civic Sport costs $24,095, about 47 percent less than whatever the average new car represents.
The Honda Civic Sport has gas mileage averages of 30 miles per gallon in city driving, 37 mpg on the highway. It’s attractive inside and outside, it offers a smooth, quiet drive at all speeds. The carmaker has the best resale statistics in the industry.
2022 Honda Civic Verdict
Honda has kept its three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for too long, and it should reconsider the parameters.
Regardless, the Honda Civic is the eighth-best selling car in history. The 2022 edition continues the legacy and marks a grand 50th birthday.
Facts & Figures: 2022 Honda Civic
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (Sport, with destination) | $24,095 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 156 hp |
| Transmission | Continuously variable |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | Slightly less than 8 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city / 37 highway / 33 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 3 yr/36,000 mi |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.