One of the Honda models with the navigation system as standard equipment is the 2008 Civic EX-L Navi, a competitively priced subcompact that is fun to drive and loaded with interior and exterior features. This top-of-line Civic has a MSRP of $20,710 and our tested unit had no options.

The EX-L is powered by a 140-HP SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, a 1.8-liter with 16 valves. It features a drive-by-wire throttle system and is classified as an ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle).

Coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control, the EX-L was spunky for a four-cylinder engine. It produces 126 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 RPM and redlines at 6,800 RPM. The shifting was quick and responsive, making the powertrain system very likable.

Safety is not compromised for the price of the EX-L because it offers driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags and side airbags, side-curtain airbags, three-point seat belts, active front head restraints, side-impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, LATCH system for child safety seats, tire-pressure monitoring system, and daytime running lights. Also standard is an anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution and an immobilizer theft-deterrent system.

We found the interior of the EX-L to be comfortable and usable. New for 2008 are leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and front center armrest, plus there is an A/C system with a special filtration system, power windows and doors, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, map lights, rear defroster, 12-volt power outlets, and plenty more creature comforts.

The audio system includes a top-quality 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, an MP3/Windows Media audio package, and CD text display capability. In combination with the excellent satellite-linked navigation system, there is little to desire for audio or navigational needs, including a XM Satellite Radio system (some functions not available in Alaska and Hawaii). The navigation system is easy to use and can provide useful data for driving with its voice-activated feature.

The Civics are tight and handle with exceptional ease. With an Advanced Capability Engineering (ACE) body structure, there is a MacPherson strut front suspension with a multilink rear suspension, as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering performs well, and the turning diameter (curb-to-curb) is a respectable 34.8 feet. There is no roll feel, and the overall steering and handling is reactive.

On the exterior, out tested EX-L had a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature, heated power outside door mirrors, intermittent windshield wipers, and P205/55 R16 89H all-season tires mounted to 16-inch alloy wheels.

EPA estimated fuel economy on the Civic EX-L is 25 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway. During our weeklong test, those figures were found to be accurate.

There is plentiful interior space on the EX-L (38.1 inches front/36.7 rear headroom) and a surprisingly large cargo capacity of 12 cubic feet. There is a 60/40 fold-down rear seat for added cargo space.

As noted, lots of stuff for just over $20,000 makes this front-wheel-drive Civic EX-L a prize-winner in its category, especially with the navigation system.