Honda Civic has been a popular compact car in America and its list of competitors includes Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Kia Spectra, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cobalt. However, Toyota Corolla is regarded as Civic's chief rival. Toyota Corolla is also one of the best selling cars in the world, it gets good gas mileage, and high scores for reliability. It has been completely redesigned for 2009. The new corolla has been upgraded with more available power, more standard safety features and fresh styling. Lets have a look at the comparison between the 2009 Honda Civic and the 2009 Toyota Corolla:

• Performance
  Both the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla feel somewhat slow due to their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.
• Handling
  Both the cars have approximately similar tires. They handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots, reason being their similar turning radii.
• Drivetrain
  As torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, Honda Civic is not more powerful than Toyota Corolla.
• Utility
  Both Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have the capacity to accommodate the same number of passengers.
• Comfort
  Honda Civic is more spacious than Toyota Corolla. However, taller drivers will enjoy the extra head room in Corolla's front cabin compared to Honda Civic.
• Dimensions
  Honda Civic is little more ponderous than Toyota Corolla, however, both compete for the same parking spaces.
• Cost
  Regarding MSRP, Civic costs more than the Corolla. The destination charge for both the cars is same.