I remember how my boss at my first job as a software engineer had a Honda Civic and how he would travel something like 120 miles, in both directions, each day for a commute. He selected the Civic specifically because of this requirement. Ever since then, the Civic has been etched in my mind as the best all around transportation car.
I test drove a Civic and Corolla and there was just something about the feel of the Civic that differentiated it. It seemed more polished, sleek and light on its feet. That was about 7 years ago. Today, according to these 2009 Honda Civic reviews, the Civic continues to dominate it’s class.