2009 Honda Civic

Why mess with success?  With Civic sales soaring in 2008, changes made to the 2009 Honda Civic are intended to refine, not reinvent, the popular compact.

Exterior changes are extremely subtle, letting only eagle-eyed observers discriminate between the new 2009 Civic and its predecessor.  Perhaps most notable is a revised front fascia, sporting a lower air intake that's divvied into three sections.  Designers also revised the front grille insert (lines on the chrome bar are slightly sharper), while tacking on a chrome bar between the taillights.

Speaking of those lights, we're told they, along with the headlamps, sport "all-new color combinations."  By this, Honda means the 2009 Civic is now equipped with clear-lenses on its front and rear turn signals, a cue it previously was without.

Changes inside are just as slight, but we'll bet they'll be more noticeable to buyers than the exterior tweaks.  A USB audio input is standard on EX, EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models, while cars equipped with DVD-based navigation systems are now equipped with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.  Stability control, new to the 2009 Civic, is standard on EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models.

Shoppers also have two more Civic models to choose from.  The 2009 Civic DX-VP slots in between the base DX sedan and the LX model, and adds air conditioning and an auxiliary audio input.  The new Civic LX-S carries the same content as the existing LX model, but throws in alloy wheels, black cloth seats with suede bolsters, a rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip.