2004 Civic

I'm planning to buy a 2004 Civic,and see that ABS brakes are available only
in the EX model. How important are ABS brakes in a light car like that, and
are there any other reasons to buy an EX over an LX?

 

Well Ernest, ABS breaks are usefull on any car, but not everyone likes them.
It basically controls the intensity of the breaking for you when the wheels
lock up, braking periodically for optimum performance... or at least thats
designed for that. It's supposed to give you more control over the car so
you can steer away from danger....

I personally dont like abs, a friend of mine has them on his suzuki grand
vitara, and I drove the car a few times....
Basically if you drive well and dont stop like an ass on icy roads, or do
some crazy steering, you dont need abs.
If you need to stop ASAP, breaking periodically has pretty much the same
effect, you need to "feel" when the wheels arent locked.
ALso there's more maintenance for abs systems.

 

The Civic Hybrid has ABS and side air bags standard.

 

I believe some ABS are better then others and I suspect that the Civic's system
is near the bottom of the totem pole. I have two Civics, a 2000 EX and 1998 DX.
The wife drives the EX and I'm glad that she has the ABS at her disposal. For
myself, I'd rather do without the ABS and trust in my skills (note: being
skilled in emergency braking in slippery situation takes some practice). Also,
In winter driving, a set of snow tires is significantly more important then the
ABS whether you are a skilled driver or a novice.

Pars.

 

While ABS could be an annoyance sometimes there are too many real life
situations when it comes in very handy. And I am not talking just about
slipery/icy roads. There are just too many other situations. C'mon folks!
I would immagine that large majority of drivers USED TO ABS would agree so.

 

Does it snow where you live? ABS is pretty important in snow. There are
those who dislike ABS, but for the average driver, ABS is much safer.

Other reasons for buying EX? It has a sunroof. I think it comes with the
remote key fob. The power lock design for the Civic is absolutely horrendous
if you don't have the remote key fob, especially if you get the 4 door. You
wouldn't believe what a hassle it is to lock and unlock doors. I sometimes
wonder if they designed this on purpose to force people to upgrade.

 

While there are some who claim to be able to outperform ABS I have my
doubts - they didn't ban it from the highest forms of auto-racing because
it doesn't work right. Certainly in a panic stop - like when Bambi leaps
out in front of you - I don't know anyone who can think: just get the
cadence braking and steering angle right and we can miss the deer and avoid
rolling this thing. IME it's more like: DAMN..... STOMP! There are times
when I wish it could be disabled with a switch, like on loose gravel on the
road surface or in snow.

For the LX/EX dilemma, check out the comparison of the specs at Honda's Web
site and figure if they're worth the money to you.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

It wasn't worth it for me.

alloy wheels
10 Extra horse power
ABS
Sun roof