2019 Honda Civic Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

in Car Comparisons
Blue 2019 Honda Civic

Source: Flickr

These days, the increased demand for SUVs and crossovers has overshadowed the popularity of compact sedans. However, compact sedans still hold a significant place in the market, especially for those who value efficiency, maneuverability, and affordability. Among these vehicles, the Honda Civic stands out as a top choice.

When it comes to reliability, fuel efficiency, and bold styling, many will agree that you can’t go wrong with the 2019 Honda Civic. However, if you really want to delve deeper into this venerable compact sedan, you’ll have to consider its strengths and weaknesses.

Today, we are highlighting the 2019 Honda Civic pros and cons based on real-world performance and user experiences. This review will guide you through the key considerations when considering this popular model, whether for a potential purchase or just to explore options.

What We Love: 2019 Honda Civic Pros

There’s a lot to love about the 2019 Civic, including:

Good Selection of Powertrains

If you love various options with your engines, you’ll appreciate what the 2019 Civic has to offer. Below are the available engines for this Civic model year:

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder Engine

  • Power: 158 hp
  • Torque: 138 lb-ft
  • This engine is ideal for those seeking a balance between efficiency and power.

1.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine

  • Power: 174 hp
  • Torque: 162 lb-ft
  • It offers enhanced performance compared to the base engine, providing a more spirited driving experience without significantly compromising fuel efficiency.

1.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine

  • Power: 205 hp
  • Torque: 192 lb-ft (Si model) / 195 lb-ft (other models)
  • This version of the 1.5-liter engine is specifically tuned for the Si models, delivering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.

2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine (Type R)

  • Power: 306 hp
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft
  • Reserved for the high-performance Type R model for a more exhilarating performance.

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Fun to Drive

The Honda Civic is celebrated for its fun driving experience, and the 2019 version is no exception – thanks to its well-engineered balance of performance and handling. The aforementioned variety of engine options, including the peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, provides brisk acceleration and responsive power.

Coupled with its precise steering, the Civic’s nimble handling makes it agile on twists and turns, which bolsters its ride quality. In addition, the car’s firm yet comfortable suspension ensures a smooth journey, even on rough roads. Overall, the Civic is no stranger to engaging road manners, and the choice of engines makes it a breeze to meet your driving needs.

Ample Cargo Space

If cargo space is your priority, the 2019 Civic is more than a solid choice because it’s a class leader in cargo space. For instance, the sedan variant offers an impressive 15.1 cu-ft of trunk space, surpassing many of its rivals in the compact sedan segment. The hatchback model boasts 25.7 cu-ft behind the rear seats for even more room, expanding to a generous 46.2 cu-ft with the seats folded down.

This spaciousness of cargo is notably superior when compared to key competitors like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra, which generally offer less cargo room.


HONDA CIVIC PROS & CONS

They’ve been on the market for nearly 50 years, proving themselves as a commuter car and beyond. If you’re interested in this vehicle for your life, you might wonder - what are the Honda Civic pros and cons?


Solid Fuel Efficiency

The Honda Civic has always been a fan favorite due to its impressive fuel economy. Thankfully, the 2019 version has indeed resumed that tradition. With that said, the 2019 Honda Civic’s fuel efficiency is impressive. The turbocharged engine offers an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined (32 city/42 highway). This is notably higher than some competitors. For instance, the 2019 Toyota Corolla averages around 32 MPG combined, and the Hyundai Elantra is similar at approximately 33 MPG combined.

Wealth of Standard Features

Due to the wealth of standard features, going for the base model of the 2019 Civic doesn’t feel like you’re in a penalty box. For starters, every model comes equipped with the Honda Sensing Suite, offering advanced driver aids like collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Additionally, the Civic includes features like automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a 5-inch display screen – all features standard across all trims.

What We Don’t Love: 2019 Honda Civic Cons

On the other hand, you can’t have a guide about the 2019 Honda Civic pros and cons without its known drawbacks:

Sluggish Adaptive Cruise Control

The Adaptive Cruise Control in the 2019 Honda Civic has received some criticism for being slow to respond. This can be an issue, especially in busy traffic where you must adjust your speed often. Imagine being in rush-hour traffic and the system doesn’t quickly adapt to the car in front slowing down or speeding up. This could lead to a jerky ride, making the driving experience less comfortable and potentially irritating.

Not-So-Intuitive Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the 2019 Civic leaves much to be desired regarding user-friendliness. Users have reported that the system’s interface can be confusing and not very intuitive, which may lead to distractions while driving. Additionally, if you’re on the fence about touch controls, the 2019 Civic’s touch screen won’t make you a convert since it’s reportedly quite fussy and not very responsive.

Some Models Don’t Have Manual Transmission

Not offering a manual transmission in all trims of the 2019 Honda Civic is a letdown for many driving enthusiasts. Manual gearboxes provide a more engaging driving experience that many compact car drivers appreciate. By excluding this option from the higher trims, Honda restricts you from accessing more luxurious and advanced features, forcing you to choose between the engaging driving experience and high-end features.


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2019 Honda Civic Pros and Cons: Is This Compact Car for You?

That concludes our guide about the 2019 Honda Civic pros and cons. Is this the right compact car for you? As you can see, the 2019 Civic is a reliable, compact car that stays true to its “Civic” heritage. It provides an enjoyable driving experience, excellent fuel efficiency, and useful features. Nevertheless, some potential buyers might be put off by certain downsides, such as a bothersome infotainment system and the absence of a manual transmission in all trims.



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