What the Civic loses in looks it more than makes up for in drive ability. A good roomy cabin also enhances the driving experience. Safety aspects of the car are excellent with the Civic scoring 4 stars in the NCAP crash tests. Insurance groups are low throughout the range including the Type-R considering the level of performance that the power units produce. A very worthy contender in a very competitive market sector. This car was voted Car of the Year 2004 by What Car magazine.