The 2005 Honda Civic sets the benchmark for reliability and resale value. Everyone seems to know this, but what's new and what can you expect out of the new Civic Coupe?

The Honda Civic Coupe models range from the DX - Value Package, the HX - Lean burn machine, to the LX and the top of the line EX model. The DX model is the base Civic Coupe. It has the 115 hp engine and limited creature comforts. The HX is your high mileage lean burn car. The lean burn means you can get 36 MPG city and 44 MPG highway as opposed to the LX and DX 32 MPG and 38 MPG. The EX suffers a 37 MPG highway drop probably due to the more powerful 127 hp engine.

The EX gives you some little things like body colored mirrors, sunroof, memory seats, height adjustable seats, too, along with an illuminated ignition switch. Wheels are upgraded to 15" alloys and the EX also has a six-speaker system with a CD that can read MP3 files. While all these features are nice, most of the extra goes into getting the 16-valve SOHC V-tech engine.

Handling characteristics are based upon the double wishbone rear suspension and the 4 wheel independent suspension. This allows for better handling with the MacPherson struts in the front tied to a high steering ratio. Get ready to have some fun driving again. But don't worry all models have front airbags. Most models are offered with front side air bags, too. ABS is standard on the EX, keeping the braking to a minimum, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Transmission is your choice of 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or the continuously variable on the HX model.

The interior is ergonomically designed with wide seats and easily located controls. The front seats have deep side bolsters to hold the driver in place during aggressive cornering. But, they are comfortable for daily driving and hauling around 4 of your friends. The rear seats fold down to haul long cargo. A sunroof is available only with the EX model.

The air conditioning has a filtration system. But AC is an option on the HX model.

Honda offers nice factory options to customize your new car. They include a rear deck lid spoiler, wing spoiler, aero kit, splashguards, trunk mat, and my favorite, a trunk apron. It covers the bumper and open area when you are loading and unloading things from your trunk.

The new Honda Civic is one of the new classics or our age. Relentless reliability coupled with amazing resale value gives a good-looking care even more appeal to new buyers.