Introduced as an early 2003 model, this fuel-sipping Civic variant used unique front and rear end styling, and added alloy wheels, side airbags, and a magnum load of comfort/convenience standards to set it apart from its conventional sedan brethren. Underhood, the newest iteration of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology combined a 1.3L/85-horsepower VTEC I-4 gas engine with an 8-hp electric motor that recharged its battery on the fly. Far smaller and lighter than the previous IMA package, it yielded great mileage with either the standard five-speed manual or optional CVT automatic transmission.
What Junkies are Saying