Nightly News   |  August 01, 2011

New Honda Civic off the recommended list

Following a highly anticipated redesign, the latest Honda Civic LX scores so low that Consumer Reports can no longer recommend it. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports.

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This content comes from a Full-Text Transcript of the program.

BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor (Washington, DC): The Honda Civic has been a staple of the American road for as long as a lot of car buyers have been alive, always known for affordability, reliability, quality. But tonight one important arbiter of all of the above , Consumer Reports says Honda has stumbled badly with its new model. Phil LeBeau covers the car business for CNBC . He's with us tonight from Chicago . Phil , I couldn't believe these rankings when they came out.

PHIL LeBEAU reporting: It's surprising, Brian , because the Honda Civic has long been a top seller in this country with a sterling reputation, the kind of car that you might recommend that your neighbor's kids buy. Well, tonight, it is no longer on the recommended list from Consumer Reports . Here's what happened. Consumer Reports evaluated the Civic along with the 2012 small sedans and hatchbacks; and of the Civic , Consumer Reports wrote that the stopping distances are long, the ride is choppy, road noise is pronounced and the interior feels cheap.

LeBEAU: Well, Honda doesn't like those words. In fact, it responded, saying, "In a broad sense, we disagree with Consumer Reports ' finding." The good news, according to Honda , is that Consumer Reports found the new Civic excels in areas that matter to small car customers, including fuel efficiency, safety and reliability. And let's be clear here, Brian , this report is not about safety evaluations or safety recommendations, it's just a broad fit and finish recommendation.

Brian: In a big business , it'll be a big story . Phil LeBeau from Chicago tonight , thanks.

WILLIAMS: