Honda Civic - 2006

[HarleyEarl]

Going After the Kids
By Scott Oldham
Date posted: 09-22-2005

As usual, it comes down to the numbers. Honda says there will be 81.5 million Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 by the end of the decade. That's enough iPod addicts to make Gen Y the largest consumer group ever, topping even the baby boomers.

In order to take advantage of this next "age wave" Honda is taking action now. After selling 7 million Civics over 22 years, the company is shifting the Civic's U.S. market focus from baby boomers to Gen Y-ers. It even says it has designed this all-new eighth generation of the Civic specifically for that 80-plus million who are packing iPods.

This qualifies as radical thinking for Honda, which is often so conservative it makes the 700 Club look like The Howard Stern Show. But here's the cool part: this shift in the Civic's desired buyer demographic has put a priority on design and performance. You know, the things the kids like. And the resulting 2006 Honda Civic is sleeker, more powerful and better performing than any Civic before it. Fact is, the new iteration is undeniably the best and most interesting Civic Honda has ever produced.

More Style, Less Room
Available in two body styles — coupe and sedan — the new 2006 Civic is offered as four distinct models: the Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hybrid (sedan only), and the racy Si (coupe only). The hatchback body style, which was exclusive to the previous Si, is a goner.

For the first time, the coupe and sedan don't share a wheelbase. Honda's engineers felt the sedan's new 106.3-inch wheelbase was just too long for the coupe to feel as sporty and responsive as they desired. So while the new sedan's wheelbase has grown 3.2 inches over last year's, the coupe's is only 1.2 inches longer.

Even with the longer wheelbase, somehow the coupe has lost 2.5 inches of rear-seat legroom. Meanwhile, in the name of styling, Honda's designers sacrificed some rear headroom. The new coupe's roofline is several inches lower than its predecessor's. Combine that with the car's radically fast backlight, and those with large craniums should ride in the front.

"True coupe buyers will sacrifice a little rear-seat room for better performance and sexier styling," says Greg Thomas from Honda's product planning division. "But you can still sit full-size adults back there very comfortably."

He's right, you can.

The sedan's rear-seat room is about the same as before, and both body styles gained 1.4 inches of additional width, so sticking a third in the backseat of either no longer qualifies as bad karma.

Due to the shorter rear overhang, trunk space also took a hit. It's now 12 cubic feet in the sedan and 11.5 in the coupe (both used to be 12.9). But Honda points out that the trunk sides are now flatter so the space is more useful. And the rear seat in every model but the hybrid folds flat to increase cargo space.

Futuristic Style
Let's face it: The last Civic's look was the automotive equivalent of a Lunesta. Whether you like the new style or not, the shape of either body will never be compared to a sleep aid.

Honda says the new Civic has a one-motion profile and calls the car's design expressive and futuristic. We think the sedan looks a little too much like a Toyota Prius, but its laid-back windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs and tight 50mm tire-to-fender gap (Honda says that's tighter than the gap on a BMW 5 Series) do make it look more upscale.

Honda also points out that the coupe, which was designed in Ohio, and the sedan, which was drawn in Japan, don't share a single body panel. The two body styles don't even share the same windshield rake; the sedan's is laid-back at 23.9 degrees, while the 21.9-degree rake of the coupe's glass is the most radical in Honda's history. Yes, sharper than even the NSX's.

Beam Me Up, Scotty
The new interior design mixes elements from previous Civics, Toyota's Prius and the Starship Enterprise. The result is a comfortable and pleasantly ergonomic environment with one of the strangest gauge layouts ever conceived.

It seems the radically slopped windshield forced Honda to oversize the dashboard. The Civic's dash is so big it's rumored to be the location for Diddy's next bash. To camouflage all that space, Honda divided up the instruments, keeping the analog tachometer in the traditional location and placing a digital speedometer and gas gauge up at the base of the windshield. Honda calls it a two-tier design. We call it questionable. A space-saving Z-shaped parking brake handle opened up real estate for larger cupholders and a center console that can hold 25 CDs.

More Money, More Stuff
As usual, the coupe and sedan are available in DX, LX and EX trim levels. The hybrid sedan is equipped very much like a sedan LX, while the Si coupe sort of does its own thing.

Content and prices are both up in the customer's favor, according to Honda. The least expensive model is the DX coupe which starts at $14,360 with a five-speed manual. The least expensive sedan costs $200 more. Pricing for the hybrid, which will go on sale in October, and the Si, which will hit dealers December first, haven't been set yet, but the Si will start under $20 grand.

New standard features on all models and trim levels are side curtain and front side airbags, ABS, active front-seat head restraints and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. And for the first time all Civic audio systems have MP3/WMA CD playback capability and a satellite navigation system is available.

More Power
Horsepower is up on every model. Now the front wheels of all coupes and sedans, regardless of trim level, are powered by an all-aluminum, single-overhead-cam 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 16 valves and Honda's i-VTEC variable valve system. It makes 140 hp at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

Honda still makes the world's best four-cylinders. This engine is silky-smooth, fun to rev, and gets better mileage than the two smaller and less powerful engines it's replacing. With the optional five-speed automatic, the Civic is EPA rated at 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

We covered the Si's new hardware, including its 200-hp, 2.0-liter engine, in a dedicated First Drive of that model, so let's move onto the hybrid. It also gets more guts, 23-percent more combined power than the 2005 Civic Hybrid.

The fourth generation of Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system still consists of a 1.3-liter, single-overhead-cam four-cylinder gas engine (which is the car's primary power source) connected to an electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission. And a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack still captures and stores electricity for the motor.

For the first time, however, the gas engine features a high-profile camshaft within its i-VTEC system. It kicks in at high rpm and increases output to a 93-hp peak at 6,000 rpm. That's 9-percent more than before. The electric motor provides up to 20 hp and 76 lb-ft of additional torque.

Mileage is up, too. Honda says it gets 50 mpg in the city or on the highway, which would give it a maximum driving range of over 600 miles. The improved efficiency is largely due to a third stage added to the i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. The additional stage allows the computer to deactivate all four cylinders under deceleration and in steady state cruising situations. When the engine shuts down, the electric motor alone propels the car.

We briefly drove a Civic hybrid through the wide-open expanse of Joliet, Illinois, and found its new technology to be very much transparent and its newfound power welcome. On occasion you would be aware of the gas engine stopping and starting itself, but it's generally unobtrusive.

Better Handling
A new, stronger body structure with 35-percent more torsional rigidity gave Honda's suspension engineers a better place to start. They kept the front MacPherson strut suspension and the rear multilink layout, but all the parts are new and much of the geometry is changed.

In the front they added caster, reangled the struts and moved the steering box lower for more on-center steering feel and more off-center effort. In the back, new longer shocks are mounted closer to the wheels so they perform better throughout the range of suspension travel, and the aluminum rear shaved some unsprung weight.

To make the coupe feel sportier, it gets its own suspension tuning, with higher spring rates, stiffer dampers, and thicker antiroll bars.

Only the Si and the hybrid get Honda's excellent Electric Power Steering. The rest of the lineup uses a proven variable speed-sensitive rack and pinion hydraulic power steering system with a quick 13.73-to-1 ratio.

All Civics but the Si are equipped with 10.3-inch front disc brakes, but the hybrid, LX and DX models use 7.9-inch drums in the rear. EX trim-level cars get 10.2-inch rear discs. Every Civic gets a new four-channel ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Honda increased the size of the power brake booster for added pedal feel.

The hybrid and DX examples ride on standard 15-inch wheels and tires, while LX and EX get standard 17-inch rubber.

We sampled a coupe EX and a sedan LX, and both rode beautifully. Each felt tight and responsive and both were noticeably quieter out on the road than their predecessors. The coupe's shifter felt a little flimsy, but its clutch was easy to modulate, as were its brakes.

Still a Civic
It might not look like any Civic we've ever seen, and that funky dash is going to take a while to grow on us, but this is still a Civic. It's a well-made, very comfortable and very affordable car with strong performance and a fun-to-drive attitude.

Honda wants to sell 300,000 a year. That sound you hear is the iPod addicts lining up. Edited September 26, 2005 by HarleyEarl

[ToniCipriani]

From this angle the sedan looks like an Aveo. At least the back.

[sciguy_0504]

I've grown to really like the coupe's exterior but that's about it. I'd never buy it, though. I couldn't look at that interior day after day.

[ftmjohn]

The only Civic to get standard 17" wheels is the SI, all others have 16" steels or alloys! The Hybrid gets 15" alloys! John

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

I still don't understand why these cars lost passenger and cargo room despite growing larger on the outside. I don't care what it is, I'm all for styling, but I'm even more for space efficiency.

[the_yellow_dart]

The new coupe's roofline is several inches lower than its predecessor's. Combine that with the car's radically fast backlight, and those with large craniums should ride in the front.

*scratches head* fast backlight??? wtf does that mean?

[ocnblu]

Dear yellow dart swinger:

I think a "fast backlight" is a term having to do with the angle of the back glass. For example, a "fastback" is, as you know, closer to horizontal than vertical. That is what they're referring to, sir.

[CARBIZ]

It is amazing that the car critics can get through an entire (glowing) run down of a new import without once mentioning anything from GM, Ford or Chrysler. Yet, every time they breathe or fart in the direction of the Cobalt, Focus or whatever... they just can't wait to get their digs in about how much better the imports are. Bias? Hell, no!

[siegen]

Dear yellow dart swinger:

I think a "fast backlight" is a term having to do with the angle of the back glass.  For example, a "fastback" is, as you know, closer to horizontal than vertical.  That is what they're referring to, sir.

[post="24807"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Fastback is a term used for cars which have a rear windshield slope of less than 20°. This reduces drag and lift caused by air detaching as it flows over the hood and cannot follow the contour of the body such as in sedans, etc.

[Polish_Kris]

It is amazing that the car critics can get through an entire (glowing) run down of a new import without once mentioning anything from GM, Ford or Chrysler.  Yet, every time they breathe or fart in the direction of the Cobalt, Focus or whatever... they just can't wait to get their digs in about how much better the imports are.

  Bias?  Hell, no!

[post="24810"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Well sitting in both Focus, Pursuit/Cobalt, and the new Civic, the domestics still don't match up in terms of quality and design IMHO

[bowtie_dude]

Well sitting in both Focus, Pursuit/Cobalt, and the new Civic, the domestics still don't match up in terms of quality and design IMHO

[post="24856"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

You've sat in a new Civic, yes? Design is subjective.

[ocnblu]

I hate the tan interior on the new Civic. It is too yellow for me. I also don't think the dash is very attractive. The gray and black interiors are less offensive. I would choose gray.

[Teh Ricer Civic!]

i am really liking this new civic... may very well be my next car (coupe of course)

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Well sitting in both Focus, Pursuit/Cobalt, and the new Civic, the domestics still don't match up in terms of quality and design IMHO

[post="24856"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Yeah I agree-I'm not seeing the good compact cars I used to-the Dodge Neon;s dead (note: there is no 2006 model-no brief fun after all), the Ford Focus is drastically cheap-looking and has an even worse price-to-equipment ratio than most GM models, Saturn ION, though it makes upscale marks by shedding the 1 sedan bottom-bunk level for 2006 is still an overall lousy car, and the Chevy Cobalt lags behind virtually every single compact car in terms of passenger room, especially the coupe. Are there ANY desirable compact cars? I also read the Consumer Guide review, and it got little more than an average rating, yet I'm sure it will be a Best Buy. Beats me.

[regfootball]

Yeah I agree-I'm not seeing the good compact cars I used to-the Dodge Neon;s dead (note: there is no 2006 model-no brief fun after all), the Ford Focus is drastically cheap-looking and has an even worse price-to-equipment ratio than most GM models, Saturn ION, though it makes upscale marks by shedding the 1 sedan bottom-bunk level for 2006 is still an overall lousy car, and the Chevy Cobalt lags behind virtually every single compact car in terms of passenger room, especially the coupe. Are there ANY desirable compact cars? I also read the Consumer Guide review, and it got little more than an average rating, yet I'm sure it will be a Best Buy. Beats me.

[post="25024"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

the mazda3 is a nice car.

[VenSeattle]

For those who are interested in looking at the cold hard numbers...

2006 Honda Civic Sedan:

DX/LX trim:

Headroom (in., front/rear) 39.4 / 37.4
Legroom (in., front/rear) 42.2 / 34.6
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) 53.7 / 52.4
Hiproom (in., front/rear) 51.9 / 51.0
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 12.0
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 90.9

EX Trim:

Headroom (in., front/rear) 38.1 / 36.7
Legroom (in., front/rear) 42.2 / 34.6
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) 53.6 / 52.3
Hiproom (in., front/rear) 51.9 / 51.0
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 12.0
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 88.4

2006 Honda Civic Coupe:

DX/LX trim

Headroom (in., front/rear) 38.0 / 35.1
Legroom (in., front/rear) 42.6 / 30.3
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) 53.9 / 52.1
Hiproom (in., front/rear) 53.0 / 49.2
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 11.5
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 83.7

EX Trim:

Headroom (in., front/rear) 37.8 / 34.7
Legroom (in., front/rear) 42.6 / 30.3
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) 53.9 / 52.1
Hiproom (in., front/rear) 53.0 / 49.2
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 11.5
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 83.0

[Satty]

the mazda3 is a nice car.

[post="25034"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

For the $ it had better be. The 3 is a bit on the pricey side when you get the options, which is how most dealers stock their lots because most "special offers" require people to take a car from the inventory. My Honda dealer usually only has about 10 Civics in stock at any time, mostly mid-level, lightly optioned, with a couple on both extremes of the pricing spectrum. Compare that to my Chevy dealer whose stock consists of like 20 Cobalts all stickering for $18k+. Thats a whole different problem though. I'd take the Civic over the 3 because I actually like the Civic's interior now that I've seen a few in person, and you cant beat that mileage.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Yeah I forgot the 3, but yes, it does get pricey-too bad Pontiac is missing out on that segment-it could be a popular go-getter (and yes, I see 3 and Cobalt as different compact car segments-the 3 has a more premium image-Cobalt and Toyota Corolla have a mainstream image). Thanks for the numbers VenSeattle-they're some mediocre or really poor numbers-30.3" of legroom in the coupe? Absolutely pitiful. And at a time when compact sedans are pushing toward 36" of rear seat legroom (the last Civic had 35-36" I think), the Civic loses it due to "style"-that car is so ugly in the pictures. And don't get me started on the downright pathetic Cobalt's 33.7" rear legroom on the sedan (31 I think on the coupe, which doesn't have an Easy-Entry sliding front seat, thus making rear seat access even more of a chore than it already was on the Cavalier). Edited October 7, 2005 by Mule Bakersdozen LS

[RBB]

i am really liking this new civic... may very well be my next car (coupe of course)

[post="24960"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

DUDE, GETS TEH HOT NEW FRONT BUMPERS W/TEH WIK3D GROUND F/X THAT SHOWS TEH INTERCOOLAR. tHEN SLAM IT AND GETS THE DUBBLE-DECKAR SPOILER. BMG that ROXORS!!!!!!!!11!11!Juan.

:P

-RBB

[frogger]

To me the Mazda is really the only one that could be considered desirable in upper trim levels. The next Ion hopefully will be too. Honda certainly has the fuel effeciency thing down, it would be nice to see ongoing refinements to the Ecotec 2.2L in this regard.

[Polish_Kris]

You've sat in a new Civic, yes?  Design is subjective.

[post="24928"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

It's seriously a huuuge leap over the previous gen civic, the quality of the materials are top notch, I havnt driven it yet, I just sat in it when I was passing by a Honda dealership. It's roomy too, the design doesn't bother me, it reminds of the cars we thought we see in the year 2005 back in 1993. And yeah, it is the 21st century! lol

[HarleyEarl]

I hate to say it, but I predict this new Civic will be hugely successful for Honda. They dared to take a few chances with the design, it looks fresh, new...makes other new models look dated already. Finally an automaker is bringing some fresh thinking to the interior and dash. The Cobalt in comparison is safe and predictable...not bad but not modern. GM used to be that way...innovative in design. Others are taking that on, I am sad to day.