This perennial Best Buy began its seventh design generation with all-new models, offering front side airbags as a first-time option. Interiors and trunks grew in size. Sedan and coupe body styles returned, but the Civic hatchback was gone--at least for a while. The Civic lineup consisted of DX, LX, and top-rung EX coupes and sedans. The LX coupe was new. A high-mileage HX coupe also joined the group, as did a low-emissions GX sedan that ran on compressed natural gas (CNG). The sporty Si coupe was dropped, but would return after a year's absence. Civic's previous 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines gave way to 1.7-liter derivatives with 9 more horsepower for DX and LX models. The HX engine gained 2 horsepower. Civic EX models were unchanged in power, but gained a little torque output. All models had longer oil-change and tune-up intervals. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. The extra-cost automatic was a conventional four-speed unit, except for the HX coupe, which again offered Honda's continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a belt-and-pulley system providing an infinite number of "gears." Wheelbases were unchanged, but overall length was marginally shorter and all models were taller with slightly larger cabins and trunks. The standard dual-stage airbags were designed to deploy with force appropriate to occupant size and weight. Front side airbags were a line-wide option and included a sensor that deactivates the passenger bag if the occupant is not positioned for proper protection. Antilock brakes were standard on EX models, but unavailable elsewhere. Civics competed against the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
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