As a new dad and lifelong car enthusiast, I’ve always had a soft spot for practical vehicles. But “practical” doesn’t have to mean boring! When it came time to retire my trusty ’74 Oldsmobile sedan, I went on a quest for the perfect modern dad car – and the 2018 Honda Civic, both in sedan and hatchback form, quickly caught my eye.
A Legacy of Reliability, Now with Added Comfort
Growing up, my family owned a string of Honda Civics. They were the epitome of budget-friendly transportation: affordable, dependable, and fuel-efficient. However, those rock-hard seats left a lasting impression (especially on my tailbone!). Thankfully, the 2018 Civic is a different story. Honda has stepped up its game, delivering a sporty-looking car that prioritizes family comfort, particularly in the hatchback version.
Gone are the days of Spartan interiors. The new Civic boasts comfortable seating that surpasses expectations for its class. A customizable driver information screen replaces the outdated instrument cluster, offering a modern touch. And while the infotainment system could be more user-friendly (the lack of a volume knob is a real head-scratcher), it’s a small gripe in an otherwise impressive package.
Sporty Handling for Dad, Practical Space for the Family
While the Civic Si sedan and the Type R hatchback cater to driving enthusiasts, the Civic Sport hatchback surprised me with its blend of practicality and driving fun. For under $22,000, you get a peppy 180-horsepower engine, a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission (a rarity these days!), and surprisingly responsive handling.
For those prioritizing safety, the Touring sedan comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes advanced features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. As a dad, I appreciate these features, even if I still reminisce about the “good old days” when cars barely had brakes!
Hatchback vs. Sedan: The Ultimate Dad-Mobile Showdown
When it comes to family-friendliness, the hatchback configuration steals the show. Its sleek fastback design is far more appealing than any minivan-disguised-as-a-crossover. But the real win is the cargo space. With nearly 26 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats (and over 46 with the seats folded), the hatchback easily accommodated a stroller, beach gear, and even my auto repair tool kit. Meanwhile, the sedan’s limited trunk opening proved less practical for everyday family life.
One minor gripe is the small back door openings, making it tricky to maneuver a child safety seat. This isn’t unique to the Civic, though – it’s a common issue with compact cars. On a positive note, the LATCH anchors are easy to access, and the Civic boasts a five-star federal crash safety rating and a host of standard and optional safety features.
The Verdict: A New Generation of Dad-Approved Driving
The 2018 Honda Civic continues the legacy of its predecessors, offering the same winning combination of economy, practicality, and reliability that families have come to rely on. But this isn’t your grandpa’s Civic. With its updated styling, comfortable interior, and surprisingly fun driving dynamics, the 2018 Civic proves that being a dad doesn’t mean giving up on enjoying the open road.