(November 12, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda endured massive criticism for its latest-generation Civic when it went on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model for its use of inferior interior materials and its failure to advance the popular brand.

In response, Honda has made the unusual decision to perform a major makeover after only 18 months on the market. The company today revealed the first look at the 2013 Honda Civic sedan in advance of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 29.

Honda says the refined styling of the 2013 Civic sedan, which goes on sale at Honda dealerships the same day it is unveiled in L.A., will encompass a host of safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements that will further define the top-selling Civic as the best car in the compact class.

According to Honda, "the more upscale and premium styling of the 2013 Civic Sedan's front end includes a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille, anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims. The grille is flanked by new clear-lens corner lights to provide a more premium look. The 2013 Civic's more sculpted front end flows into a new, more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs.



"In back, a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. The all-new design of the jewel-like taillights now carries into the trunk face, providing a more finished and upscale look. The rear bumper features integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent."

"The 2013 Honda Civic exterior refinements infuse Civic with a more youthful, premium style. Coupling these with additional changes beneath will ensure that Civic maintains its top-ranked status," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda.

Heading into 2013 with styling and content additions, the Civic's fun-to-drive nature and core attributes of safety, spaciousness and fuel efficiency remain intact.

Despite the criticism, customers are still attracted to the Civic, which has remained the compact segment's retail sales leadership.