2009 Honda Civic GX NGV Overview

The natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX NGV has been kicking around since 1998, but it has only been commercially available to the public since 2005. Even now in 2009, The Civic GX NGV remains the only factory-built vehicle that runs on natural gas, but this will surely not last much longer given the wide acclaim for the Civic GX and the growing recognition that natural gas is the cleanest-burning and most economical readily available fuel on the market. Honda has even introduced a home-filling system that ensures you will never have to sit in queues at the gas pump again. Just that alone is enough to convert this reviewer to the NGV, but when you add to that the almost completely clean emissions, fuel economy that rivals the hybrid, and much simpler engine than hybrid vehicles, this gas-powered Civic is most certainly worth a look if you are considering a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

2009 Honda Civic GX NGV Performance

The 2009 Honda Civic GX NGV is for all intents and purposes exactly like other Honda Civics, except for the natural gas. It is equipped with a 113hp, 1.8-liter engine, with 5-speed transmission and front wheel drive. Compare that 113hp to the regular 140hp of a gasoline Civic with the same 1.8-liter engine and you begin to see the differences. There is most certainly less power and acceleration does suffer, but in the city that does not make a lot of difference, and an awful lot of taxi drivers seem to manage quite well on natural gas. Driving-wise the Civic GX NGV feels very much like any other Civic once it gets going, and the front strut Macpherson suspension and rear multilink suspension does a great job of keeping the ride both smooth and firm.

But you know all about how a Honda Civic drives… let’s talk about the special features of the NGV. There are a number of criticisms of natural gas vehicles and we will deal with these first. The most difficult factor is that the Civic NGV can only hold 8 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) which can take you up to 200 miles (on the highway – much less in the city). It means that it is essential to plan ahead with the NGV to ensure you don’t run out of gas. One great innovation that comes as an option with the Honda Civic NGV is the natural gas home refilling system that allows you to fill your gar overnight from your own garage supply. Otherwise in some parts of the country there is a serious lack of CNG (compressed natural gas) filling stations.

Another disadvantage is that almost the entire trunk of the car is taken up with the gas cylinder, and that can be inconvenient if you are planning on this car being a family vehicle.

The cost of natural gas seems to vary widely throughout the country in relation to supply, however even at its most expensive, and considering a mileage almost identical to a gasoline Civic at 24/36mpg, natural gas is still significantly cheaper than gasoline. In fact it represents a saving of at least 30 percent over gasoline – pretty darn impressive really, considering even a hybrid seems to save only 10-20 percent in costs.

While the Honda Civic GX NGV is the only factory-produced natural gas vehicle on the road and even then only around 1000 are being produced per year, it is not likely that the GNG stations will be springing up too quickly. However there is a growing level of interest in natural gas as a serious alternative to hybrids and gasoline engines, and conversions are still being undertaken throughout the country. On the safety side, natural gas is actually lighter than air, so any leakage tends to dissipate very rapidly and harmlessly into the atmosphere, which makes it even safer than gasoline. Ignition temperature is also twice that of gasoline, so the possibility of explosion is remote.

2009 Honda Civic GX NGV Interior and Features

The Honda Civic GX NGV is fully-equipped similar to the Civic LX and features exactly the same body design. On the inside there are full power features, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 12V power outlet and audio system with CD player. There is just one trim available in the NGV and no optional extras.

2009 Honda Civic GX NGV Safety

The 2009 Honda Civic GX NGV features the full range of safety features including 4-wheel ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes. Active head restraints prevent whiplash and there are full front, front side and side curtain airbags as well as engine immobilizer, child seat anchors and tire pressure monitoring system.

Overall the 2009 Honda Civic GX NGV is a serious alternative for those who are seeking an environmentally-responsible alternative to fossil fuel dependence. natural gas is a readily available resource and although it is less available in some parts of the US now, its use is steadily increasing as people realise the environmental and cost benefits. It is also worth noting that the Civic NGV is eligible for $4000 US government tax rebate, making it an even more attractive option.