2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan Review – The Benchmark for Compact Sedans
Introduction
The 2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan continues the Civic’s long-standing tradition of offering exceptional reliability, outstanding fuel economy, and class-leading practicality. As part of the Civic’s 10th generation (2016–2021), the 2017 model reflects Honda’s commitment to innovation, safety, and driver satisfaction. The Civic LX serves as the base trim, yet it delivers a surprisingly rich feature set, refined styling, and a well-tuned chassis that elevate it above many competitors.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, commuter, or simply looking for an affordable and dependable vehicle, the 2017 Civic LX sedan is a smart and sensible option. This review explores every aspect of this compact sedan—from performance and interior comfort to safety and ownership costs—to help you determine if the Civic LX is the right fit for your lifestyle.
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Exterior Design – Sleek, Modern, and Athletic
The 2017 Honda Civic LX embodies a striking evolution in design language. It’s lower, wider, and more aggressive than previous generations, with a bold front fascia, sweeping roofline, and sculpted body panels.
Exterior Features:
16-inch steel wheels with covers
LED daytime running lights
Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off
Body-colored power side mirrors
Chrome grille and black window trim
Despite being the base model, the Civic LX doesn’t look basic. Its athletic stance and flowing lines give it a premium feel, and the wide front grille gives the car a confident, planted appearance.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2017 Civic LX is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While it may not deliver thrilling performance, it excels in smoothness, efficiency, and everyday drivability.
Engine Specifications:
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC I-4
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual (standard) or CVT (optional)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
This engine delivers enough power for confident acceleration in city and highway settings. With the CVT, the transitions are seamless, and the engine operates quietly even under load. Enthusiasts may prefer the manual for added engagement, though most buyers opt for the CVT.
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Ride and Handling
The Civic LX delivers an impressively refined ride for its class. Honda’s engineering provides a balance between ride comfort and handling sharpness.
Ride Quality Highlights:
MacPherson front strut suspension / multi-link rear suspension
Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Stabilizer bars front and rear
The suspension setup absorbs road imperfections with ease, offering a smooth and composed ride even on less-than-perfect pavement. Handling is precise, with minimal body roll and confident cornering. It feels more upscale than you'd expect from a base compact sedan.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the 2017 Civic LX, and you’ll find a spacious, ergonomic, and well-crafted cabin. The materials are high-quality for the segment, with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful design throughout.
Interior Features:
Cloth upholstery
Manual height-adjustable driver’s seat
Fold-down rear seatback
Power windows and door locks
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Air conditioning with air filtration
Dimensions:
Front Headroom: 39.3 inches
Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches
Trunk Capacity: 15.1 cubic feet
The Civic’s “big car” feel continues with its interior space. Both front and rear passengers enjoy ample room, and the large trunk provides best-in-class cargo capacity. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a low driving position that enhances visibility and control.
Technology and Infotainment
Although the LX is the entry-level trim, it still features a respectable tech package. Honda keeps things simple but functional, focusing on reliability and user-friendliness.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
5-inch LCD screen (non-touchscreen)
4-speaker audio system with 160 watts
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio
USB audio interface and auxiliary input
Speed-sensitive volume control
While the lack of a touchscreen or smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto may be a drawback for tech-focused drivers, the system is intuitive and does the job well. Many buyers find the basics more than sufficient for daily use.
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Safety and Driver Assistance
Honda has a reputation for building safe vehicles, and the 2017 Civic LX upholds that legacy with solid crash ratings and essential safety equipment. While advanced driver-assist features are reserved for higher trims, the basics are well-covered.
Standard Safety Features:
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
Advanced front, side, and curtain airbags
Rearview camera with guidelines
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Crash Test Ratings:
The Civic’s rigid body structure and array of passive safety systems offer peace of mind. Buyers wanting Honda Sensing (which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision mitigation braking) will need to step up to higher trims like EX or Touring.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the Civic’s strongest selling points. The 2.0L engine and CVT pairing deliver excellent real-world mileage that makes the Civic one of the most economical gas-powered cars in its segment.
EPA Fuel Economy (CVT model):
City: 31 mpg
Highway: 40 mpg
Combined: 35 mpg
Manual transmission models still perform well with 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. For commuters, students, and frequent drivers, the Civic LX is a money-saver at the pump.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Honda Civics are renowned for their long-term durability and low cost of ownership. The 2017 model continues that trend, offering drivers peace of mind with minimal maintenance requirements.
Ownership Highlights:
Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile basic; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
Insurance: Low to moderate premiums for compact sedan class
Maintenance: Affordable oil changes, brake service, and tire rotations
Routine service is inexpensive, and many owners report years of hassle-free ownership. Parts are widely available, and service is accessible through Honda dealerships or independent shops.
Real-World Usability
In day-to-day use, the 2017 Civic LX shines with its simplicity, comfort, and convenience. The large trunk handles groceries and gear with ease, the cabin is quiet even at highway speeds, and visibility is strong in all directions.
The Civic LX is ideal for:
City dwellers needing a compact, easy-to-park car
Commuters seeking low fuel and maintenance costs
Students or new drivers who want reliability without overspending
Families needing a second vehicle or practical runabout
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent fuel economy
Class-leading interior space and cargo room
Refined ride and agile handling
High safety ratings
Renowned Honda reliability and resale value
Cons:
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on LX trim
No touchscreen infotainment
Limited standard driver assistance features
Engine performance is adequate but not exciting
Ideal Buyer
The 2017 Honda Civic LX is best suited for:
First-time buyers and students
Budget-conscious families or commuters
Drivers focused on reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value
Buyers who prioritize practicality over tech bells and whistles
If you're looking for dependable, affordable, and stylish transportation with minimal compromise, the Civic LX is an outstanding pick.
Conclusion
The 2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan proves that base models don’t have to feel basic. With sophisticated styling, a comfortable interior, exceptional fuel economy, and Honda’s legendary reliability, the LX trim offers tremendous value. While it may lack some of the technology found in higher trims, its well-balanced performance and practicality make it one of the best choices in the compact car segment.
For shoppers in Norfolk or Virginia Beach looking for a dependable, budget-friendly compact sedan, check out Your Kar Company at 7912 Becket Street, Norfolk, VA 23518 for a used 2017 Honda Civic LX for sale and affordable financing options.
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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Interested parties should confirm all data before relying on it to make a purchase decision. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Prices may not include additional fees such as government fees and taxes, title and registration fees, finance charges, dealer document preparation fees, $599 processing fee, and emission testing and compliance charges. VADLR5929-7574800100.
