The 2010 Honda Civic->ke236 sedan is one of the most iconic cars in the world. Sometimes, iconic cars can get a bit soft, like the Toyota Camry->ke246, but the Civic has continued to push the boundaries in terms of style and performance. The new 2010 Civic is a really good, economical car and still sells very well. In times of high gas prices, the Civic proved to be a best seller. It’s offered in a wide variety of styles, trims, and prices and it can be tailored to meet everybody’s expectations.

Once Honda’s smallest car, the Civic is more of smaller mid-size sedan than a compact one. The 2010 Civic is actually the same size as the Accord was 15 years ago. Yet, despite the size increase, the Civic retains its agility, efficiency, comfort, and reliability. That being said the Honda Civic is a good car, but it’s not great. A few years ago the Civic was a fantastic little car and the best buy in the segment, but years have passed and the competition is becoming a real threat. The Civic is due for a refresh.

Some of the Civic’s design elements are too weird for us, like the dual-tiered instrument panel. This means that the rev-counter is on the bottom tear, while one tier up and far back in the digital speedometer. Most shoppers will forget about this odd fashion, but it never really grew on us in the time we had the car.

The 2010 Honda Civic is available in sedan form or as a coupe. For both, there are five trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda offers the DX Value Package, the LX-S, a GX, and a Hybrid.

Hit the jump for the full review.

The test LX came with 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a center console with a sliding armrest and a folding rear seatback. Opt for the LX-S and you will get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler.

While the options are decent, the Kia Forte->ke3202 offers more for less. Bluetooth is standard on the Forte, as is a better sound system.

Under the hood, the Civic LX->ke236 comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard and the best choice to get the most out of the motor. The test Civic came with a five-speed automatic and, with this transmission, the car can hit 60 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds.

Of course, the Civic is not known for its power, instead, the sedan has sold millions due to fuel economy. The little 1.8-liter earns EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 36 on the highway. Combined fuel mileage was around 30.

The engine is good for around town and has enough power for most overtaking maneuvers on the highway. We would prefer a better noise, but that might be too much to ask for an economy car. Even though the engine is good, the Kia Forte offers more power for the same price.

In the safety department, the Civic is brilliant. There are front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active head restraints. Anti-lock brakes are standard, yet, only the EX and Si models come with four-wheel disc brakes.

In the corners the Civic is pretty good, but not as good as the others. The Mazda 3->ke504 and the Forte have more feel in the corners. The Civic suffers from what we like to call, Honda sickness. This is basically the lack of feel through the wheel that all Hondas seem to suffer from.

The ride is smooth and the car takes bumps better than the Forte and Toyota Corolla->ke1039. There is a little road noise at lower speeds, but most of the cars in this class suffer from that as well.

Inside, as stated earlier, the Civic has a very odd dash layout. There is a normal tachometer and then a digital speedometer and gas gauge at the base of the windshield. Some people like it, others don’t, but it can be very distracting. During sunny days, the massive dash can reflect on the windscreen.

Besides the confusing gauges, the controls are easy to use and the materials are acceptable. The seats are very supportive and comfortable and the rear floor is flat all the way across.

All in all, the 2010 Honda Civic is a pretty good car, but nothing that will make us stand up and cheer with endless enthusiasm.