The eldest members of Generation Y, today’s “it” demographic, were born in the early 1970s – about the same time that the Honda Civic first arrived in the U.S. As they have grown, the Civic has grown. As they have matured, the Civic has matured. And now that they are becoming one of the dominant forces in our nation’s economy – with deep-rooted preferences for distinctive, high-tech, sophisticated goods – one of the most revolutionary redesigns of the iconic small car they grew up with is occurring for 2006, taking the Civic upscale with more advanced technology than ever and a futuristic European look.
Fun-to-drive, fuel efficient, comfortable for four full-sized adults, engineered for occupant safety, and incredibly refined, the 2006 Honda Civic should prove a segment leader – if not a segment buster.
Model MixHonda offers three different versions of the 2006 Civic Sedan, each equipped with the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine teamed with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The base model is called DX, the popular mid-grade version is the LX, and the most upscale Civic is named EX.
Engine Every 2006 Honda Civic Sedan gets the same engine, a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder equipped with i-VTEC variable valve timing. With 140 horsepower available at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 4,300 rpm, the 2006 Civic Sedan’s engine is more powerful than both motors offered in 2005 and runs on regular unleaded fuel. A five-speed manual transmission sends the power to the front wheels, and is estimated to provide 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The optional five-speed automatic is expected to do even better when it comes to fuel efficiency, matching the manual’s city rating but getting 40 mpg on the highway.
DesignThis redesign of the Honda Civic for 2006 might be the most radical of any in the car’s 33-year history. It is a distinctive, forward-thinking package defined by European flair and subtle detailing, and should wear well over time. From some angles it’s hard to tell if the 2006 Civic is coming or going – so short are its hood, rear deck, and overhangs – but there’s no denying that this is a contemporary, upscale look for the new Civic.
InteriorIt might look radical, but the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan’s interior layout is extremely functional. The gauges are split between a digital display located at the base of the windshield and a traditional cluster viewed through the steering wheel. In the digital display, which acts much like a heads-up system, vehicle speed, remaining fuel, and engine temperature are shown. In the lower binnacle there’s a huge tachometer flanked by dormant warning lights. An average fuel economy display would be nice to have, especially with the price of gas reaching three bucks a gallon in some parts of the country, but that feature is only offered on the Civic Hybrid.
Comfort More comfortable seating, front and rear, is one benefit of the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan’s redesign. Four six-footers can fit inside the Civic Sedan, and those in the back seat won’t lack head or legroom. There’s even plenty of wiggle space for toes. For greater comfort, get the Civic EX, which comes with a fold-down rear center armrest.
Safety With the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan’s redesign, engineers focused on safety. Standard equipment includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; seat-mounted front side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; antilock brakes with independent electronic rear brake distribution; and active head restraints. What does this mean to you? Honda expects the 2006 Civic Sedan to receive five-star frontal crash-test ratings from NHTSA and a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the 40-mph frontal offset crash-test.
PricingDespite an on-sale date of September 15, 2005, Honda hadn’t set final prices for the redesigned 2006 Honda Civic Sedan when we published this story. Estimates ranged from about $14,500 for the Civic DX to $18,500 for the Civic EX. Honda plans to sell about 160,000 Civic Sedans a year, roughly half of all planned Civic sales.
Driving Impressions Immediately, the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan’s added refinement is noticeable, both in terms of cabin comfort and engineering. Quiet and responsive, the silky powertrain provides good punch off the line, managed by a fluid gearbox and a light clutch. The steering is linear and quick, and the brake pedal feels great underfoot. The Civic Sedan is definitely your friend in the city, where the only thing to intrude upon your surroundings – aside from rude drivers quick to use the horn – is impact harshness from potholes. Most of the time, the ride is composed, but a bit soft.
Key StatsEstimated Base Prices: $14,500 (DX); $16,500 (LX); $18,500 (EX)
Engine Size and Type: 1.8-liter inline four with variable valve timing
Engine Horsepower: 140 at 6,300 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual (standard); five-speed automatic (optional)
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 30/38 mpg (manual); 30/40 mpg (automatic)
Leg room (front/rear): 42.2/34.6 inches
Head room (front/rear): 39.4/37.4 inches (DX/LX); 38.1/36.7 inches (EX)
Max. Cargo Volume: 12 cubic feet
Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Neon, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Saturn Ion, Suzuki Forenza, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta
Photos courtesy of American Honda
