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2014 Honda Civic sales fade with days of summer

So what’s going on with 2014 Honda Civic sales? We believe we have the answer.
2014_Honda_Civic_Si_Sedan

Honda Civic has carried the line for generations with Accord in second position. Accord is now the best selling midsized sedan in North America.Today with a recovering economy we find more young buyers opting for small SUVs, crossovers and entry level premium and performance sedans. Civic doesn't fall into the aforementioned categories.

And then there’s Hyundai, Kia and Toyota, but that’s a story for another day.

Nonetheless, although Civic sales for August 2014 fell 10.6% below 2013 momentum, according to Honda, 30,000+ Civics were sold. Civic remains one of the strongest selling cars in North America, but for how long?

A Civic Hatchback variant would help bolster falling Civic sales.

We believe so, but the totally redesigned 2015 Fit has been appointed to that task. For better heeled buyers Honda offers the Accord based Real Time 4 Wheel Drive Crosstour Hatch. Crosstour is damned expensive and large, it’s not a Civic,and that’s it for the Honda line.

Until the Fit based Vezel Crossover( CR-X) makes its much anticipated North American debut, your only other choices from the Honda lineup is the CR-Z Coupe and CR-V SUV. Neither offer the much coveted power and handling characteristics of the European Civic Type R. And despite recent rumors of a circulating petition to bring the Type-R to North America, we haven't seen one.

Our research indicates that Civic’s less than stellar sales for August may be the result of(or a lack of) factory and dealership purchase incentives and comming off of a 10 year historic high sales month for July. We also find the current body style of Civic to be color sensitive and in some trims, a bit too bling. None the less, 2014 Civic in its base LX form, is a very drivable solid personal transportation investment. You may read more about Civic here.

For those wanting a bit more from Civic, we recommend taking a look at the 2014 Civic Si Coupe or Sedan. We enjoy the higher output engine, 6 speed manual and drive-by wire no lag throttle response. With a base MSRP off $22,990 Civic Si is a solid performance value in the sub-compact class.

We don’t see Civic going the way of the Dinosaur anytime soon, but question Honda’s in-line competition strategy and lack of a Civic based North American Hatchback; a variant that’s carried the Civic brand more than once over four decades and remains the favorite body design for serious Honda Tuners.

Automotive News
Honda

Comments

whitigir (not verified)    September 4, 2014 - 5:54PM

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are you kidding ? churn out $5,000 more, and the WRX is Day and Night to the civic SI. Civic had it chance, and even if the type R come to the States, it will not stand a chance against the STI

metal_driver (not verified)    September 8, 2014 - 4:41PM

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I wish Honda would bring the 2015 Civic Type-R to North America. If they did I would more than likely buy one.

Jeff S (not verified)    September 9, 2014 - 7:33AM

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"Bought a 2014 SI coupe. It's a looker save the front end being a mite busy and a matter of taste, but I do not find it ugly or repulsive as some seem to. The rest of the lines on the car, to my eye, are well thought out and handsome. Although I have not put allot of miles on it yet, it is immediately apparent it is screwed together well. No rattles, squeaks or creaks. Doors close with a reassuring thud. Just feels like a solid car. Fun,Fun,Fun to drive. It is a car that can be driven comfortably everyday with a LARGE dose of fun mixed in. Out of the box no Track car, but you do not suffer the everyday penalties of such. Do not need to rev the thing into the stratosphere to get some torque. Has a very comfortable ride which comes with handling that won't disappoint. On top of that it can easily be made a track car if that is what you want,a few bolt ons should do the trick. Regarding the love it or hate it interior and gauges, I like it, Allot. I have to say, it should have a temperature gauge for the engine instead of the idiots lights, (a blue light comes on 'till the car warms up to temp and of course there is the overheat light). I have read mixed reviews regarding the seating,again a matter of taste and physique I suppose, but for me and my wife, (I'm of average size my wife is petite), we find the seats to be very supportive and comfortable. Add to that the tilt/telescope wheel and we both can find our ideal driving position. I have to make mention of the Manual,(six-speed)and clutch;F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C, the best I've owned and I have had several. In the end if you are looking for a daily driver that is economical to purchase and own, one that is safe, that has got enough, "sport" to put a smile on your face, So far, for me, the SI nails it."

Parks McCants    September 12, 2014 - 12:11AM

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Welcome JeffS. I couldn't agree with your comment more if I had writen it myself. I too find the Si to be a great value in a fun to drive, low maintenence daily driver with sport over tones. I do like the car's body line and find the style to work well in several colors. Like you say, " it's a personal thing." Take care and happy driving. I believe I'll twist a feature around your comment soon. Keep an eye out for it.

JeffS (not verified)    September 12, 2014 - 12:01PM

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Thank you sir. Great web site. Enjoy your articles, well written,, entertaining and informative. My wife has a 2014 Nissan 370z touring w/ Sport package. Obviously not apples to apples, and I find the Z to be somewhat a bargain and it's a brute, but in the, "Bang for your buck" category the SI wins hands down. Also the SI, in its own way, is more fun. Look forward to future articles and, "Thanks" again.

Gilbert (not verified)    September 26, 2014 - 11:21PM

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So the STI (and all other turbos) can get to a red light, stop sign or the grocery store faster than my 2014 civic si coupe but cost 10-15k more and could never hold its value like a civic si. 5 years from now my civic resale would be better, mods are endless, mechanical problems almost 0 compared to turbo based cars, my insurance rates went down ( traded in my 08 civic si) and gas mileage is great ( I get 27 mpg city driving with 3369 miles in 5 months). I have had so many compliments from strangers about my car and heads turn when I drive anywhere. great car for the money hands down.

RyAn (not verified)    September 26, 2014 - 6:22AM

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Si Dohc civic is not the best selling car. Sohc r18 1.8 civic is the best selling car and also slow and no tuning solution. How many times media is attacking the Civic 1.8
HONDA WAKE UP. Tell HONDATA CIVIC 1.8 NEED SPEED. BECAUSE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR I'LL TRADE MY CIVIC 1.8, IF I CAN'T MAKE IT FAST.. SO BE IT! SAYONARA.

RyAn (not verified)    September 26, 2014 - 7:09AM

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ASK HONDATA. THEY NEED TO WORK ON THE 2012+ Civic 1.8! "cause if not Sayonara Civic, no more Tuner fans."

Parks McCants    October 7, 2014 - 1:11AM

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Good luck to you, frustrating! By the way Homeboy. You can find inatke kits, headers, exhaust, performance chips, larger injectors, superchargers, etc, that will kick up the performance in your sled without spending a fortune.. Stop yo wiiiiiiiining... Take care.

Johnc553 (not verified)    March 13, 2015 - 3:49AM

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Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic points, I as well think this is a very great website.