The 2017 Honda Civic is one of the most impressive new vehicles on the compact car market. As a member of the tenth generation Civic, it represents a substantial improvement in technology, comfort, performance, and design. Few competitors can equal the 2017 Civic’s blend of refinement, efficiency, and enjoyment, whether you’re a first-time buyer, commuter, or car enthusiast.
Exterior Design: 2017 Honda civic
The 2017 Honda Civic’s athletic posture and sleek body lines attract attention from the outside. The low hood, strong grille, and sharply slanted headlamps create a dramatic, performance-oriented front face. The iconic C-shaped taillights on the back wrap around the body, emphasizing the Civic’s wide, grounded image.
The coupe version offers a sportier, two-door profile, while the hatchback brings added practicality with a more aggressive rear design and extra cargo capacity. The 2017 Civic successfully blends sportiness with everyday usability—a design philosophy that helped it appeal to a broad audience.
Interior Design and Comfort
Inside, the 2017 Civic feels more like a midsize sedan than a compact. Honda used soft-touch materials, a modern dashboard design, and clever storage solutions to elevate the experience. The digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information, and the center console is intuitively laid out.
The front seats are supportive and well-contoured for long drives, while the rear seats offer generous legroom — something rare in the compact segment. Available leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat make higher trims feel luxurious.
Sound insulation was improved significantly over previous generations, leading to a quieter and more refined ride. Even on the highway, wind and road noise are minimal.
Trim Levels and Features of Honda Civic
The 2017 Civic was offered in several trims, each with its own unique set of features:
- LX – The base model, yet well-equipped with automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- EX – Adds a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power moonroof, and Honda’s LaneWatch™ side camera.
- EX-T – Introduces the turbocharged engine, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
- EX-L – Brings leather-trimmed seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and available navigation.
- Touring – The top-tier model, offering LED headlights, a premium audio system, satellite navigation, and all available safety features.
The Civic Hatchback trims mirrored many of these options, while the Civic Si and Civic Type R catered specifically to performance enthusiasts.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the 2017 Honda Civic delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and comfortable. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback on twisty roads. The suspension strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing bumps without feeling soft or detached.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine stands out for its energetic performance and smooth power delivery, making the Civic feel much quicker than its modest specs suggest. Meanwhile, the CVT transmission offers seamless acceleration, and the 6-speed manual provides driving purists with greater control and fun.
The performance-focused Civic Si and Civic Type R take things to another level, with sport-tuned suspensions, upgraded brakes, and higher-output turbo engines that make them genuine thrill machines.
Technology and Infotainment
Honda equipped the 2017 Civic with one of the most advanced tech suites in its class at the time. The 7-inch touchscreen interface supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation. The system allows easy smartphone integration, although some users found the lack of a physical volume knob slightly inconvenient.
Other tech features include:
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Premium 450-watt audio system (Touring trim)
- HondaLink® connectivity for vehicle monitoring and maintenance reminders
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is one of the Civic’s strongest attributes. In addition to its excellent crash-test ratings, the available Honda Sensing® suite introduced semi-autonomous capabilities previously found in higher-end vehicles.
Key safety features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Combined with Honda’s solid build quality and engineering, the Civic provides excellent peace of mind for families and commuters alike.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency has always been one of the Civic’s calling cards. The 2017 model delivers outstanding gas mileage, particularly with the 1.5-liter turbo engine and CVT combination, achieving up to:
- 32 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (EX-T and Touring trims)
- 28 mpg city / 40 mpg highway (LX manual)
These numbers make the Civic one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars of its class.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Ownership Costs
Honda’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, and the 2017 Civic is no exception. With routine maintenance — such as oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations — the Civic can easily surpass 200,000 miles.
Common maintenance items are affordable, and parts are widely available. The Civic also benefits from low insurance costs and excellent resale value, which makes it a smart long-term investment.
Resale Value and Market Appeal
Even years after its release, the 2017 Honda Civic remains a highly sought-after used car. Thanks to its durability, efficiency, and modern design, resale values stay strong compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3. Many buyers consider it one of the best pre-owned options in the compact car market.
Comparison with Competitors
- Toyota Corolla (2017): More conservative design and slightly less engaging to drive, but known for reliability.
- Mazda3 (2017): Sportier handling but smaller interior space.
- Hyundai Elantra (2017): Competitive price and features, but less premium interior feel.
- Volkswagen Golf (2017): Excellent handling and quality, though at a higher price point.
Among these, the 2017 Civic strikes the best overall balance between driving enjoyment, comfort, and practicality.
Final Verdict
The 2017 Honda Civic is a near-perfect compact car. It blends a bold exterior design, a premium interior, impressive performance, and cutting-edge safety features in a package that remains affordable and reliable. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a sporty weekend car, the Civic’s variety of trims and body styles ensure there’s one to match your needs.
In short, the 2017 Honda Civic isn’t just a car — it’s a benchmark in the compact segment that continues to set the standard for others to follow.