The 2008 Honda Civic four-door lineup includes a base model, an Si, a Hybrid, and a natural-gas GX. The base Civic sedan uses a gas-powered 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic can be teamed to the frugal four, which rates from 26/34 mpg with a manual gearbox to 25/36 mpg with an automatic. The engine's willing and eager, with a touch of thrummy noise as it winds toward redline. The automatic is fine, but Honda's known for light, quick-shifting manuals, and this one's no exception.
Moving up the horsepower charts, the Civic Si sedan gets its kick from a 197-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A limited-slip differential is standard. The Si models feature tweaked suspensions with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and Si badges, along with synthetic suede seats. The Mugen Si sedan carries an even tauter suspension and 18-inch wheels, with more body add-ons and a sport exhaust system. This is the powertrain of choice if you want to be entertained--it loves to zip to redline.