My wife and I drove the top line Civic yesterday - a few random thoughts.
1) The car looks great from some angles (profile, rear three quarters) and decidedly less so from others (front) where it seems overly busy, particularly in lighter shades. In white, the front end approaches fugly.
2) The LED lighting is freaking cool.
3) Interior is very good in terms of quality and layout. Instrument cluster is a model of clarity. The main center stack display is a bit too small and too crammed with info for those of us with less than perfect eyesight. This might be my only serious negative about the car.
4) Interior room is impressive. If you don't routinely carry 3 adults in back, you do not need an Accord. Front seats are very comfortable.
5) Acceleration is good - not great. I was perhaps expecting a put more of a solid push in the back given the numbers and the fact that this Honda actually has something called torque. Not bad in the least. Certianly entirely adequate. But short of impressive in terms of seat-of-the-pants impression. The facking CVT did not call attention to itself and that is the best I can say for it.
6) Steering is nicely weighted, but I chuckled to observe that it had the same center dead spot that my Sonata has. Hyundai got crucified for that in reviews. Honda gets a total pass.
7) The best thing about this car might be the chassis / suspension. Downright Germanic in the ride / handling compromise. Felt much higher end than the price point in question.
I'd take this over an Accord Sedan straight up.
9) NVH suppression is first rate, but you definitely hear the engine when the revs climb. Not a negative for me - I think it makes a nice sound.
10) Overall a real winner. They will sell a bazillion of these.