It’s hard to deny that we live in an SUV-centered world these days. However, there are still plenty of drivers who swear that a small, low sedan is still the ideal vehicle for navigating city streets. After all, when you’re dealing with stop-and-go, crowded freeways and a high population of people whose driving skills are far inferior to your own, isn’t it better to have something small and zippy?

There are many reasons why someone might be interested in a Honda Civic for sale, but for those of us who live and drive in one of the busiest cities in the world, the Civic remains one of the best vehicles on the market. Why? Because it has the power, the size, and all of the right things to make your daily commute less of a hassle. While it can’t eliminate traffic or teach that other guy how to use his blinker, it'll sure keep you safe and sane during your daily drive.

Zippy and Economical

The Honda Civic was invented to be zippy and economical, so it makes perfect sense that those are two of its most prominent attributes, even after five decades. Over the years, the Honda Civic has employed a variety of engines and power sources to get the job done, all of which have had the goal of providing exceptional driving manners without draining your bank account.

The 2024 Honda Civic sedan comes with one of two engines, depending on the trim selected. For the LX and Sport trims, the Civic sedan is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that provides a satisfying 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.

As part of Honda’s EarthDreams Technology initiative, this engine has been specifically designed to provide the highest possible fuel efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. From systems that monitor intake, exhaust, and combustion to a conscious reduction of potential friction within the engine and its components, this engine is good for 31 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway, for 35 MPG combined.

The EX and Touring trims are treated to a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides a slick 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Also designed with EarthDreams Technology, this engine is intercooled with direct injection as well as intake and exhaust Variable Timing Control. The result is a very quick and spry little sedan. Drivers of the EX or Touring trim will enjoy up to 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway, for 36 MPG combined.

If you go for the Si trim, your 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder is tuned to get a boosted 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This model is only available with a manual transmission, and it'll get you 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. If your dreams of an ideal vehicle include spending less at the gas pump without sacrificing the ability to rapidly merge on the freeway, the Honda Civic provides exactly that.

Just the Right Size

The Honda Civic is not a big car, but it’s not exactly tiny. It’s a five-passenger sedan that provides plenty of room in the front and back seats for full-sized adults.

The 2024 Civic’s wheelbase measures 107.7 inches, with the total body length coming in at 184.0 inches. Not only does that fit neatly into nearly every parallel and perpendicular parking spot in the United States, but it also maneuvers exceptionally well in parking garages.

Despite its diminutive size, the Honda Civic remains surprisingly roomy inside. The space for passengers within the Civic is actually similar to that of the CR-V, Honda’s midsize SUV. In fact, the front passengers in a Civic get more legroom at 42.3 inches to the CR-V’s 41.3 inches. The shoulder room in the Civic is 57.0 inches in the front and 56.0 inches in the rear, while the CR-V provides 57.9 inches in front and 55.9 inches in the rear.

Granted, cargo space is not going to be the same in a sedan as it will be in an SUV. While the maximum 14.8 cu.ft. of cargo space may not feel like a lot, there is plenty of room for backpacks, laptop bags, groceries, and enough gear for a weekend getaway. With fold-down rear seatbacks, the Civic sedan can be configured to carry more stuff than you might imagine.

Everything at Your Fingertips

The Honda Civic isn’t just an economical, low-stress, easy-to-fit vehicle; it is a legitimately cool sedan. Take, for example, the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technology. Features like a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Jam Assist come standard, and they’re ideal for folks who spend a lot of their time on the road during rush hour.

Bluetooth connectivity has been part of the Honda lineup for decades, far before its competitors made it standard. As such, drivers of any trim can enjoy audio streaming and hands-free device usage, along with integration with services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climbing the trim levels unlocks more impressive audio systems, including a Bose 12-speaker system, which is part of the Touring trim’s list of features.

The Sport trim includes a trademark three-mode drive system that allows drivers to select between Normal mode, the fuel-saving Economy mode, and the peppy Sport mode. It also gets chrome exhaust details, 18-inch gloss black wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The EX shows off the suave side of the Civic with cool touches like a remote engine start, a one-touch power moonroof, and heated front seats. Joined by the turbocharged engine, the Civic EX has just the right amount of style and sophistication to get attention.

As the top trim, the Civic Touring sedan is fully stocked, with leather-trimmed seats, an enhanced 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with customization features, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror.

If you’re the sort of driver who likes to have the latest and greatest of every possible feature, the Civic may not seem too exciting at first glance. However, if you have a short and specific list of needs and wants based on what you actually use during your daily commute, the Honda Civic sedan very likely meets most of them. From allowing you to choose the tunes that best suit your mood to hands-free phone calls and safety features that are better at anticipating and reacting to traffic changes than most drivers, the Civic really has the driver’s best interest in mind.

It’s Not Just a Civic

Purchasing a Honda Civic sedan isn’t “just” buying a car. The Civic was developed as a vehicle to appeal to the masses during a time when gasoline was limited while lengthy commutes were still very real. As such, Honda has ensured over the years that it’s still a no-nonsense car when it comes to being easy to keep and maintain.

Even better, a Honda Civic doesn’t get “old” the way other models do. It merely becomes more experienced, retaining its resale value longer than many other sedans. A Honda Civic is a wise investment for many reasons. It can go where you want it to go—within the city limits or as far as the pavement extends.