2017 Honda Civic: Review of the Tenth Generation Redesign
There’s a unique peace of mind that comes from driving a car known for its reliability, but the tenth-generation 2017 Honda Civic proves that you don’t have to sacrifice fun to get it.
The 2017 Civic wasn’t just a simple update; it was a complete top-to-bottom reinvention. Honda threw out the old playbook and started fresh, creating a car that was sharper to look at, more exciting to drive, and packed with the technology modern drivers wanted. It quickly became more than just a sensible choice—it became the compact car to beat.
What Made the 10th-Gen Civic a Game Changer?
This generation marked a huge shift for Honda. For the first time, they developed a single, global Civic model instead of different versions for different parts of the world. This strategic move allowed them to invest more into the car’s quality and performance, targeting the key U.S. market but selling a superior product everywhere.
A Bold New Look and a Smarter Frame
The moment you saw the 2017 Civic, you knew it was different.
- Head-Turning Styling: Gone was the anonymous, bubbly shape of older models. The new Civic featured a sleek, fastback profile that was nearly 2 inches wider and an inch lower than its predecessor, giving it an athletic, planted stance. The design was angular and modern, guaranteed to make you look twice.
- A Rock-Solid Foundation: Underneath that dramatic sheet metal was an ultra-rigid body built with higher-grade steel. This new platform was not only lighter but also contributed to a cabin that was significantly quieter, challenging luxury compact cars. The body was the most tightly sealed Honda had ever made, leading to a 75% reduction in air leaks for a quieter ride.
The Heart of the Matter: Turbocharged Power
The 2017 Civic’s engine lineup was where the real magic happened for driving enthusiasts.
“Honda’s engineering philosophy balances everyday practicality, advanced technology, and a fun-to-drive spirit that has won over millions of drivers worldwide.”
The big news was the wider availability of a turbocharged engine. For 2017, the peppy 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder was paired with a six-speed manual transmission on the EX-T trim, a move that enthusiasts celebrated. This engine produced a healthy 174 horsepower and felt responsive and eager, pulling strongly from low revs thanks to its turbo torque.
Of course, the proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder remained a solid, efficient option for the base trims. But the turbo was the star of the show, offering a perfect blend of power and impressive fuel economy.
| 2017 Honda Civic Model | Available Engine | Horsepower | EPA Combined MPG (CVT) | Starting MSRP (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic LX Sedan | 2.0L I-4 | 158 hp | 34 | $19,540 |
| Civic EX-T Sedan | 1.5L Turbo I-4 | 174 hp | 36 | $22,300 |
| Civic Si Coupe/Sedan | 1.5L Turbo I-4 | 205 hp | 35 | ~$24,100 (est.) |
| Civic Hatchback | 1.5L Turbo I-4 | 174 hp | 35 | ~$20,500 (est.) |
| Civic Type R | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 306 hp | 25 | ~$34,000 (est.) |
Finally, Fun to Drive Again
Honda listened to the critics and completely reworked the Civic’s chassis and suspension, with stunning results.
- Sharper Handling: The old rear torsion beam setup was replaced with a sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension. This change, combined with a lower center of gravity, made the Civic feel nimble, confident, and planted through corners.
- Better Steering Feel: A new dual-pinion electric power steering system with a variable ratio provided world-class steering feel. The steering was quick and responsive, making the car feel alive in your hands.
A Tech-Filled, Practical Cabin
Inside, the Civic felt more premium than ever. High-quality, soft-touch materials were applied liberally throughout the dashboard and doors. It also boasted the largest cabin in the compact segment, with more rear-seat legroom and a massive trunk.
Technology was a huge highlight. Available features included:
- A 7-inch touchscreen display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- A customizable driver information interface right behind the steering wheel.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.
- The Honda Sensing suite of safety features became standard on many trims, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation.
Under the Hood: Powertrain and Performance
The 2017 Civic offered two main engines designed to suit different driver priorities. The 2.0-liter was a dependable and efficient workhorse, while the 1.5-liter turbo was the modern, powerful, and efficient option that won over most reviewers and drivers. Its combination of smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy was hard to beat.
The 2017 Civic Lineup: A Body Style for Everyone
One of the Civic’s greatest strengths has always been choice, and the 2017 model year was no different.
- The Popular Sedan: The four-door sedan was the volume seller, offering a perfect blend of style, space, and efficiency for families and commuters.
- The Sporty Coupe: The two-door coupe wasn’t just a sedan with fewer doors; it had its own unique, more aggressively styled bodywork, catering to those wanting a sportier look.
- The Return of the Hatchback: For 2017, a five-door hatchback variant joined the lineup, and it was a welcome return. It offered even more utility with a massive, practical cargo area and a bold, angular design that really stood out.
Real-World Ownership: What’s It Like to Live With?
According to owner reviews, the 2017 Civic shined in several key areas. People loved the huge amount of trunk space, the effective heating and air conditioning system, and the stylish dashboard design. The turbo engine’s combination of power and fuel efficiency was a constant point of praise.
No car is perfect, and some owners noted that the comfort of the driver’s seat could be better on long journeys, and that the audio system and interior quietness, while improved, weren’t class-leading.
Hidden Features You Might Have Missed
Owners on forums discovered some clever hidden tricks:
- Remote Window Control: You can roll down all the windows and open the sunroof on a hot day by pressing the unlock button on the key fob twice, then holding it down a second time.
- Auto-Reverse Wiper: If you have the front wipers on and put the car in reverse, the rear wiper will automatically activate to improve rear visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Honda Sensing safety suite?
Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation to help prevent accidents.
Is the 2017 Honda Civic a safe car?
Yes, the 2017 Civic earned top crash protection ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars you could buy.
What’s the difference between the Civic EX-T and the Civic Si?
The Si is the true sport model, featuring a more powerful 205-hp version of the 1.5L turbo, a limited-slip differential, active dampers, and a sport-tuned suspension, and it came exclusively with a 6-speed manual.
Did the 2017 Civic coupe come with a manual transmission?
Yes, the base LX coupe and the more powerful EX-T coupe both offered a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
How much trunk space does the 2017 Civic sedan have?
The sedan offers a very practical trunk, which was increased by 2.6 cubic feet over the previous generation for a total of 15.1 cubic feet.
Was the 2017 Civic Hatchback available with a turbo?
Yes, all Civic Hatchback trims for 2017 came exclusively with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
What was the most powerful 2017 Civic?
The most powerful model was the Civic Type R, which packed a 306-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and became the first Type R model officially sold in North America.
The 2017 Honda Civic was a landmark car that successfully redefined what a compact car could be. It blended head-turning style, a fun-to-drive character, practical everyday usability, and advanced technology into a single, compelling package. It proved that you could have it all without breaking the bank.
Which Honda Civic model from this generation is your favorite? The practical sedan, the sleek coupe, or the versatile hatchback? Share your story in the comments!
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