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Sedans Honda Civic Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra
1637 messages, Last post on Oct 27, 2009 at 7:09 PM
You are in the Honda Civic Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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I got to take a nearly-new Civic LX for an extended drive this past week while traveling in Southeastern Florida, courtesy of Hertz. I put my comments here: backy, "The Forums Test Drive Team" #198, 12 Jan 2008 1:23 pm I was glad to have the five days in the Civic, as it gave me a good chance to compare it to the Elantra, which I've rented on several occasions. I was impressed in many ways by the Civic. I think it's better planted on the road than the Elantra, it has some nice touches in the interior such as a sliding center armrest, a thick steering wheel, and oil life gauge, and it had distinctive, sporty styling. But overall, for what I want in my next car, I'd take the Elantra SE. For hundreds less (MSRP) than the Civic LX, the Elantra offers a much larger interior (especially the rear seat), ESC, 4-wheel discs, five-spoke alloys, 6-speaker XM radio, audio controls on a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 rear seat opening to a larger trunk, trip computer, fog lamps; little touches like lighted vanity mirrors, overhead storage, two 12-volt outlets, auto on/off headlamps, rear center armrest; and of course the longer warranty. Also, the Elantra is quieter inside (less tire and wind noise) and has a smoother ride, albeit with less crisp handling. The Elantra gives up 1 mpg (EPA estimated overall) to the Civic. The Elantra is higher, meaning it's easier to climb into and out of than the Civic--more and more important as one gets older.  If someone doesn't need a roomy rear seat, likes the way the Civic handles, likes its low stance, and doesn't mind paying more to get a Honda, the Civic would make a fine choice. |
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I'm in market for a new car and narrowed down between Honda Civic v/s Hyundai Elantra. Both are similarly priced with Elantra being little bit cheaper than Civic. Mileage wise it seems both are on par. What is opinion of others ? I'll be driving in snow and seems Civic lacks certain extra safety features that Elantra SE has. Also seems like CR rated Elantra SE higher than Civic just because of extra safety features.
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Replying to: mjoshi (Mar 24, 2008 10:24 am) Other than the ESC/traction control, the cars have similar safety features. The Civic has done very well in crash tests, as has the Elantra but the Elantra hasn't been tested by the IIHS for side impact yet. The cars are quite a bit different in other aspects, though (I've driven both). Civic has crisper handling and slightly better fuel economy (29 vs. 28 mpg EPA combined), the Elantra has a roomier interior and trunk and a softer, quieter ride. They are both really good small cars, but you might prefer how one drives vs. the other. The Elantra SE also includes quite a bit more equipment than the Civic LX, e.g. alloys, fog lamps, leather wheel with audio controls, XM radio, rear center armrest, lighted vanity mirrors, trip computer, heated mirrors. The other thing to consider is that although the Elantra costs less up front, the Civic has historically higher resale value. That can be important if you plan to keep the car for only 2-3 years. There are some great incentives on the Elantra now, with a rebate ranging from $1500-2000 depending on state. |
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Replying to: mjoshi (Mar 24, 2008 10:24 am)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 24, 2008 10:59 am)
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Replying to: targettuning (Mar 24, 2008 12:00 pm) The Elantra is more relaxed. The Civic is more high-strung. The Elantra is more boring. The Civic is more exciting. The Elantra has a slower-responding, "big-car" feel. The Civic has a quick-on-its-feet, agile feel. Targettuning likes a more comfortable ride and doesn't like the quick-handling Civic  . TheGraduate's dad likes the sportiness of the Civic and didn't want a "boring" car. The Elantra is indeed quieter, bigger, and softer riding than the Civic. But, that doesn't mean "better" for everyone. Just like quick-ratio steering and more agile handling is "better" for target. For people like my folks (who have a problem-free 2007 with 42k miles) the Civic is fun. My dad said he loves the "point and shoot" feel of the Civic. I've driven it, and it is fun to scoot around in; much more fun than my Accord (even though my Accord is a good deal quicker in the straight line). My folks got their Civic EX 5AT for a little under invoice ($17,280) , and got blue-book for their Accord when they traded in. The Elantra is a value-buy, but then the Civic isn't priced like a Rolls-Royce either. |
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Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 24, 2008 12:22 pm) And I don't mind boring if it includes "boring" through ice and snow with the help of ESC and traction control.
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Replying to: backy (Mar 24, 2008 12:30 pm) ) But, at the moment, the Elantra leads the competition because it has stability control available. If the Civic comes in with it standard on all models, Hyundai will have to step it up and deliver on the GLS! I can't help but imagine the Civic will have this for the MMC. Let's hope. And, the Mazda 3 has SO MUCH road rumble with the 17" tires I couldn't stand it (the i version has 16" wheels and aren't quite as bad). The Civic sort of meets the Elantra and the 3 in the middle. |
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| okay today I had chance to test drive Civic & Elantra one after other and last back to my Mazda 3 Hatchback. To be honest neither Elantra nor Civic came anywhere close to Mazda 3. I was planning to trade-in Mazda 3 (call me confused) for Elantra or Civic but after test drive probably I'll have to think twice. My Mazda 3 gives me 25-26mpg during winter time city driving in upstate NY. Well between Elantra and Civic, Civic seemed to be better in terms of layout but road noise is more pronounced on Civic compared to Elantra. On other hand engine noise is more on Elantra compared to Civic so after driving both cars I'm now more confused. Seems probably try and drive Corolla next. | |
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Replying to: mjoshi (Mar 24, 2008 3:24 pm)  May I ask why you are considering ditching the 3? I've always liked them, except for the tire noise and vibration in the cabin (my experience is with a 2004 3s and a 2007 3i - the 3i is seemingly better than the s). |
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