2009 Honda Civic Gets Styling Update, New Trims

Brace yourself: There’s a new Honda Civic going on sale today. OK, it’s not all-new. In fact most of the changes are so subtle the average buyer won’t even notice. However, there are some substantial changes to the Civic lineup as a whole that add some new value choices and tech features. The 2009 Civic sedan and 2009 Civic Hybrid went on sale nationwide today, with the coupe hitting dealer lots later this month and the high-performance 2009 Civic Si going on sale next month. 

On the design front, all Civics get a new front bumper and grille that look slightly different from the current ones. That’s about all that’s different cosmetically. The engine choices all stay the same, too, with only the top-of-the-line EX, EX-L and Hybrid getting stability control standard along with the Si. That’s a feature we’d like to see make its way to the more affordable members of the lineup.

Speaking of more affordable, there are two new trim levels for the sedan. The DX-VP — standing for value package — will cost the same as the DX — $15,405 for the manual and $16,205 for the automatic — but come with A/C and an audio system. Prices exclude a $670 destination charge. Those prices are higher than the 2008 models’ by $395. More information on the 2009 Civic is below.

Also new is a Civic LX-S sedan, which takes the mid-range LX trim level and adds alloy wheels, a spoiler and sportier cloth seats.

Bluetooth now comes with navigation packages and a USB audio interface that works with iPods and USB flash drives, but not all MP3 players, is now an option in the EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si. Basic auxiliary audio input jacks are standard on LX and higher trims.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is now available with optional leather interior, which includes heated front seats.

The Civic Si sedan and coupe get new alloy wheels and fog lights.

A full photo gallery and pricing chart are below.