The 2010 Honda Civic lineup starts with the frugal Civic DX, then builds up to LX, EX, and EX-L models. Each of those models come with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 140-horspower and hooked up to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Si models get, in addition to a range of performance upgrades, a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid models get a version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system, altogether producing110 horsepower.

Models with the standard engine or Si version are offered either as a 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe. The Coupe version gets a slightly racier image, thanks to a different, more aggressive roofline toward the back and a tilted-back look to the rear fascia. Coupes have a full-size back seat, though entry and exit is a little more difficult. Trunk space is about the same in the Sedan and Coupe-very ample with a low lift-over height in both cases.

Even in its base DX form, the front-wheel-drive Civic feels responsive and nimble, yet also refined and comfortable enough for long-distance cruising. Si models have a definite edgier feel that won't be to everyone's liking, but they're better-suited to everyday driving than some of the other 'pocket rockets'-provided you don't mind a manual transmission.

The Honda Civic Hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid systems that's simpler than the full hybrid systems in some rival vehicles yet achieves nearly as much of a gain in fuel economy-especially in highway driving. The Civic Hybrid is rated at 40 mpg city, 45 mpg highway.

The other very green Civic model, the Honda Civic GX, remains the only normal retail-sale natural-gas-powered vehicle for sale in the U.S. According to Honda, the GX is eligible for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits, and natural gas costs about 35 percent less than gasoline. The GX is rated at a gasoline-equivalent 24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway.

The base Civic DX doesn't come with a lot of luxury or convenience features (there's no air conditioning), but it does hit on most of the basics, including power windows and a folding rear seat to expand trunk space to accommodate long items. A DX-VP (Sedan only) adds more popular equipment, including air conditioning and a 160-watt CD/MP3 sound system with auxiliary jack. Next up, the LX, brings power locks, cruise control and a center console with armrest, with an LX-S Sedan bringing alloy wheels, a spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The well-appointed EX Sedan and Coupe get a moonroof, split-folding back seat, steering-wheel audio controls and ambient lighting, while the EX-L adds leather upholstery, leather trim, and heated seats and mirrors. Top EX and EX-L Coupes exclusively get an upgraded speaker system, including a subwoofer.

An in-dash navigation system and XM Satellite Radio are optional only on the EX and EX-L. Honda says that it now includes more than 7 million points of interest; it also has voice-activation and integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling.

The Civic comes with plenty of occupant protection, including front side and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

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With coupe and sedan body styles, available in basic, luxurious, or high-performance Si guise-plus green-focused Hybrid and natural-gas GX sedans-the Honda Civic is offered in a very wide range of models to suit the wants of small-car shoppers looking for anything from simple, cost-conscious transportation to full-featured touring. In its most basic form, the Honda Civic DX feels more sophisticated and refined than most vehicles in its price range, with perky engines, quick handling, and good ride comfort. The Civic is also one of the few small cars that offers-at the top of the range-leather upholstery and a full-featured in-dash navigation system. Meanwhile, green shoppers will be delighted that the Civic Hybrid stands as the second most fuel-efficient vehicle for 2010, looking at EPA combined fuel economy figures, while the natural gas Civic GX will quality for a $4,000 federal tax credit. Finally, the Civic's longstanding reputation for resale value and reliability remain among the best among small cars.

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