Key strengths: Smooth ride
Areas for improvement: Odd rattles
Overall my first impressions were positive. The car feels incredibly smooth, the navigation system is easy to operate once you get the hang of how to use it, and the acceleration is modest at best, but perfect for the Civic's "ecobox" purpose.
The dealer was pretty strict on price, but didn't waste my time selling me options or gimmicks I didn't need. At the same time he did pressure me somewhat into buying the car immediately, even when I told him I needed a few more days to comparison shop. At the end of it all, I decided they had the best price and took the keys (and more importantly, the car) home.
Overall, the quality of the car was good, but with one problem so far. I noticed was a few small interior rattles, especially at low speed on rough roads. This had me worried about the car's future durability. I drove it a few more hundred miles and the rattles curiously disappeared. The car now runs as smooth as silk now.
The running costs for Honda Civic 1.8L R18 Automatic are normal
Safety: 76
Equipment: 71
Reliability: 82
Driving: 76
Comfort: 75
Design: 74