Honda Civic Is Our Compact Car Best Buy of 2023

By

Joe Tralongo 12/14/2022 9:00pm

Available as sedan or hatchback
Exceptional resale and reliability ratings
Spacious interior
Miserly fuel economy
Priced from $24,650 (plus $1,095 destination) | Price yours
On sale now | See listings near you

There’s a reason the 2023 Honda Civic is our Compact Car Best Buy, a feat it has now accomplished eight of the nine years we’ve had these awards: It just does everything right.

The Civic sedan is a joy to drive. Its available turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers strong acceleration (our own Micah Muzio describes it as “spunky” in his review) and exceptional fuel economy. In fact, the Civic’s turbocharged engine goes further on a gallon of gas than the base model’s less-powerful 2.0-liter unit.

In hatchback form, the Civic offers SUV-like interior versatility without sacrificing the sedan’s best qualities. It also provides a manual transmission option for those who still enjoy the thrill of rowing gears.

Included in the Civic lineup are two performance trims with legendary names: the Si and Type R. Aimed at driving enthusiasts and those with enthusiast aspirations, these Civic variants prove you don’t need a V8 or a six-digit price tag to push the limits of fun.

Predictable, Reliable, Comfortable, and Affordable

When looking for a worry-free mode of transport that won’t break the budget, the 2023 Honda Civic deserves a spot atop anyone’s new-car shopping list.

In typical Honda fashion, the Civic offers a comfortable cabin with logical instrumentation that is both elegant and easy to figure out. The roomy interior can easily fit four adults (five in a pinch), and cargo space is generous.

Understanding that your family’s safety is paramount, Honda equips the Civic with its best safety and driver assist systems. The standard equipment roster includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, a feature that can take the stress out of driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

We’re not the only ones who think highly of the Civic’s commitment to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives it top marks in every crash test category and awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ accolade.

A Lesson in Civics

Honda keeps pricing simple, starting with the Sport sedan trim at $24,650. There’s also the nicely equipped EX at $26,050, and the luxurious Touring at $29,650. Each of the Civic’s three trims caters to a different buyer. So, where the base Sport offers a straight-forward sedan big on value and safety, the Touring pulls out all the stops with desirable features such as leather-trimmed seats, a Bose audio system, and a wireless phone charger.

The hatchback trims differ slightly, with features and pricing reflecting their sporty nature.

You Work Hard for Your Money, and Honda Knows It

Depreciation is one of the biggest detractors when making any purchase, let alone one as consequential as buying a new car. Thankfully, we can report that the 2023 Honda Civic holds its value exceptionally well, even after five years of ownership. It’s no wonder the Civic has repeatedly earned a spot in our Best Resale Value Awards time and time again.

Keep in mind that while you may be able to buy a rival compact car for less, going with the Civic ensures you won’t take a bath when it comes time to trade up. The same formula holds if you decide to lease, where the car’s residual value can affect the monthly payment and buyout.

Photo Tour: 2023 Honda Civic

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Joe Tralongo

Joe Tralongo is an author specializing in finding those unique aspects of each car that everyday drivers want to know about. He began his career in 2000 as Kelley Blue Book’s first in-house automotive reviewer. Although now a freelancer, Joe remains a dedicated part of the KBB team, providing reviews that are both informative and easy to digest. Now living in Montana, Joe continues to enjoy driving and learning about new cars. In his off time, Joe collects and restores classic 1970s American cars.

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