New Honda Civic Makes Fast U-Turn

Morning Business Memo

Just 19 months after the 2012 Civic's redesign was slammed by critics, Honda thoroughly redesigned the car with a sportier look and an upgraded interior. The 2013 Civic goes on sale today after it debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car looks lower and longer and Honda executives say it has better handling. Shortly after the 2012 Civic went on sale, in the spring of 2011, the influential magazine Consumer Reports refused to give it a coveted "Recommended Buy." The magazine's chief auto tester said that the car was a step backward, and it appeared Honda tried to save money by using cheaper parts.

Other new models are being unveiled at the LA Auto Show, which opens to the public today. Toyota took the wraps off redesigned 2013 RAV4 crossover, which goes on sale early next year. A theme at the show from several manufacturers this year is better gas mileage and more high-tech gadgets in cars. "You talk to a younger generation of car buyer, technology is not a luxury. It's expected," says Ken Smith of Nissan.