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2009 Honda Civic

572 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Honda, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 53 of 58

#519 of 572 My "critical" review... by samnoe

Oct 28, 2009 (10:41 am)

While I love my 2009 Civic, the high quality materials, driving dynamics (albeit a little body lean in fast turns), excellent small sports-like steering wheel, no squeaks or rattles, and much more, I would like to pinpoint some room for improvement which I experienced in the past few months since I bought the car.
 
There are some bigger issues, which has already been addressed in many reviews, both pro & consumer. Among them: Terrible road noise (especially that the roads around my area are old and noise increases even more. On newer, smooth roads it is a bit better). Noise includes also the “exhaust/muffler vibration” which makes you shiver when standing behind the car with the engine running;
 
No stability control on lower models, and bluetooth hands-free calling is reserved only for the top-end models with navigation systems, (and even these only imports up to 50 names to the system! But I have 300 names in my phone!! Hello!?). Also among the big complaints is that except for the top models, there is no remote trunk release! Can you imagine? You must insert your key to open it or bent down to the floor at the driver’s door in order to open trunk. All these are known concerns. Now to my list, many of them nitpicking:
 
Headlamps are not bright enough. High beams are much better, but low beam needs improvement. I would also love the headlamps to come on for a short period when I press the “unlock” button on the key fob, and likewise to stay lit for a minute after turning off engine.
 
The outside power mirror switches, which I’ll probably use once in my lifetime, is nicely illuminated. But power window switches, which I use several times every day is not! (except for drivers). Is that logically? Likewise, when you open the drivers door, many gauges lits up nicely, but I am still unable to see where to insert the key. Isn’t an illuminated ignition key insert more important and useful to light up rather than some unimportant gauges? And talking about opening front doors, why don’t the front lamps light up when opening a front door (in many other Honda vehicles, like the odyssey, it does!). If it would have light up, I would be able to see the ignition ring. Also, please put a lamp in the glove box.
 
I was talking about power mirror switches. I would like to add that both, Hyundai Elantra & Kia Forte offer heated power mirrors standard on all models. But the Civic only give it to you on the top model. It would be extremely useful to add it to lower models as well.
 
Being that it is a Japanese vehicle, I would “Americanize” it a little, in several ways. First, ditch that annoying Japanese horn sound. Second, improve the lock/unlock switch. Like Toyota recently did. The American lock/unlock switches is more logically and intuitive designed. “illuminated” cruise control switches are so dimly lighted, I can barely read it. Please make it brighter.
 
Also take off those annoying leading zeros, both on stereo and odometer. When playing an MP3 disk, this is how the display would read: 02-004-03’15 (which is Folder 2, track 4, 3:15 time elapsed). Why the confusing leading zeros? Same in odometer. If I have 13 miles, I hate to see 000013. Also get rid of the apostrophe symbol between the hours & minutes (on stereo), and start using the colon symbol, like all mp3 players (4:22 instead of 04'22).
 
Also on the Japanese, a locking gas cap. At every fill up, you must manually bend down to the floor to open the “door” for the gas cap. What is that for? (Anyone still stealing gas??)
 
Also a stupid idea mostly found on Japanese cars, that lower end models does not get variable wiper speeds, just slow & fast! This sucks! Why shouldn’t I be able to set more intervals my self? I don’t ask here for rain-sensing wipers! I also noticed a “click” every time before and after the wipers are wiping. Very annoying.
 
Talking about the wipers, Most Honda vehicles are designed that the wipers wipe off as much as possible of the windshield (unlike most American designed wipers). But on the Civic, too mush is left un-wiped. I tried to replace with bigger wipers, but Honda designed it that you can’t, because it will be blocked.
 
Seats are not bad, but would love to see the addition of lumbar support. Your lower back may hurt on longer trips.
 
Improve the stereo system. It sounds horrible.
 
The interior door grab/pull handle is not sufficient. Besides, there is no where to hold on tightly when taking a turn, etc. You should adopt the design as in the Toyota Camry, or in your own CR-V, or Acura MDX, recent Lincolns, and many other vehicles. They’re so much more comfortable.
 
Lack of exterior temperature indicator on all but the top model! That is surely a shame. Toyota Corolla offers it on all models. And also I would LOVE to have a trip computer to show me mileage and more.
 
Somehow, the turning circle radius (which Honda says is 35 ft.) seems to be not correct. It feels more like 39-40. I did not measure it myself, but compared to other Honda’s, the Civic’s really fall short.
 
Cheap sun visors. And no extender. Does not belong in a Honda vehicle, period.
 
Also very annoying, if you unlock the car and do not open a door within 30 seconds, it re-locks automatically. Although it’s a great safety feature, I think that 30 seconds is way too soon. Give me a minute or 2!
 
That’s all for now. Hope not to add more in the coming months!
 
And please share your opinions as well.

#520 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [samnoe] by jogousa

Oct 28, 2009 (12:30 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 28, 2009 10:41 am)
WOW - that's critical!
I am sorry, but if you prefer to have othe features that Honda does or doesn't offer you should have bought another brand and make.
Honda conducts quite a few "public" clinics (I was on few of them) and public reports back items and features that they prefer and then they are (or are not) incorporated in their designs. Like the 30-sec automatic lock - I happen to like that feature and obviously majority of respondents as well.
My wife has 2009 Civic EXL and I have 2009 VW Jetta Wagon Tdi. While VW is more "fun to drive and has a better mileage" Honda offers carefree commute from point A to point B. We are happy with both. There is no answer to a question: what is the best car? Everyone looks for something in particular and no car manufacturer can satisfy everybody's taste. It is always a compromise.
Back to you report though. You can increase the headlight brightness by changing the headlamp bulbs and put ultra btright PIAA bulbs there (same wattage but brighter!).
You can eliminate "road" noise by replacing tires that are rated more quiet than yours (see TireRack website).
You can replace wiper blades with Valeo brand - they clean most of the windshield.
Locking fuel caps are handy in certain markets in the U.S. - yes, the gas is still being siphoned out.
Outside temp sensor is on our model - all you have to do is click set-reset button to have it displayed.
Finally, most Hondas sold in the U.S. are designed and assembled in North America - so any referral to "Japanese" isn't really proper.

#521 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [samnoe] by thegraduate

Oct 28, 2009 (8:57 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 28, 2009 10:41 am)
“illuminated” cruise control switches are so dimly lighted, I can barely read it. Please make it brighter.
 
Any brighter and they'd be distracting; I prefer them not lit. I set them by feel anyway. The accel-resume/decel-set rocker has a different feel than the other buttons.
 
Lack of exterior temperature indicator on all but the top model! That is surely a shame. Toyota Corolla offers it on all models. And also I would LOVE to have a trip computer to show me mileage and more.
 
Heavens! We can't get the weather report! Kidding.
 
Cheap sun visors. And no extender. Does not belong in a Honda vehicle, period.
 
They extend. While the visor is out of its clip, pull on it. The whole thing pulls away, back towards the driver/back seat. I learned this a year or so ago in my '06 Accord. I was tickled to learn it!
 
Also a stupid idea mostly found on Japanese cars, that lower end models does not get variable wiper speeds, just slow & fast! This sucks! Why shouldn’t I be able to set more intervals my self?
 
There's a reason people step up from lower-end models to get things like a high-end sound system, trunk release on fob, variable-speed wipers, audio controls on the wheel, etc (all on the EX model since the beginning of this generation [2006], but not offered on the LX). More money buys more features. Perhaps you'd have been more happy with a Fit Sport, Corolla, or Elantra. They seem to offer more of the features you want.

#522 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [---] by samnoe

Oct 29, 2009 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: jogousa (Oct 28, 2009 12:30 pm)
Yeah, that's critical, but as I was pointing out most of them is nitpicking, so no big deal. It’s just some “reference” for Honda if they want to perfect their vehicles, they should take my advice..
 
I know that higher models offer more features, but there are basic stuff that should really be standard. There is a limit of how much you can de-content a low-end vehicle. Many cars give you manual window switches and door locks, other comes with no a/c or stereo, and you need to pay more to get those.. So what’s next? Pay for a steering wheel?
 
Don’t get me wrong. The Civic’s not bad, and I like that Honda in general (unlike Toyota) makes various models very easy to choose, shop and compare, without the confusing option packages for every model. But still, sometimes I don’t need leather and navigation, but I do need a small exterior temperature gauge, or bluetooth, for example. I would pay the few extra bucks for them. I am only comparing the Civic to other manufacturers to “proof” that it is not totally out of order to offer these kind of features on basic small model. I’d still take the Honda over the competition for their refined driving dynamics.
 
About your suggestion for road noise - replacing tires is a big expense. I wouldn't do it only if needed to. I want the car to be quiet right "out of the box". Anyone here interested maybe in a noisy ride? I don't see Honda's point.
 
Now a few more complaints on the Civic, which I think is not so smartly designed:
 
1) You can not turn off the “seat belt reminder”. I always belt, but sometimes just driving slowly in a parking lot or similar situations, I don’t need my seat belts on, but the "reminder" drives me nuts. Most other manufacturer gives you a way out, and let you disable in some way.
 
2) Further more, if the belt charm is already going off, nothing will help stop it, not even coming to a full stop and shifting into PARK. The annoying “reminder” should at least not work when in PARK.
 
3) When you activate the “power windows lock” on drivers door to prevent access of opening/closing windows, the drivers controls are also being locked. This is very unintuitive and frustrating. Driver’s controls always needs to be unlocked and work. I’ve never seen another vehicle to behave that way.
 
Again, let me repeat, my Civic is terrific, a delight to drive day to day (except for the road noise which bothers me terribly), I am just pointing out some areas upon Honda should improve, and be “the best”.
 
Thanks, Honda, for listening!

#523 of 572 My "critical" review... [samnoe] by bearcrkrd

Oct 29, 2009 (7:22 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 28, 2009 10:41 am)
Good Post. I have an '08 LX. Many of the things you mention I do not care about. Some I agree with very strongly. Number one is road noise. It is horrible. After one year of ownership, I spent $750 dollars on "quiet" tires. They only helped a small amount. Does track excellent with the Goodyear ResponseEdge, though! Variable speed interval wipers should be on my LX, too. And lumbar support. I would like to see a light in the glovebox, but it needs to come out (at least partially) to change the cabin air filter, so I think that is why. Wouldn't want the wire bundle hanging?? Next is the exterior temp guage and a lighted ignition ring when you first jump in the car. I agree with you again.
Stability control would be very nice. That should be mandatory for 2010, or 2011 for sure? I used that, along with Drum rear brakes, as a bargaining chip when I bought my '08 LX. Radio could be better, but if the car was quieter, or you are stopped, it sounds good.
I think the lights are plenty bright, wipers swipe just fine, and don't mind the gas cap lever or trunk release in the cabin.
Some of your other points I do not use the stuff that much, or don't notice it.

#524 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [samnoe] by thegraduate

Oct 29, 2009 (7:47 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 29, 2009 2:32 pm)
You can not turn off the “seat belt reminder”. I always belt, but sometimes just driving slowly in a parking lot or similar situations, I don’t need my seat belts on, but the "reminder" drives me nuts. Most other manufacturer gives you a way out, and let you disable in some way.
 
Honda does this for lawsuit reasons, I'm sure. That said, my dad has had $12,000 damage done in a grocery store parking lot. He got hit by someone who didn't stop at the end of their row and turned in front of my dad, causing him to effectively hit them square on, in our then-new '92 Accord. His head shattered the windshield.
 
Wear your seatbelt if your car is out of park.
 
I almost forgot to ask... what cars let you disable the seatbelt reminder, and I'm not referring to pulling a fuse out...?
 
I remember the days when "basic stuff" wasn't inclusive of power windows and locks, 6 speaker CD players, and cruise control.
 
My dad's "basic" Civic he had in '91 had a 4-speed manual, no radio, and dealer-added A/C. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a lumbar adjustment either!
 
My how times, expectations, and prices, have changed.

#525 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [---] by samnoe

Oct 30, 2009 (9:44 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Oct 29, 2009 7:47 pm)
I know that Ford, Chrysler and Toyota have a way to disable. Not an easy button, though. You have to follow a series of pressing buttons and lock/unlock seat belts, etc. Ask anyone to borrow an owner's manual and you'll find it.
 
The annoying part with the Civic is that even if you shift to park, the series of beeps will not stop.
 
Another nitpick: Removing the floor mat from from drivers seat (for cleaning or changing) is unnecessarily cumbersome, and it's even harder to put back and fasten on the hooks.
 
Also the "AUX IN" is difficult to access, especially with one hand. That cover has to come off. Who needs a cover for the AUX IN insert?
 
OK, I think I'll stop already. Enough with the complaints.

#526 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [samnoe] by jogousa

Oct 30, 2009 (11:33 am)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 30, 2009 9:44 am)
Removing the driver's side floor mat better be difficult in view of a recent law suit against Toyota (and subsequent recall) whereas the floor mat got stuck with the gas pedal and would not let go....

#527 of 572 Re: My "critical" review... [samnoe] by sinsd

Oct 30, 2009 (8:02 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Oct 30, 2009 9:44 am)
I agree- all the little complaints. What bugs the helloutta me is the rear drum brake. DRUM BRAKE! HONDA! WHY?

#528 of 572 What did you pay for your 2009 Honda Civic? by max09

Oct 30, 2009 (8:14 pm)

I bought a 2009 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan about 3 weeks ago! I am from Hamilton, Ontario Canada.
 
Dealers in the province of Ontario had a promotion going on until November 2 on all remaining 2009 Honda's of $3,500 off!
 
On the Civic sedans it's $2,500 off the MSRP. I had a couple of prices of what i wanted to pay for the car before i want to the dealership. I was at the dealership for approximately 3 hours, trying to negotiate my price! The final price with all the fees and taxes was $25,900!
 
How did anyone else do? This post is of course open to everyone, but i would really be interested in hearing those specifically from Canada!

Messages Page 53 of 58

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