While the Japanese company had taken a stab at the North American market with a tiny air-cooled, rear-engine model in the late 1960's, the Civic was the car that put the Honda on the map when it was launched in 1972. Marking the models sixth update in almost 30 years, both 2-door and 4-door Civics went under the surgical knife again last year. That said modifications for 2002 are minor. The current design is a departure from the soft round corners of the 1990's cars to new sharply creased lines. A sculpted ridge in the hood sweeps forward to meet Honda's now trademark trapezoidal grille, the sedan getting two horizontal slats while the coupe incorporates just one. New triangular taillights are especially pronounced on the coupe, while chrome trim gives the sedan an upscale appeal. Overall the design is fresh, while conservative enough not to upset Honda traditionalists.

Interior fit and finish was improved in last year's remodel as well. This is especially evident in the use of higher quality, soft-touch plastic materials. Again, the well contoured, supportive front seats are class leading. The Civic is available in three trim packages, DX, LX and Si for the coupe and LX-Sport for the sedan. As expected the DX comes sparsely equipped, and at $15,900 ($16,900 for coupe) it isn't the least expensive compact on the market. Still most don't mind paying a slight premium for a Honda. With either model you'll need to pop for the LX to get luxury items such as a driver's armrest, tachometer, air-conditioning, CD audio, cruise control, plus power windows and locks with remote entry. The DX GOP (group option package) adds a list of goodies to the base sedan, such as keyless entry, power door locks, A/C, CD player with audio anti-theft, body-colour door handles and a micron filtration system for a $1,600 premium. This package isn't available for the coupe. That said a $1,500 Si GOP incorporates the micron filtration system and anti-lock brakes, over the base Si price of $20,900. Other standard Si items include a moonroof, driver's seat height adjustment and alloy wheels, unique trim and performance upgrades. The LX-Sport adds alloy wheels and aerodynamic aids. Also, an amazing assortment of dealer installed options can make your Civic unique, and price it over $30,000.

Handling has always been a Civic strong point, and the new model only adds to the legacy. Its relatively light weight makes for quick and easy lane transitions, aided by a fully independent front strut and rear double-wishbone, coil spring suspension system.

Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions connect to either a base 115 hp or optional 127 hp 1.7-L engine (Si only) - up from 1.6 liters last year. Each is improved as well, offering quicker acceleration while lowering emissions and boosting fuel economy.

Speaking of fuel economy, the biggest news for the 2003 Civic sedan is the inclusion of a gas/electric hybrid drive system, due for a North American launch toward the latter part of 2002. While it looks much the same as the current model, its 3.4L/100 km fuel economy rating will be the highest in the world for a 5-seat gasoline-powered production vehicle.

Whether sedan or coupe, Civic owners take pride in their economical and reliable cars. Still, even base DX models are more than just transportation, offering sporty performance few peers can match.