2013 Honda Civic EX Drive Review and Road Test
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- People assume that car companies know their competition's ever move as if there was some sort of mission impossible crew sent in every weekend to monitor R&D progress. While there are no doubt some less-than-ethical information exchanges in the industry, on the whole, a car manufacturer like Honda finds out what the competition's latest widget looks like around the same time as we do. Need proof? Look at the 2011, 2012, 2013 Honda Civic. The 9th generation Civic was intended to debut as a 2011 model, but the financial implosion caused Honda to go back to the drawing board and the re-design to land as a 2012 model due to the need to re-design the redesign. In the perpetual game of auto-leapfrog, Honda miscalculated the direction Ford, Hyundai, Kia and even Nissan were headed. The result was bashed by Consumer Reports and raked across the coals by most of the press. Did buyers care? Apparently not since the 2012 Civic was purchased in impressive quantities by real-people. Honda could have found solace in their sales, but instead they did something unusual: they re-re-redesigned the Civic for 2013. Say what?
The 2013 Civic isn't just a second-year options package shake-up, and it isn't even a mid-cycle color and trim shuffle. The changes after only a year on the market land somewhere between a refresh and the ever-so-popular redesign-on-the-same-platform. How can I call it a redesign? Well, if Lexus can call the "new" LS a new car... But I digress.
While I didn't hear as many complaints from my comrades in the auto-biz about the Civic's curb appeal, Honda took the opportunity to graft the chrome smile from the 2013 Accord onto the Civic, redesign the bumper covers (front and rear), add some smoked tail lamps, new wheels and finished it off with a trendy honeycomb grille. While I didn't have a single issue with the way the old Civic looked, I have to admit this one looks better, especially from the front or back where Honda spent some cash to have the tail lamps cross onto the trunk lid giving the Civic's heinie a more premium feel. From the side it would appear that noting has changed with the same four-window silhouette, but the difference is in the glass: it's thicker this year for improved sound isolation.
The problem with the 2012 Civic wasn't the exterior. And, in my mind, it wasn't the interior design OR the interior plastics quality. Yep, you heard me right with that. The old Civic's plastics weren't great, but they were easy to clean, textured attractively and I just didn't expect anything different from an $18,000 car. What I did have a problem with was a lack of color-matched bits and ill-fitting panels. Our 2012 tester's four main dash components sported four different variations of the same target color. For 2013 Honda cranked the thumbscrews on the parts suppliers and all the colors in our Civic EX were the same.
In addition to the color change, Honda had an eye on touch points, swapping out the hard doors and dash "faces" for squichy-injection molded units with fake stitching. Keeping costs d0wn, the same gauge cluster and dash structure remain from last year as well as the dash parts farther from your reach, but they have all been re-cast to texture-match the new bits. Even the radio's plastics have received a color and texture upgrade to look classier. The change has brought the Civic from slightly below average to a solid contender running neck-and-neck with the new Focus and Elantra.
Honda continues to integrate a fairly exaggerated lumbar support contour in the front seat backs, something I prefer, but since it isn't adjustable you should spend some time in the Civic to be sure you can live with the shape.
As with most cars that have families in mind, the Civic's rear seats are close to the floor and the door openings are wide and tall making ingress/egress easy with or without a child seat in tow. Honda has a reputation for function over form, and that pays dividends in the rear with a high roofline that allows a more upright seating position and adequate head room, more than can be said of the Elantra. Fold those 60/40 rear seats down and you'll notice an area Honda didn't touch: cargo. The Civic's trunk pass-through is still somewhat small and oddly shaped preventing larger items from riding along. The trunk's 12.5 cubic feet is in line with the Focus and Corols, but it's a few Cubes behind the Elantra and Sentra. When it comes to bag carrying, the Sentra has a further trick up its trunk: a 24-inch roller bag can ride vertically in the Sentra's cargo hold allowing you to carry a surprising seven carry-on sized rollerbags, try that in your Panther replacement.
Music by Kevin MacLeod
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I just bought a 2013 Honda Civic a few months ago and I love everything about it. The main thing I like about it is it has a nice stereo system and the hands-free Bluetooth or I can just push a button to answer our to make a call. This car is got me spoiled now. This is the nicest car I have ever owned.
You have the ex trim?
Same.
Who the Hell picks a Sentra over a Civic? Also he’s probably the only reviewer who likes CVTs lol
Yeah, right? Doesn't make sense. All those 2013 Nissan CVT's are falling to pieces by now...
The Honda CVTs are pretty good.
In a completely different class than those old altimas
I like Sentra as well as Honda. They seem to be enemies over here in the US for some reason.
I have a 2013 civic and I absolutely love it.
What's the fuel usage like?
How much does it cost?
I might get it I’m just looking and comparing the best one for me.
@@RyanGosling6 I’m in this situation right now
@@jonathandelreal9156 I’ve had mine for almost 6 years and I love it even more today than the day I bought it.
2013 civic here with sunroof great gas mileage, about 41.3 mpg. Best car I have ever had and I have had lots of cars.
Hey, any issues with it 3 years later? I’m in the market for one of these
@@kingdoge69 same! hopefully he updates
The Honda Civic is by far the best car I have ever had. I am going to look at getting one this weekend. I missed having a civic so bad
I just bought my first Honda Civic EX 2013 and I'm In Love!!! I paid 12,000 and the car has74k miles on it. I hope this car will last without a whole lot of repair for the 5 year loan. So far so great!
Heidi Gorman hows it holding up still love it
Everything still loved?
Excellent choice! Mine gets 50mpg hwy and never had a single problem! I do my own maintenance.
Don't forget back up camera.
I've had a Civic 5-speed since February. I'm 5'10" and the cluster is great for me, except that the cruise control indicator light is blocked due to my personal preference for keeping the steering wheel in it's lowest position. I really like the split dash.
PICKED UP MY 2013 CIVIX EX July 4th. Love it. I'm 6' tall. very comfortable and I love the milage! Getting over 35 with mix driving City/Highway. Love the style, it looks so much cooler than the 2012.
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣Nissan's cvt transmission over Honda's.... I'm going to forward this video to scotty...
You might give Scotty a heart attack bro lol
when i saw you actually get into the trunk i subscribed immediately lol
just bought one for my 15 year old son. soo nice
Kim P how is it driving now?
drives well
Kim P thanks for replying
still driving good? whats the mileage like on it?
Savin up for one for my first car
I have one off these, 1996 civic with >360km .
My brother drove it into a ditch and left underwater for a few hours (long story...)
It still ran/runs right out off the water.
I'll buy another one once mine dies ...might be a another decade though.
Hows it holding up after 4 years?
Shajia Afrin How about after 5 years lol
How’s it holding up after 6 years?
7yrs???
What a fantastic review! You're very clear yet thorough. I'm considering this car at the moment, so this has been very useful.
So this will be my first car on Tuesday I’m really excited! I plan to get 15+ years out of my Honda Civic
Do you like it? I’m getting one next week
I bought this car and don't regret it. Get 50MPG hwy!!!!!!! I only use Top Tier fuel.
@L. Dega you are probably the only person that I've seen that calls this car a gas guzzler and I've read countless comments and reviews. Everyone online praises this car for getting great gas mileage. Upper 30's mpg. Who to believe? Have you had your car checked out by a mechanic?
Avg mpg 40-46 here
We had a 2013 LX for a few months before it was in a serious accident a few weeks ago. Still waiting for the final verdict. Car held up well, very safe!
Great video with lots of useful information. The only thing I would say is yes the Accord is more refined but I honestly prefer the futuristic dash as well as a lot of the other interior touches in the civic more
what i like in this review is how the commentator described briefly, precisely, and professionally. Honestly, best review for car I have ever had.... keep it up.
It looks so much better than the older 8th gen Civics. Especially at the front with that sporty front end.
I don't like how CVTs sound. It sounds like its revving higher and higher and it doesn't stop.
Well, being the cheap guy I am I was too cheap to buy a pair of clear lenses and a pair of sunglasses so instead I got one set of transitions lenses. Maybe some day if this whole CZcams thing pays off I'll invest in something else, but until then it's going to have to be a shaded look.
I like 2013 civic because it’s the last civic without a cvt and I love the interior
I like how you just casually posted in the trunk 😅
your video reviews are excellent. i just got this civic and so far love it. keep the reviews coming.. great job
1:56 No, I definitely expect world class plastics when I'm spending tens of thousands of dollars 🤣. The stitching is lovely, makes the car feel more "homemade", not just made by a robots.
I really enjoy your reviews. Thank you!
I was today years old when I found out 2012 and 2013 civic have a different face. Alex is right though that 2013 engine with the EarthDreams engine is a super package. String resale value too. Some of the bigger models get better or comparable gas mileage than the smaller ones for other brands too, I noticed. Eg skyactiv mazda3 and 6 vs Mazda2
That's something of an apples to oranges comparison. The 2013 Sentra gets 39 or 40 MPG with the CVT depending on the version and in our tests at 70MPH with the A/C on the Sentra could easily average 45+ on a level highway run.
Im glad they didn't put the cvt trans in this model.
1. Not many mechanics know how to repair cvt trans
2. In most cases you need a new trans. Got 3k plus labor.
true youre rigght cvt friggin sucks
Great honest review.
Thanks for the tip on that. We have been using a fairly spendy HFG10 and G20 but they haven't really lived up to their expectations. I think we may be making a switch to something different at the end of the year.
Thank you! We're working on getting our hands on the new Corolla but it is likely to be a few months off.
5:11 LMFAO !!
tranceboyjohny1 yesss hahahaa
I don't find that the cluster impacts visibility in any way, I just think the design is a little unusual. If you're thinking about the Touring, then I would strongly recommend spending some time in the Accord. The Civic isn't really groundbreaking in any way but the new Accord is incredibly compelling, gets real-world MPG numbers equal to or higher than the Civic (4 cylinder), It has an excellent ride and I find it more attractive as well.
The 2014 Civic gets the all-new Earth Dreams CVT. I'll be interested in your impressions, Alex of the '14 Civic when you get around to test driving it. Also people here complaining about CVT's should reconsider. The Earth Dreams CVT that Honda uses is like no other CVT you've ever driven. It debuted in the all-new redesigned 2013 Accord and is slowly trickling to other Honda models. It will debut in the all-new 2015 Fit next year and is likely to appear in the 2015 CR-V when it gets its mid-cycle refresh. CVT's have gotten a lot better and will continue to improve going forward.
They are fairly equal. The Civic is quieter than the old Forte and about the same as the new Forte. They are both finally among the quieter entries in the segment.
Another stellar review from Alex. Although i disagree with your "fondness" for the CVT, i appreciate the honesty. I am with you on the Civic vs Accord competition especially when buyers go up to higher trims like EX with Nav, EX-L with Nav.
However, i STILL believe that the Mazda 3 sedan/hatchback, especially the redesigned 2014 is the dark horse in this segment.
Fair and balanced review. It's TTAC, i expect nothing less.
You did a good job I really like your review.
Great video! You did a great job reviewing this car. I love this Honda civic ex, but it's over 20k. I can get an accord lx for about 22k that has all the option this civic has, and it's a bigger and more powerful car, but gets a really close real world mpg of the civic.
CIVIC 2013 is the best car maximum MPG and luxury style .. nice review thanks .
We are working to get out hands on a Forte, Mazda 6 and Cadenza, stay tuned!
I agree with you about the new Mazda3, but you'll have to wait till next week for that...
You're like the Technology Connections of the car world
A very nice, thorough look at the vehicle. Thank you for this video.
Thanks alot helped me to make my choice, just wondering, don't you think honda is more reliable car then nissan ?
Vileps In general yes, but I doubt that you'd ever "save money" since the Nissan is usually less expensive with slightly better fuel economy, that offsets repair costs in general to be fairly equal.
Keep in mind that driving style and terrain can have enormous (50% or larger) impacts on your economy.
well done Alex, you've just nailed it big time, you gave all the information I needed to. Do you believe nissan cvt has improved its reliability lately, I am planning to buy a qashqai cvt or honda ex 2013 automatic.
Editing seems to invariable distil all the filler words into one video, it is something that we're working on.
Dr octopus reviewing cars... Dope!
Hi Alex: I absolutely love your vehicle reviews, they are very informative!! Do you know when you will review the 2014 Toyota Corolla?
They aren't sunglasses they are regular vision glasses with the transitions coating, the camera makes them appear much darker than they are. I wear them because I have to have corrective lenses on to drive.
Also when he said you can fit luggage tall ways in the trunk didn't take into account the actual bars that support the trunk look at that picture... There is no way in hell that trunk is closing.
I also have 2013 Honda Civic I love it
Great review, thanks!
Since it was a private parking lot with the permission of the owner when the business was closed I'm not sure how it's a big deal.
I know, it is the love that dare not speak its name.
Hold up. You can't access the rear seat release unless you you open the trunk. Good for security but not good for ease of use.
Do not ever suggest a CVT transmission!
I DO agree ! its better than its predecessor BUT still unapealling!
1:58 shots fired.
That sounds great. I'll be curious to hear what you get in real world fuel economy for the Forte. A friend of mine in Vancouver just leased one, and his first few tanks have been ~30% worse than the expected fuel economy figures. Makes me nervous. :)
you cover all the bases and make smart observations, keep it up!
Yes, all EX models get the moonroof as standard.
I would love to see a head to head comparison of the 2014 Mazda6 grand touring with the 2013 Kia Optima SX or SXL
When we had the Civic we did drive it back to back with the Focus, Corolla and Elantra, the three primary competitors and the 2013 Civic was no louder than the Focus or Elantra and quieter than the Corolla. The 2012 model was notably worse than all three.
Alex, I hope you can do a review on the new 2014 Kia Forte. Interested to see how you think it olds up vs. Civic/Versa.
I like how you do the reviews, can you pls make one on the 2013 subaru wrx.....thanks
Explain how the CVT saves on gas when a 2011 Civic 5 speed auto can achieve 36mpg highway and a 2011 Sentra with a CVT can only achieve 31mpg hwy.
I love this brand "Honda", I had a civic si 2007, an Accord sedan 2010, and i 'll buy a civic 2013.
Alex: Nice review, though I honestly don't think the car is all that much changed from last years. And, for whatever reason, Honda's Civic paint finishes suffer from major orange peel. In fact, the car you tested almost looks like its had its doors repainted. That is a quality issue unto itself (an issue that doesn't seem to afflict the Accord, BTW).
And, your verbal tick of using "of course" every other sentence really wears after a few reviews. Please take that as constructive criticism.
My biggest complaints are the hood stand is location and that tiny opening from behind the chairs and the inside of trunk come on what’s the point of being able to put seats down ??
yea the forte failed in the new iihs crash test while the civic got top marks
This is the most in depth review I've ever watched... subscribed. BTW, was the moon roof an option for this EX? I'm planning on getting an EX, I just don't wanna pay extra for that option haha.
U jst got new a subscriber....
Hi Alex, please let me know what the car's color is. Thanks.
Sure, but you don't need to wear transition lenses when doing a review.
I'm sure you want these videos to be successful because you wear nice clothes and your review is very professional. Clear glasses would add to that, that's all.
In future we will use "as may be obvious" instead.
Can you guys do a video on the Cadillac ATS?
What good is styling when it's reliability that counts of the road? That's why i would still go Honda over Nissan.
An Infiniti Qx56 review would be nice
Alex....possible to do a review on the hydrogen powered clarity? I understand Honda is heavily invested in future hydrogen powered vehicles.
I am looking into this but the Clarity is such a limited vehicle it may not be possible.
True , but it has nothing that the others dont, it just doesnt look right to me the way its layed out..but thats just my opinion
The Sentra lacks power and the ride is lacking YET its a nicely designed car..I just left Nissan this yr and went for for most part because of their customer service.....I got a 2013 Focus Titanium...
I own a 09 Honda Civic
Why did you park where it says No parking?
Some one can tell me what is the name color of that car I need to paint my spoiler to the same color
I love the Honda
The head restraint as they would like to call is literally a pain in the neck. Leads to poor posture problems. While it is designed as a safety feature and to minimize whiplash, you suffer from it all other days due to neck being pushed forward while not in an accident. If you recline your seat back to avoid interference with the head restraint, now your body will be shaped like a "C". If you intend to drive this car for more than an hour each day, avoid this car.
its said that 2014 civics will get the new earth dreams
What's the 1 2 3 and d3 meant for??
People refuse to believe that they are simply paying for a name badge...
Review the subaru wrx pls. Ty
Just watch the small overlap test... Sentra and civic
look the reason why the 2012 civics suck was because it was designed when the earthquake was in japan, there was a shortage of parts so they cheapened the car out to make it less expensive to get to those parts
how manmy speed got the civic ❓❓❓
Can you please do a review on the new 2014 Prius 5?
We will as soon as possible.
Alex on Autos Thanks
Can you the hood from insinde?
is cvt the same as 'variable gear ratio"? why are they undesirable? also, what is 'av-s7'? anyone.
They break more and they're way more expensive to change
I just bought one used the same color and I wonder if it’s the same car I bought lol 😂