A gracious host makes guests feel especially welcome. Honda Civic is an extremely gracious host. The car’s charming disposition says, ‘sit back and enjoy the ride’. For starters, the right-sized radio knobs and other controls are in sensible, easy-to-reach locales. The uncluttered interior is especially evident on the steering wheel, which contains only the cruise controls. For the 2002 model year, the cabin upgrades include variable intermittent wipers (on EX model), and front beverage holder lid (LX/EX models). Storage zones are ample, and the narrow slide-covered box next to the floor console park brake is especially nice for small items, like spare keys or business cards. With a 5-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, Honda Civic 2-door EX records fuel per gallon estimates of 32 city/37 highway. Civic pleasurably addresses potholes, giving occupants a ride that’s minus any up/down/sideways bounce. It’s great to drive an entry-level car that road-behaves as good as a luxury vehicle. Altered damper settings and additional insulation contribute to a low-level noise interior environment. Standard fare on Civic EX includes remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, map lights, and power moonroof. Suggested base price on the Civic EX is $16,510.