Civic Superiority: 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 VW Jetta SE

With superior handling, fuel economy, resale value, reliability, and front seat roominess, Civic is the clear choice.

Superior Handling

• Civic has motion-adaptive electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS) to vary steering assist according to vehicle speed and to improve fuel economy. Jetta has hydraulic power-assisted steering that places a constant draw on engine power. Variable-assisted steering is not available on Jetta.
• Civic has ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes in the rear. Jetta SE has less efficient drum brakes in the rear.
• Civic has an independent multi-link rear suspension. Jetta has a less sophisticated semi-independent twist beam rear suspension.
• Civic has a turning diameter of 35.4 feet. Jetta has a turning diameter of 36.4 feet.

Superior Fuel Economy

• Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission has a 4-mpg better city EPA rating and an 8-mpg better highway rating when compared to Jetta SE with automatic transmission. (See chart.)

Superior Resale Value

• Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission maintains a 63% ALG residual value after 36 months and 48% after 60 months. Jetta SE’s ALG residual values are 55% and 39% respectively.

Superior Reliability

• According to Edmunds.com, the 2012 Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission has a J.D. Power Overall Initial Quality rating of 4.5 out of 5. Jetta SE has an Overall Initial Quality rating of 2.0 out of 5.

Superior Front Seat Roominess

• When Jetta SE is equipped with the optional power moonroof, Civic Sedan EX has superior front seat headroom (37.7 inches vs. 37.0 inches), legroom (42.2 inches vs. 41.2 inches), and shoulder room (56.6 inches vs. 55.2 inches).

Jetta Advantages/Civic Answers

• Jetta has more rear seat room. Most customers will find Civic’s rear seat room more than adequate. You should really sit in the rear seat to experience Civic’s rear seat legroom.
• Jetta SE’s 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine produces more horsepower and torque. Civic Sedan EX is several hundred pounds lighter than Jetta SE and offers an optimum combination of performance and fuel economy.
• Volkswagen offers free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. Civic’s fuel economy and resale advantages more than compensate for its maintenance costs.