First introduced in 1972 as a cheap hatchback with outstanding fuel efficiency, the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan is refreshed for the ninth generation this year, giving it a leaner, sharper, sportier look. Few of its local competitors, the likes of Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliber and Ford Focus or such out of towners as Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Rabbit and Mitsubishi Lancer, to name but a few in this ever growing pack, come close in the looks category.

But the Civic has changed more than its looks. For the first time, the new Civic has Bluetooth hands free technology and USB audio interface available and a vehicle stability system is standard on some models.

The standard engine on the Civic is a 1.8 liter, 140 horsepower I4, but some models get a 1.8 liter, 113 horsepower I4 or a 2.0 liter, 197 horsepower I4. Likewise there are three transmissions, in various mixes with the different engines - a 5-speed automatic with overdrive or either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual, also with overdrive. The right combination gets a startling 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Other combinations stay close to that.

There are a bewildering 21 trim lines for the Civic. The basic breakdown, however, is DX, LX, EX, Si and GX, in order of price and amenities, from lowest to highest. Each of these, except the GX, has several iterations based on features. All of them have the same basic look, and all of them are nice. Further, you can get most or all of the best features on any of them.

The Civic gets 4 stars from NHTSA for rollover and front side crash tests. All other areas get 5 stars. Child safety locks, antilock brakes, all around airbags, tire pressure monitor and inside trunk release are all standard features on the Civic, making it very up to date in the safety area.

The Civic started out as a plain Jane vehicle whose merits were low initial price, low operating costs due to high fuel efficiency and ease of access through the hatchback. Definitely geared to the young driver and new family, it was a good buy and quickly became popular.

The 2009 Honda Civic Sedan still appeals to their initial audience (plus a much wider group), still gets great mileage and at $15,405, still has a great initial price. But today's Civic can just as easily be a status symbol or a luxury ride. Somehow, Honda just keeps getting it right.