A one-time econocar has evolved into a sporty, fun-to-drive compact that continues its legacy of good fuel economy and low pricing. The Honda Civic was born during the 1973 model year as an economical subcompact that addressed the U.S. oil and gas crisis. A top seller from the outset, Civic is the 6th top-selling vehicle of all-time worldwide, and currently the 9th best-selling vehicle (including trucks and SUVs) and No.2-top-selling car (classification) in the United States.

With multiple versions to appeal to many buying segments, Civic builds on its 10th generation which debuted in 2016, with a versatile lineup that includes a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and a hatchback. Available in either of two four-cylinder engines and either a continuously variable automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, Civic has replaced boxiness with sporty architecture and builds on its sportiness with solid segment performance.

For 2019, the Civic line-up tweaks up with changes in styling, adding standard features, augmenting suspension and steering capabilities, and increasing the popular Sport trim across the coupe (hatchback) and sedan configurations. The new Sport front clip eliminates its chrome grille in favor of a stunning black insert. But chrome is not forsaken and is used to surround a new headlight and foglight design while relocating sensors used in the Honda Sensing Suite, which is now standard in all trims. Other changes include an upgraded audio system display, the addition of a volume knob on the updated optional infotainment touchscreen, larger cupholders, steering-wheel control modifications and improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin ride experience. From a performance perspective, the Sport trim now offers an optional non-turbo 2.0-liter engine in both the sedan or coupe.

I tested the Sport coupe, and was immediately impressed by the sportiness of this economical ride. Slotted between the LX and EX trims, the 2019 Civic Coupe Sport comes at you with that black grille that wraps into squint-eye headlights. Along the sides are upsized 18-inch wheels and angled body creases that create a perception of speed or motion waves; while in the rear, a black-painted decklid spoiler, Sport badging and a sport muffler capped by a wide, center-mounted chrome exhaust finisher complete the package.

Civic’s  lightweight Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure and rear frame structures, aid in occupant protection while minimizing weight for better fuel efficiency, and the Civic Sport’s angular unibody construction fits within Compact parameters at 177.3 inches long, 54.9 inches high and 70.9 inches wide on a 106.3-inch wheelbase for a curb weight of 2838 lbs. 

Inside, the cabin is packed with high-quality, soft-to-the-touch materials and such convenience features as remote engine start, electronic parking brake, walk away door locking, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

The cabin plays into its compact nature and measures a hunched 36.5 inches up front and only 34.5 inches in row two for the coupe. Legroom is comfortable at 42.3 inches in row one and 35.9 inches in the rear seats and shoulder room is 56.9 and 52.6.

The 2019 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe LX and Sport trims are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. Connected to either a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT, EPA fuel economy ratings are 30mpg/city, 41mpg/highway and 34 mpg/combined.

CVT-equipped Civic EX, EX-L and Touring trims are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with peak output of 174 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque with top ratings of 32/42/35 for EX and EX-L trims. My week of testing with the 2.0-liter manual averaged 34.4 mpg.

The Civic Sport’s ride is compliant, road-hugging, highway confident, city proud and auto-cross worthy, with decent, but not explosive passing at speed. The attentive six-speed manual kicks in gently and during track tests, we didn’t perform as well with the 2.0-liter as we would have with the turbo -- maybe as much as 2 seconds slower -- but we did finish off a 9-second sprint to 60mph and a 17-second quarter-mile.

The steering is balanced and obedient, with minimal body roll and predictability in hard cornering. The sound insulation really cuts down cabin noise and the stiff suspension levels out most road irregularities.

The 2019 Honda Civic also features a long list of standard active and passive safety features including the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ incorporating Forward Collision Warning , Lane Keeping Assist System and Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning. Additionally, all Honda Civic models receive automatic high beams as part of their Honda Sensing® package.

The 2019 Honda Civic Coupe starts at $20,750 in LX trim, and runs through four trims, topping out at the Touring based at $26,950. My Sport (second trim up) test ride based at $21,550 with the 6-speed manual and 2.0-liter engine.

In cool Tonic Yellow exterior paint (at no extra charge) matched to a Black cloth interior, my test ride added Body Side Molding for $217, Door Edge Guards for $59, all-season floor mats for $155, Automatic-dimming mirror with HomeLink® for $418, and destination and handling charges of $930, for a sticker-as-tested of $23,378.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

As Fall Carlisle waived goodbye to its final vendors earlier in the week, the 2019 central Pennsylvania schedule for Carlisle Events concluded.  The five-day event offered a little bit of everything for everyone, including record breaking heat on its first day followed by rain, wind and cold on day two.  By day three, normalcy returned to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds with aisles and vending spaces alike packed with people and all things automotive.

With thousands of vending spaces filled with millions of items, numerous cars in the car corral and many more in the auction, Fall Carlisle proved once again that its historical significance in the automotive world is justified.  Leading up to the event itself, vendors spent days setting up shop by covering the fairgrounds with all types of automotive pieces and parts.  In addition, car owners hoping to move their ride in the car corral lined the area with over 1,000 cars of various makes and models.  With the gates opening Wednesday at 7 a.m., the influx of attendees was non-stop throughout the weekend.

The fairgrounds fun wasn’t the only entertainment option for showgoers.  Auction cars were available for preview at the nearby Carlisle Expo Center too, all while the Carlisle Auctions staff prepared the facility for its prime time showcase Thursday and Friday.  On grounds at Carlisle, the vendor/customer interaction was non-stop as individuals and companies alike offered show-only specials, with deals and discounts to be had everywhere.

As the sun shined down Friday and Saturday, guests also had the chance to enjoy trivia Friday evening, while Saturday played host to the annual vendor appreciation dinner.  The aforementioned auction saw 500+ consignments cross the block, with just over a 50% sell through rate and $3.6 million in total sales.  The top selling auction car was a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, moving for a cool $88,810.  The top five overall included two Corvettes, a Cadillac and a Buick.  Additional auction information will be presented in the coming days.

With Fall Carlisle in the bag along with its auction, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions turns its collective attention to Sarasota, Florida and the all-new Sunset-Carlisle two-day auction.  This two-day offering (November 8-9) will feature 400+ consignments coming from a market ripe with classic and collector car enthusiasts.  All the fun in Sarasota starts at 10 a.m. each day.

For complete information on 2019’s Fall Carlisle event including images and the post-event survey, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.  While online, learn about upcoming 2020 events, special displays, themes and more.  Speaking of 2020, Carlisle Events gets the season up and running January 17-19 with Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds.  

Fall Carlisle is a heritage event in automotive circles, dating back to 1974.  The fall auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions doesn’t quite go that far back, but it brings enough tradition to the table that buyers, sellers and spectators alike recognize it as a premier event within the region.  As such, the Carlisle Expo Center was packed for two days (October 3-4) for the Fall auction and the team at Carlisle Auctions delivered once more! 

With a bidder total that exceeded last fall’s registration and a lot of 500+ quality consignments, the table was set perfectly for two days of classic and collector car excitement.  Trucks, cars, trikes, bikes and motorcycles all crossed the block.  Fall even offered a 60’s themed “power hour” as a tribute to a decade of automotive excellence more than 50 years ago.  The theme, combined with the overall event and excitement by its participants, helped tally $3.6 million in sales and an over 50% sell through rate.
Of the $3.6 million in sales, $328,902 came from its top five sellers.  The top five, outlined below, included a Ferrari, two Corvettes, a Cadillac and a Buick.  All sales data quoted includes applicable fees.  

1) 1986 Ferrari Testarossa - $88,810
2) 1966 Chevrolet Corvette - $78,830
3) 2016 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette - $68,212
4) 1954 Cadillac Eldorado - $65,270
5) 1955 Buick Super 88 - $57,780

While more than 250+ consignments sold, that means about the same amount did not.  Those cars are “still for sale” and a Carlisle Auctions team member is available today to help negotiate a sale if buyer and seller can agree on a price point.  Some of those cars are currently showcased on the Carlisle Auctions web page.  

For complete information on this auction, its results and those cars that might still be available, contact Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  You can all connect with Carlisle Auctions to learn more about this event or future auctions too.  One such future event is ALL-NEW and takes place November 8-9 in Sarasota, Florida.  Sunset-Carlisle takes place in partnership with the Sunset Automotive Group at their spacious facility, located at 6061 Sawyer Loop Rd. 

October is many things to many people.  It’s when most feel like Fall has finally arrived, it’s picking pumpkins, traversing corn mazes and of course it’s trick or treating.  For Corvette lovers and fans of the Miller family, not only is October 27 the late Chip Miller’s birthday, it’s also the wedding anniversary of Lance and Michele Miller.  Oh…and this also happens to be the same day that the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, PA, plays host to one last central PA car show AND the last Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation event of the year.  One and all are invited to Carlisle to support the CMAF, honor Chip Miller and enjoy the 11th Annual Corvettes for Chip car show.  

Designed for Corvette lovers and lovers of Chip Miller alike, the event is as much a car show as it is a fund raiser, weaving equal parts fall fun in with Christmas cheer; after all, Santa will be there!  2018’s event raised over $8,000 and this year’s fun hopes to top that total, all while raising awareness for a great cause.  

The new date offers the same great fun, including the standard 8:30 a.m. start time.  Those interested in registering their Corvette for judging and review have two hours to do so, so by 10:30 a.m., registration closes.  Just before that, the event officially gets going with a 10:15 a.m. playing of the National Anthem.  Once all the introductory “stuff” has concluded, it will then be time for registered car owners to get together to review the agenda of the day.  Over 100 Corvettes are expected and all available eras of production will be on-site.  

There’s also some other special happenings leading up to the event.  The National Corvette Museum is hosting a special Corvette racing event at the AACA Museum, Inc. in Hershey in the days leading up to Corvettes for Chip.  There, the #3 Cunningham Corvette will  be on display.  Plus, at Corvettes for Chip itself, another famous #3 will be on-hand, the iconic yellow Corvette race car that Dale Earnhardt Sr., Junior and Andy Pilgrim drove at Daytona in 2001 just days before his untimely death.   

Regardless of what is happening during the Corvettes for Chip event, the backbone of the day is Amyloidosis awareness and fundraising for the CMAF.  The giving nature of the event also helps bring Santa Claus to town.  A late October get together may be more fitting for Jack Skellington, but he’s more a taker than a giver.  Time with St. Nick is a great way for family and friends to also support the annual Toys for Tots drive.  Talk with Santa, donate a toy and even pick up tickets for the 50/50 raffle.  

No event honoring Chip Miller would be complete without a ceremonial revving of the engines.  At the mid-point of the Santa meet and greet, car owners will fire up their beloved Corvettes at 12 p.m. for an audible tribute to a man who played a vital role in Carlisle’s automotive history and Corvette history too.  

Corvettes for Chip concludes with a raffle as well as silent auction opportunities.  There’s a 2 p.m. awards ceremony for the cars and their owners plus even more fun like a bake sale, food and drink, a DJ playing music, a silent auction and more.  

Registration is $25 for anyone who pre-registers online at www.corvettesforchip.com OR $30 the day of the show.  Parking is available indoors or out, but space inside the Expo Center is limited and at $60, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Again, to be indoors, pre-registration is required.  All registration fees are tax deductible!  Celebrate a super special day for the Millers and join us in Carlisle!  Complete information on this event is available at www.chipmiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855 x113.

Currently the 7th top-selling vehicle in America – the 3rd best-selling crossover – the 2019 Rogue is also Nissan’s top-selling vehicle. Rogue debuted in 2007 for the 2008 model year as Nissan’s entry-level compact sports-ute, and began its second generation in 2013, earning a solid rep among buyers as it climbed the ranks of top-sellers.

Sporty and versatile, the 2019 Rogue follows extensive enhancements last year by adding tech and cosmetics in each trim level. Expanded technology includes standard Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Automatic Emergency Braking, with Pedestrian Detection and High Beam Assist, across all grade levels; Rear Automatic Braking and a Rear Sonar System have been added as standard on SV and SL grades; an Innovative Rear Door Alert was added to all grade levels -- reminds the driver to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle; the SV trim gets a new Premium Package with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, ProPILOT Assist and available electronic parking brake; and the S trim gets a new Special Edition Package -- 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated driver's and front passenger seat, and chrome exterior and interior door handles and roof rails.

Offered in three well-equipped grade levels, S, SV and SL -- Rogue eliminated its third row of seating a few years back, but it fits the demand for an upscale compact crossover  with dimensions of 184.5 inches in length; 72.4 inches in width and 66.6 inches in height on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.4 inches (AWD), and curbweight for the AWD in SL trim is 3614 lbs. Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, Rogue’s unibody construction utilizes corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel, with a premium look and feel from its signature “V-Motion” grille and headlights to its LED boomerang signature taillights.

Rogue’s refined interior presents a premium look and feel, and is enhanced with a D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heated steering wheel, memory for driver's seats and mirror, and remote engine start. 

Interior sightlines are impeded by thick rear roof pillars, but Rogue’s cabin is roomy for a smaller SUV with 41.6 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two. Interior legroom is comfortable in front at 43.0 inches and relatively comfy in row two at 37.9 inches. Shoulder room is 56.6 in front and 55.9 and in the rear.

Rogue continues to offer one standard power source, a transverse 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder DOHC engine that provides 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches, Rogue is EPA rated at 25mpg/city, 32mpg/highway and 28mpg/overall, and a week of mixed-use testing averaged of 26.6mpg. From a stop and also at speed, acceleration is uninspired but predictable, and uphill grades and passing at speed require some strategy. Steering seems stiff, and the electric power-assisted power assisted rack-and-pinion steering exhibited understeer during quick maneuvers. Track times were finished off in a 9.3-second zero-to-60mpg sprint and a perceptibly slow 17.4-second quarter-mile. 

The driving experience is smooth for the niche, with firm on-pavement engagement from independent strut front suspension, coil springs and an independent multi-link rear, though Rogue does not appear to be suited for severe off-road challenges.

Earning top marks for safety, Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, Rogue is constructed with zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy-absorbing steering column; hood-buckling creases and safety stops; body side reinforcements; shift interlock system; vehicle security system; vehicle dynamic control and traction control system. And you get the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all rows.

The 2019 Nissan Rogue starts at $25,020 for the base S trim in FWD and $26,370 for AWD. The SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with push button ignition, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, dual zone automatic temperature control and a 6-way power driver's seat to the base S, and starts at $26,440 in FWD and $27,990 in AWD. The top trim Rogue SL I tested starts at $31,490 in FWD and $32,840 in AWD and gains Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic, Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Leather-appointed seats. Hybrid models start at $27,700 and run to $32,990 before options.

My test 2019 Rogue SL added the SL Premium Package for $1820, which included a power panoramic moonroof and LED headlights. The SL Platinum Reserve Interior Package, for $250, added leather-appointed seats with quilted leather inserts and Piano Black door finisher; roof rail crossbars added $365; four splash guards added $170; and a chrome rear bumper protector was $165. A cool and high-tech 360-degree exterior impact sensor added only $125 and a moonroof wind deflector also added $125. With destination and handling charges of $1045, my 2019 Rogue SL-as-tested came in at $36,905.

Written by Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.