There seems to be no end to the number of articles about the revamped
2006 Honda Civic entry-level model, which promises to regain the allure of older Civics and attract more younger buyers. Not that there was much wrong with the new model's predecessor, which was one of the best small cars except for its blandness.
Honda has sold approximately 7 million Civics in America. It built Honda's reputation in America, and each new model has been better than its predecessor, although many thought this 2001-05 model was essentially boring. The latest Civic should do well if only because most people seem concerned about higher gas prices, and "Civic'' is nearly a synonym for "efficient compact car.''
I've tested the new eighth-generation Civic sedan, which will account for most Civic sales. But one really can't say it's a "Civic sedan'' because there are numerous sedan models.
Honda once widely advertised that it liked to "keep things simple,'' but those days are long gone.
"No other vehicle in the segment covers as much ground as the Civic with its two body styles, three engines, four transmissions and five trim levels. All totaled, there are over 148 model, trim, option and color combinations for the 2006 Civic, more than ever before,'' Honda says.
With the Civic sedan, one might ask if it's an entry-level DX model, a mid-range LX or a top-line EX -- or an EX with a navigation system. And that's putting aside the type of transmission it has or if it's a regular gasoline model or a hybrid gas-electric Civic.
There's also a base Civic DX coupe, along with LX and EX versions and EX coupes with a navigation system and XM satellite radio. There also is the faster, more rakishly styled hot rod Civic Si coupe. Not to mention the Si with various items such as high-performance tires, navigation system, etc.
Most car buff magazines naturally have tested the four-cylinder 197-horsepower Civic Si coupe because they always opt for the fastest model, and the Si is the fastest Civic; it has more punch than the regular four-cylinder 140-horsepower coupe, along with other significant differences such as a sport suspension and six-speed manual transmission.
Also, both coupes have a 2-inch shorter wheelbase than the sedan, which has a longer wheelbase than the 2005 model and comes only with a 140-horsepower four-cylinder.
The only Civic recently available here for testing was the regular sedan, which was OK with me because it's a high-volume Civic. However, while Civic sedans start with the $14,560 DX model with a five-speed manual gearbox, I had the top-line $20,560 EX sedan with a navigation system and responsive new five-speed automatic transmission instead of the manual, which lowers the EX price to $19,760. But even lower-line Civic sedans have power windows and locks.
The hybrid version, by the way, looks identical to the regular sedan, which is a Honda mistake; auto analysts say one reason the Toyota Prius hybrid is doing so well is because it has distinctive styling that tells the world its owner has something genuinely different.
Anyway, all the new Civics have such things as new sleek, aerodynamic bodies with a sweeping roofline, rakish windshield angle and low, wide stance; interiors with more style and function; revised suspensions, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel.
The sedan's wheelbase is up to 106.3 inches from 103.1 inches, and it's 1.3 inches longer at 176.7 inches and slightly lower and wider. However, the new Civic is also heavier at 2,804 pounds, compared to 2,652 pounds -- although that's a relatively small gain, considering the addition of standard safety equipment, new features and increased bending and torsional rigidity. (The coupe is slightly shorter, wider and lower, and has a longer 104.3-inch wheelbase.)
Standard safety features include an updated body structure for better collision safety, front side air bags, side curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution.
The new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine replaces a 1.7-liter, 115-horsepower four-cylinder engine for the 2005 Civic, although there also was a 127-horsepower four-cylinder. The 2005 Si had a 2-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder.
None was much to look at, but all were refined, comfortable and fuel-thrifty. Only the hybrid was slow, but the as-yet-unpriced 2006 hybrid has more power and better acceleration. It also delivers higher estimated fuel economy than its predecessor: 50 mpg both in the city and on highways.
My test Civic EX also was pretty much a fuel miser, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway with the automatic transmission -- or 30 and 38 with the manual.
My test car was no sports sedan but was marked by extreme smoothness, with quick electric steering that had the right amount of power assist, supple ride, good handling (helped by larger wheels) and linear brake pedal action that allowed smooth stops even when they were sudden. The engine was smooth, but the 65-75 mph passing time on highways was average.
The first thing a driver might notice after slipping behind the new Civic's wheel is the two-tier instrument panel. It puts the speedometer, gas and engine coolant temperature gauges in an arc atop the dashboard where drivers hardly need to divert their vision from the road. The tachometer and other gauges and warning lights are lower, where one would normally find them.
It might annoy some drivers that the speedometer comes only in digital form. The quiet interior has supportive seats, large climate controls and high-mounted audio controls. All controls work smoothly and precisely; even the turn-signal lever feels good to use.
Four tall occupants easily fit. Large, nicely shaped outside door handles help make it easy to slide in, although interior handles are more stylized than practical. All doors have storage pockets and there are lots of storage cubbyholes. The front console area has a deep, covered cargo bin.
The trunk has a low, wide opening and is roomy for the car's size. The lid's hinges take up some space, but the rear seatbacks fold flat to significantly enlarge the cargo area.
Honda rivals long have wondered how the automaker could improve the compact Civic, which now is about the same size as the old mid-size Honda Accord. Once again, Honda has shown that can be done.
2006 HONDA CIVIC
PRICES
$14,560-$20,560
LIKES
Nicely redone. Smooth. Roomy. Nice ride and handling.
DISLIKES
Average highway acceleration. Digital-only speedometer. Nearly confusing array of models.