For the first time ever, I realized until a few months ago why 2007 was named reborn by the marketing folks. My family has owned 2010, 2002, 1997, and 1989 Civics. Though major design improvements had been made over the years, one could "feel" that 1989, 1997, and 2002 Civics had a common pedigree. Same old low sitting ride and a particular Civic-like driving feel. All three even shared some suspension cornering dynamics that were clearly different from any Corolla I have ever driven.
2007 drives, corners, looks, and feels totally different. Hence the name reborn. Re born with a totally different attitude. Even to a point that it no longer could be called Civic.
