MPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda Civic Review Summary: The 2012 Honda Civic uses subtle aerodynamic tweaks to achieve optimum fuel economy. Honda’s colorful Eco Assist display makes light-footed driving a cinch. While some may fault Honda for not keeping up with all the bells, whistles, and styling cues of the competition, the Civic remains a reliable and truly fuel-efficient choice in a highly competitive segment.
The 2012 Honda Civic coupe is powered by a 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower (HP) and 128 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the DX, LX, and EX without navigation, while a five-speed automatic is standard in the EX with navigation and available in all models.
The official fuel economy estimates for the Civic Coupe are 28 city / 36 highway MPG with the five-speed manual and 28 / 39 with the five-speed automatic. Honda states that the 2012 Civic has a 3.4 percent lower coefficient of drag compared to the prior year’s model. Aerodynamic touches include the side mirrors, flat underfloor, and various under car pieces that direct airflow. A slightly more fuel efficient HF version is only available in sedan form. The Civic HF uses an aerodynamic deck lid spoiler, optimized underbody panels, alloy wheels, Bridgestone Ecopia EP20 low-rolling-resistance tires, and a slightly lower ride to achieve a rating of 29 city / 41 highway.
We covered over 250 miles in our automatic-equipped Taffeta White EX Coupe review unit and had no difficulty exceeding the official mileage estimates, with an average of 43.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 35.1 MPG combined with mild winter temperatures ranging from the mid-thirties through the low-sixties.
Interstate Mileage Testing:
- Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 41.9 MPG
- Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 44.6 MPG
Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid forties. Our EX-L Navi test vehicle was equipped with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels, clad with Continental ContiProContact P205/55R16 all-season tires, and was delivered with just over 6000 miles on the odometer.
Highway driving range is quite good. The 2012 Civic is fitted with a 13.2 gallon fuel tank and is designed to run on regular unleaded.
The 2012 Civic EX Coupe is fitted with four-wheel-disc brakes (10.3-inch vented front/10.2-inch solid rear).
2012 Honda Civic Coupe Curb Weight
| DX | LX | EX | EX with Navi | EX-L | EX-L with Navi | |
| Manual | 2594 | 2615 | 2681 | 2703 | ||
| Auto | 2657 | 2678 | 2745 | 2767 | 2756 | 2778 |
The Civic Coupe’s smooth ride and stable handling offers no surprises, but little excitement. Honda fans seeking more horsepower and sportier handling (rather than fuel economy) will want to take the Civic Si out for a comparison spin.
Honda makes it easy to get the most out of every gallon. Eco Assist bars (as first seen in Honda’s hybrid models) surround the digital speedometer turning blue when under load and green when driving efficiently. The display is flanked by thermometer-style instant MPG and fuel gauges.
Pushing the big green ECON button configures the engine to “operate more efficiently.” Or so they say. We could’ve used an extra day or two and another tank of gas, in order to test this feature exhaustively.
The uniquely-styled cabin lags the competition in some respects. The EX-L version’s leather-trimmed seating surfaces include cloth inserts on the front bucket seats’ bolsters. The driver’s seat provides manual height adjustment and the front buckets have two-level seat heating. Adjustable lumbar support is not available.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel’s controls are well-executed, while the multi-level dashboard may feel a bit odd at first.
The Civic’s “intelligent Multi-Information Display” (i-MID) LCD screen includes audio and Bluetooth information, turn-by-turn directions, two trip meters, miles to empty, and average fuel consumption displays. You can change the wallpaper image to suit your whims.
Hands-free Bluetooth is standard in the EX and EX-L models and includes audio streaming. The 360-watt seven-speaker audio system includes a subwoofer. There are two twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash next to the audio input and one inside the center console, next to the USB input.
The satellite-linked navigation system features voice-recognition. A rear view backup camera is not available.
Your tall friends will want to ride shotgun. As with many coupes, the Civic’s back seat is tight, with just 34.3 inches of headroom and 30.8 inches of legroom.
The Civic coupe’s trunk provides 11.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seat up. Folding the 60/40 seats down accommodates larger items.
All-in-all, the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe is a solid choice for commuters with instrumentation that makes fuel-efficient cruising a breeze. There’s plenty to choose from these days in the compact segment, although the hottest competition is among the sedans. While the Civic Coupe provides a more sporty looking alternative to the slew of four-door sedans, if it’s a sporting ride you’re after, you’ll want to look into the Civic Si.
Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 65%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Japan – 20%
Final Assembly Point: Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Country of Origin:
Engine – USA
Transmission – Japan
– by Daniel Gray
2012 Honda Civic Coupe
Daniel Gray
2011-02-18
This is the best overall civic I’ve ever seen, just look at how quiet the interior has gotten over the generations! The sedan version is probably going to be a favorite with most people however; but that 1.8 L inline 4 cylinder engine is a real winner.
I’ve owned a 2002, 2006 and now the 2012 Civic. Of the 3, the 2012 is the worst… Noisy, uncomfortable, cheap interior and unreliable. The only thing going for it is the gas mileage. Both the 2002 and 2006 got 32 MPG highway, whereas the 2012 gets 35 MPG highway. My favorite was my 2006 Civic. It was quiet, had a nice stereo and was very reliable.