Honda Civic named NAIAS car of the year

DETROIT (WJBK) - The 2016 NAIAS car of the year wasn't the Chevy Malibu, as many had expected. Instead, it was a familiar name with a new face.

The Honda Civic was named the 2016 NAIAS Car of the Year on Monday, the first day of the North American International Auto Show.

Recently, the Civic underwent a complete facelift and a remodel. According to Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com, the remodel made a huge difference.

"(Honda) brought back some of the fun-to-drive nature that's been gone for a few years," Wiesenfelder  said. "It's also a finalist for Cars.com's Best of 2016."

Cars.com will announce the winner during a private event on Tuesday at the Filmore.

All told, there are $7 million worth of cars and merchandise at the Cobo Center and many people will be looking at the Honda Civic.