Honda Civic Sedan 2006

gearjammer62

The Civic Si gets 22/31 mpg which is pretty bad for a Civic and not even as good as the Acura RSX which will out-power it any day and have a larger trunk and more passenger room. But in addition to having lousy gas mileage, if you add in the additional cash required to buy premium fuel (about a 13% increase), you might as well rate the Si at 19/27mpg.

Your comparisons are a bit off. The base RSX has a 155 hp 4, the Si will have a 2OO hp 4. So the RSX obviously it will not out-power the Honda. The RSX-S does come with the 201 hp 4, but also requires premium fuel - same as the Si - and is priced at $24k - much more than a loaded Si. It also gets 23/31 mpg with the 6-speed manual - barely any different than the Si. So, from a performance and fuel economy standpoint, the RSX has no advantage over the Civic Si.

canadianbacon

Go with the Mazda3, and don't regret it. If you're driving a stick you can beat the EPA numbers easily by shifting early and driving conservatively. And you'll have much more power than the civic's small displacement.

My friend (whose parents own a Mazda3), got a test drive in the new civic and said it wasn't even close in terms of driving dynamics, comfort, and style. In all honesty, Honda needed a home run here, definitely not a ground rule double. They both might get the ball out of the park, but one counts for a whole lot more. The 3 is simply so far beyond any other small car out there right now that the Civic needed to be absolutely astounding, not merely just another new Civic, like all the other ones that have come before. If the market was determined merely by quality of the product, Mazda would have total domination. While I can't say for sure until I've driven the new civic, based on the huge number of impressions from boards like this one, Honda failed to nail the formula.

BTW, the DX with a stick will probably be in the low eight's for 0-60 times. An EX will be in the high eights. Too little displacement, and in the EX's case, too much weight. That equals mediocre acceleration. As was mentioned however, it will depend on whose numbers you trust. Car and Driver seems to deflate (faster times) their numbers slightly, or everyone else is merely off their rockers; Road and Track and the other big magazines seem more reliable. If you're to use their times, the DX might break into the high eights, but the EX certainly won't. I'd predict about nine seconds flat for the LX, the most popular model by far. Add about half a second for the automatic in each case (more weight, less power being transmitted to the wheels, much lower gear ratios). Altogether not bad, but the 3s beats them handily (even if it does drink far more gas).

navlover

My prayers have been answered and I will soon be buying a Honda Civic with Navigation. Going off the assumption that is the same "material" etc as an Accord, perhaps people with Accord Nav experience can answer... My question is... it's a touchscreen... how delicate is it? I mean, fingerprints should wipe off and stuff, I assume. Does the screen have any kind of protective layer on it that can be replaced if scratched (as opposed to replacing the "whole" screen)? Would a stylus work, or does it "need" the heat of a finger? And (this is extremely anal, I know), would it still function properly if I put a type of film over it. (I'm imagining something like the stuff you can buy to protect your PDA screen)

I know I won't be getting it for anywhere near invoice, since I'm getting a Hybrid and I have to get it soon to make sure I get a California carpool sticker, but are invoice prices posted anywhere (this site or elsewhere) for these yet?

Newbie (currently driving '91 Civic LX... for a few more weeks)

play

Here is a possible solution for the 5 speed vs automatic dilemma. I too would rather have a 5 speed that gets the same or better MPG than an automatic. I don't understand what Honda is thinking, everywhere i read, no
one seems to understand what Honda is thinking. People who buy stick do so because they like to shift and they like driving. So Honda will give them a short 5th gear so they don't have to shift to have more immediate pickup, and no appropriate highway cruising gear.

My last purchase was an 04 TSX and it was the 1st automatic of my life. I couldn't see getting worse mileage with a stick (and the auto was a no charge option). A potential solution to all this, or a partial solution to all this, or no solution at all is as follows, though an engineer will need to evaluate this ....

Buy the stick. It has more pickup, it has higher revs at the same speed than an automatic has. When you buy tires, buy tires with about a 5% (or whatever it would be) bigger circumference, and your back where you started. Just a theory, its a shame Honda has us grasping at straws. Anyone from Honda out there who would like to apologize? Feel free.

ludexr

Buy mazda 3 if you plan to keep the car less than 4 years, Buy the civic if you want to keep for a long time. I have a 93 civic, still run with 200,000 miles no major problems, i see a lot of older honda still running, don't see to many older mazda. It's between the 06 civic or fit for me.

crv16

I suspect Honda uses a short 5th gear because of stupid customers. When in 5th gear in an automatic, and you press down hard on the accelerator, (duh), it downshifts automatically. However, if a manual transmission Civic had a tall 5th gear and you press down hard on the accelerator, nothing much would happen. You'd need to downshift to get adequate acceleration. Now you and I understand that simple fact, but I bet it escapes a lot of people who think that you only use 5th gear on the highway.

I own a 2003 Civic EX manual, which has very short gearing, and just recently bought a 2005 Accord LX manual for my wife, which actually has fairly tall gearing. It gets a little confusing going from my Civic to the Accord, because I can comfortable cruise 35-40 mph in 5th gear in the Civic. That same speed requires 4th gear in the Accord, because it would be lugging the engine in 5th.

tawneycat

1.8 is smallish for today but should get better economy. I feel the civic with a 6 speed with true OD say 2500 rpm at 70 would be very economical. Funny how no one wants to downshift. but if the 5 th gear was the same as now and 6th the lower final for economy you could choose. I hate that busy down the hiway buzz with the high rpm.....

I have cancelled my order for a 2006 Civic EX sedan in manual. I may actually go with a hybrid since tax credit of 2100 expected in true money and 50 mpg not shabby.

If I knew Honda was serious about diesel 2.2 in 2007 I would look to that over hybrid. Remember in Europe you can buy Accord (TSX clone) and CRV diesel that truely get 42 combined (CRV) and 52 combined (Accord) with Hondas new award winning diesel.

I saw the civics last night. Nice but not on my to buy list any longer.
Plus If you buy a heavily discounted 2006 Accord (400 over invoice already) then why by the Civic. Give up sunroof, buy the the new 166 hp (175 hp with old standard) and get SE 5 speed 4 banger for a lot more car and only $19,500 with all safety features, ABS, alloys......

tawneycat

You are harsh but I think you speak the truth. Sometimes that hurts. Once gas prices are seen to stay high the ratios will be revised in later years as mpg braggin rights will become fashionable. Seems that the automatic got all the attention from the engineers....

tawneycat

I had a 2004 TSX, bought the manual because the auto is nothing but a fancy accord. The manual was sweet but 6th was high rpm, power on demand. Why?
Again why? I love changing gears. The 5 speed accord 4 banger is a better tranny gearing and gets better economy than TSX and uses regular gas.

I did resent paying same price as automatic but the drive was just so sweet in the manual.....

tires will not do what you want.....

yesroh

Actually, the new Civic is 30/39 unless they changed it.
The Honda is new...the prices will probably come down. You also have to take into account resale value. I once almost bought a Ford Escort GT in 1991 because I test drove it, liked it, and I could buy it for $1500 less than the Honda Civic LX which I'd also test drove and liked as well. I figured I'd do myself some good and save money. Then I looked at the resale value and realized I'd lose money on the Escort from resale value. So the cheaper Escort was actually more expensive. Reliability was also much better on the Civic.

blueiedgod

Perhaps I stated this a little murky...the old engine had a rated power of 160horses, and the slightly revised engine is rated at 166horses. You would think that means a bump of six horses, right? However, if you take into account that the horsepower ratings have been tuned down, it's more realistic to think the six horses would feel more like ten because the older engine would probably be rated at 156 horses under the new system. It would be a pretty punchy car.

Don't forget that Honda under rated the K24 for the 2003 Accord. Honda rated it at 160 hp then, and TOV dynoed it at 170 hp. So the new 166 hp on the K24 is just the more honest rating with the new SAE requirements. It is probably the same as 170 hp under the old rating. The CR-V, which has a similar engine (different heard) is rated at 156 HP for 2006, was rated 160 HP prior. There are no new specs for the 2006 Element, which has exactly the same engine as the Accord. I wonder if it gets rated at 156 HP like CR-V, or 166 like the Accord?

I switched from a K20 powered Civic to K24 power CR-V, and K24 is much nicer down low. It pulls from idle. Although, K20 was pretty strong for a 2 liter 4 cylinder, K24 just has more torque, which gives you an impression of more power.

yesroh

I have thought about the Civic Hybrid many times but the fact is, unless you are a victim of dealer gouging from Toyota (which is very common...those bastards) the Prius has better performance, lots more room, and better fuel economy for about the same price. The Honda's 10.4 cubic foot trunk is just too small for me. I need room to put my bicycle, and I can't fold the back seat down for more room. The Prius has 16 cubic feet. With that much space I could easily put a bicycle and a lot of other things in the trunk without even folding the seat. It also gets better gas mileage and has much more interior space. But I can't say I would absolutely NOT buy a Civic Hybrid. It just doesn't look like as practical a car as the Prius.
Speaking of overdrive...why can't they have a very tall 6th speed only for flat to very moderately rolling roads? Make it like a gear that you don't use all the time...and still be able to turn in great gas mileage in 5th if you like.

yesroh

Actually, if you go to Honda's website they claim they modified both the V-6 and 4-cylinder to squeeze out more power. The V-6 gains 4 more horses...not much, but it's an improvement. I personally don't see why anyone would need any more power than what I have in my 1999 Accord. It'll snap your neck easily and now they are just building and building horsepower on their newer models. I know Honda has to compete but it's a little excessive when you look at fuel prices. I think the 4-cylinder Accord makes much more sense.

yesroh

Bigger tire circumferences would look bad though. I say just drive slower than the auto-equipped Civics.

yesroh

There is about a $2000 difference in price, maybe...not sure because prices on the new Si are still not confirmed. The RSX's now come standard with leather in the top model and I think that's how they managed to tack on the extra $2000 cost...you pay for the leather. The new Si only has 197 horsepower...it was predicted to have 200 but it doesn't. Perhaps that's the new SAE testing modificiations which sucked out the extra 3 horsepower, just like it took 9 horses away from the RSX. In the performance to fuel economy contest, though, the RSX will still get better gas mileage and likely have better performance. It puts out 4 more horsepower, 1 more foot-pound of torque, weighs 37 pounds less and gets 1 mpg better in the city. It also has leather as standard (not an option on the new Si), has 2.6% more interior volume, mostly due to its vastly larger trunk. It could be a close contest but it looks like the RSX beats the Si on all fronts. I expected the new Si to be close to the RSX in performance, but not quite as quick, and better in fuel economy. That would make sense to me since the Civic has always been an economy car, even in sporty mode.

backy

I'd reverse that recommendation: get the Civic if you plan on keeping it only 2-3 years because of its superior resale value. Longer term, it's not a factor. BTW, I see lots of older Mazdas (Proteges, 626s) around.

backy

Actually, the new Civic is 30/39 unless they changed it.

Window sticker says 30/40 for automatics, 30/38 for sticks.

hawkeyeohi

I test drove the 06' Ex Civic Sedan (auto) yesterday morning. Then I went back with my brother and he drove it. We both came away very impressed with the car. We're both 5'10" and 165lbs. (yes, we're twins) and the car seemed an excellent fit. We couldn't find anything about the car we didn't like. We've both driven the Mazda 3i & 3s and feel the new civic is a better all around value. Yes, the 3s is quicker and tighter in the corners but that's the only advantages we found for the 3.

We loved the looks, build quality, ride, quietness, stereo, and very acceptable pickup and handling. Nice touches include the one-touch to open sunroof, key/key fob incorporated into one piece, two tier instrument set-up, and stereo controls on steering wheel.

If you have any specific questions I'll be glad to answer them.

yesroh

Okay, well then you may be right. The information I have is new and I know from experience the first information that is put out isn't always correct. It tends to change over the first few months. I have a website which claims to have all the new information on the Civics yet the dimensions of the car are clearly way off from what Car and Driver says. So I'm not sure where to find accurate info this early.
Not to make you sound stupid, but...are you sure it's a 2006? Some folks can't tell the difference.

play

Bigger tire circumferences would look bad though. I say just drive slower than the auto-equipped Civics.

How about we trade commutes (unless yours is less than 130 miles)? Here in Southern AZ traffic moves comfortably at 78-80 MPH and I,i too, hate the feel of a car that feels like my too tightly wound first boss from way back when, not to mention the difference in MPG.

I really don't think the eye is going to see a 5% difference in tire circumference, this might be a 2% difference in tire height.

Can any of you enthusiasts say whether having a 5% larger tire circumference, (or whatever the difference is to account for the gearing difference between automatic and stick) on the stick with the same gearing as other sticks, would not leave you with the same RPM's per mile? If this is incorrect thats cool, but I'd like to hear why.

crv16

Speaking of overdrive...why can't they have a very tall 6th speed only for flat to very moderately rolling roads? Make it like a gear that you don't use all the time...and still be able to turn in great gas mileage in 5th if you like.

I would absolutely love this. I do a lot of highway driving at constant speeds, and would benefit greatly by this.

The cynic in me sees another reason though. If a hypothetical 6 speed manual Civic cruised at 2500 rpm at 75 mph, it would likely gain another 3-5 MPG. That would bring real world fuel economy to a level on par with the Civic Hybrid.

It has been my opinion for quite a while that Honda and Toyota are deliberately not making their non-hybrid versions as fuel efficient as they could in order to protect the mpg advantage of their hybrids.

yesroh

I bought my Accord (my first four cars were Civics) because I lived in Virginia and had to drive 780 miles home, one-way, twice a year, not to mention a lot of bicycle races which involved being in the car up to eight hours a day. I'm retired Air Force and I travelled a lot by car. So, although I'm not proud of buying a car which only gets 28mpg highway, I did it for comfort and safety (a rested driver is a safer driver). I was hoping that some day the Civic would be as comfy and quiet on the highway as an Accord...then I could return to being a tree-hugger. Have you compared the new Civic to an Accord?

backy

Re accurate info, usually window stickers are pretty accurate.

I assure you, I am not one of those folks (whoever they are) who can't tell a 2005 Civic from a 2006.

play

tires will not do what you want.....

Please explain.

Thanks!

poopoo_head

I think CR rates EX as quieter than LX/DX?

hawkeyeohi, you prob drove the EX, so how would you rate the quietness of this model in relation to mazda 3, ford focus, toyota corolla, camry, accord? i have a 97 camry, and if you have ever been in one of these, how would the sound levels compare to a 97 camry?

also, how is the ride quality in comparison to these other cars? is the 06 civic soft riding? compared to previous civic or Focus (prob softest riding)?

one last question to all: canadian civics are released a couple weeks after the American sept 15 launch, so would that mean canada would not get any japanese made civics since prob canada is ramping up ontario made civics to supply the canadian market versus japan meeting US supply? i am interested in getting a canadian japanese-made civic...any idea on which trim level/color/transmission combo might net the hightest chance of a japanese civic?

thanks!

play

It's just a shame the Prius is so certifiably ugly. The Flash Gordon -George Jetson look should have gone out in the 1960's. The Prius has an excellent co-efficient of drag, but that can be accomplished in other ways. The TSX and the Prius have almost the same value (27 vs 26) which again proves that great design and great engineering are not inconsistent.

w9cw

- key/key fob incorporated into one piece -

More and more companies are going to a larger key format with the key fob keyless-entry buttons and functions on the key. This is not necessarily an improvement, as I found out the hard way. Replacement keys are very, very expensive.

hawkeyeohi

I've driven an 04' Accord (EX 4 cyl & 6cyl). The Accord is a bigger car and is probably an easier ride. Of all the cars in the civic's class (and I think I've driven them all) it seems to me to have the best comfort and above all quietness. We could not hear the engine at all on the highway. Wind noise was vaguely apparent. Only thing was some tire drone but that was probably because we were just looking for some kind of noise.

I think the biggest thing that surprised us was how fast we found ourselves going when we looked at the speedometer. In this class of car you can usually feel how fast you're going.

poopoo_head

ok, thanks hawkeyeohi... it's interesting that you say the Accord had a better/softer? ride than the civic because in one motor trend article they tested the ride impact harshness of accord, camry, and altima to find the accord with the highest impact/stiffest ride of the three...so the civic is stiffer yet? hmm...

it's good that the civic is quiet, though, because that would be very important to me (and others?). i wonder what some of the earlier posts about the 06 civic being noiser than previous gen. were about?

thanks again for your help

hawkeyeohi

A friend has a 96' 4 cyl Camary. I've ridden in it a few times although it's been some time. I don't remember the engine being very quiet, but the ride was fine.

The Cobalt, Elantra, Focus, & Corolla don't even compare to the new Civic in regards to ride quality & quietness. The Mazda 3 just makes up for it with the fun factor.

hawkeyeohi

the Accords I test drove both had leather. I think test driving a new Accord with the nice smell and feel of leather just makes the drive feel a bit more luxurious.

loudgizmo

Whether the Prius is certifiably ugly or not, its look is widely recognized to be part of its appeal--many people driving them like making a statement about ecology, use of natural resources, etc.

I've also heard that this phenomenon worked against Honda--they went out of their way to make the Civic and Accord hybrids look like the "regular" versions, which cost them some sales with the more activist-minded consumers.

stickguy

drove another LX today (5 speed). Seats seemed firmer for some reason. I think I can get comfy in them, but still have to get used to the lumbar bump. Overall, it drives nice, pretty quiet. You do get going faster than you expect (or maybe just notice it more because of the digital speedo). Plenty of room up front for 2 full size adults (I didn't feel cramped with the salesguy in the passenger seat). back seat is roomy enough for a small car, and quiet comfy.

Drove an EX Accord 5 speed right after the CIvic. a bit roomier (mostly in the back seat), and drive nice. Slightly softer/quieter probably, but still a nice driver. More realxed and torquy engine for sure, and great mileage for a largish car (26/34).

BIggest difference to me was the seats in the Accord. Real nice shape. If the CIvic had these seats, I would have no qualms.

Big question: Is the Accord worth 4.2K more than the Civic (EX vs. EX)? for me, I would proebably get the CIvic assuming I was sure that I could get the seats to fit me.

I also sat in a Mazda 3 before stopping at Honda. Very comfy, and the leather seats were real nice. A 3s touring SE (loaded with leather, etc) 5 speed was MSRP $21,500! Wonder what these go for in real life?

hokiehigh

Don't compare Accord EX with Civic EX, if you don't need leather and can deal without the sunroof, get a 05 Accord LX for less than a 06 Civic EX.

crv16

Big question: Is the Accord worth 4.2K more than the Civic (EX vs. EX)? for me, I would proebably get the CIvic assuming I was sure that I could get the seats to fit me.


The difference in selling price is likely going to be much smaller. For the next 3-6 months, until demand dies down, the Civic EX is likely going to sell at or near MSRP. The Accord will likely sell near invoice, so the real difference in price will probably be around two grand. You should be able to get an 06 Accord for at least 2 grand under sticker. I just bought a new Accord LX for more than 3 grand off sticker.

leadfoot_ed

I've never seriously looked at Hondas before, not because I had something against them, but that they were pretty appliance-like, and not particularly stylish (S 2000 excepted). I've got to admit, the new Civic has really gotten my attention, for a couple reasons. First off, I think it has probably one of the best power/mileage ratios out there, at least for cars offered in the U.S. (140 horse, 40 mpg, wow!)

Also, with the availability of nav and a host of other bells & whistles, it's definitely no penalty box. I'm about to move 20 miles further away from work, and economy and comfort will definitely be a factor, even more so than in the past. And for the first time ever, I'd actually consider getting an automatic, for two reasons: it actually has a slightly higher mileage rating than the manual, the fact I'll probably be dealing with a lot more stop & go traffic with the longer commute, and thirdly, my fiancee is a lot more comfortable driving a slushbox than a stickshift. Add to the fact that 9 times out of 10, we currently take her TSX when we go out (because of the nav) it's really a perfect package.

I'd love for us to get the 5-door Euro-spec model, but I guess the OEs still think Americans hate hatchbacks and compact wagons. I love my Protege5, and have been eyeing the 3 5-door, but when I'm in the market again, I'll definitely give the Civic a serious look.

poopoo_head

thanks again hawkeyeohi; in my experience the focus (15 inch wheels) has had the best ride of those small cars, much better than the 05 civic, but that is quite impressive that the 06 civic has a softer/comfortable ride than the focus!

hmm, looks like civic is getting better and better...now just how to get a japan-made canadian civic...

backy

I wouldn't sell the Cobalt short on ride quality vs. the Civic. Cobalt is actually very strong there, perhaps its best feature IMO. The five-year-old Elantra isn't bad there either, actually has quite a smooth, quiet ride for the class. But the Civic has a very solid structure, a generation ahead of the Elantra's, that gives it an advantage in NVH. And is superior as an overall package to everything else in the class IMO except the Mazda3.

stickguy

the Civic seems to be very solid structure. No shaking, etc. over bums. It is also well insulated and quiet mechanically.

I think you do hear some tire noise, but that has as much to do with the tire on it as the car. Plus, they do such a good job making the car quiet, that all that's left to hear is the tires, so you focus on that.

yesroh

There is one thing a Civic will never be able to do without something like active suspension, in my humble opinion. You have to dial in a certain amount of stiffness into a suspension for handling, of course...I'd like a car that rides well but isn't a boat. However, since the average Civic will weigh about 500-800 pounds less than an Accord, it will have more of a change in ride quality when you fill it with people/cargo. So you need to dial in a little more stiffness to keep the handling crisp and to keep it from bottoming out under a full load. That's just simple math...if you put 800 pounds of people in a 3400 pound Accord, you'll have an increase in weight of about 24%. Do that to a 2600 pound Civic and the weight will increase by about 31%, so you'll need to have a suspension that is adequately stiff to handle that. This is easier in a heavier car than in a light car.

steveoregon

I'd like to know a little about the security system that comes standard.

What is monitored? Trunk, hood? Glass breakage sensor? Motion sensor?

Will it lock the doors automically and arm itself when you exit the car - like the factory Honda alarm on my 95 Civic?

Siren - or does the horn and lights flash?

For those of you who have already bought an 06 Civic - I would apprecidate any extra info on this that might be in the owners manual.

yesroh

I didn't care so much about noise until I drove my 1990 Civic Si from Spokane, Washington to Evansville, Indiana. At 72 miles an hour the engine and wind noise were deafening when you listened to them for 48 hours! After that I thought to myself...screw these small, economical cars! I need something more substantial! Lucky me...the next year Honda's car got a 'comfort' makeover and the Civic LX I bought, although no Rolls Royce, was just like butter in comparison. I still loved my Si for around-the-town jaunts. It was a blast to drive with its short gearing.

byuguy

In brief, I'd like to know:
1. Does anyone know any dealer anywhere that is selling '06 Civics below sticker?
2. If not, how long will you guess it will be before dealers start discounting '06 Civics?
3. Does anyone know of any dealer that is discounting '05 Civics to get them off the lot?

I have a dilemma.

One of the last '05 Civics to arrive in the state has my name on it. It's an LX manual. The dealer is willing to sell it near invoice: $14,785. I've contacted every dealer in the state and nobody else has an '05 Civic anymore. They sold out over Labor Day weekend with those cheap financing rates. The only Civics they're slated to receive now are '06's.

Yesterday a couple of new '06 Civics arrived. It looks like those are going to start trickling in. I drove an LX auto and I like the '06 LX much better than the '05. However, the dealer is asking the sticker price, something like $17,850. Yesterday two '06's arrived, and one of them sold the same day for the full sticker price.

This particular dealer will match any other dealer's written offer or advertised price. Does anyone know any dealer anywhere that is offering the new Civic for anything less than sticker price?

I need to decide quickly whether I'm going to
1. buy the '05 for $14,785.
2. buy one of the first '06's to hit the showroom
3. buy nothing for a few months and bet that '06's will start selling at a discount in the near future
4. Buy an '05 Corolla, which is the least appealing option, but there is $1,000 cash back, which makes it a little less than the '05 Civic and a lot less than the '06 Civic. I may opt to buy a Corolla if the '06 Civics continue to sell at sticker. There seem to be no '05 Civics left. '05 Corolla cash back offer ends at the end of September, and '05 Corollas are nearly impossible to find, now, too.

If it looks like the '06 Civics will take a year before they start discounting, I'm not willing to wait that long. I am willing to wait a couple of months, but I need to decide right away if I'm going to buy the '05 Civic because with the new Civics selling for $3,000 more, the '05 with my name on it will sell quickly if I call the dealership and tell them I've decided against buying the '05.

There is one more option: I can order an '06 Civic, which should arrive in a couple of months. If I can find a written offer or an advertised price below sticker before the car arrives, the dealer will match that price. If not, I'll have to pay sticker.

Ideas? Suggestions? Answers?

shan329

Has anyone got a price quote from a dealer? I'm in the Atlanta, GA area. I got a quote for $20,010. Is this a good price or should I try to go lower????????? :confuse:

stickguy

I just checked the brochures that I picked up today. The Accord EX is about 400#s more than a 2006 Civic EX.

Also, a stiff structure allows for a softer suspension IIRC, since the body isn't flexing too.

In any case, the Civic seems to have a pretty good, although firm, ride, which is what I prefer. I drove a Camry recently and that thing was a marshmellow. Very quiet, but way too soft and floating (totally disconnected from the road). The Accord had much better road feel and handling, even though it was slightly noiser (but in no way noisy).

stickguy

which model? 5 speed, AT, nav?

If it is a non-nav AT, it looks to be about $400 over MSRP, so yes, you should try to get lower. THey are newly out, but pretty soon there will be a flood of them arriving daily (they make and sell a lot of Civics). THe only one I could see selling for a premium is the Si, but not the EX.

I shopped today, but did not get into negotiations.

furious2

No shaking, etc over bums????

Wow you are wreckless. Next time try to avoid running over bums.

stickguy

bums are usually pretty skinny so it's not much of a bump

shan329

automatic w/ navagation. is the price good?

yesroh

Do either option #2 or #3. If you don't, you'll be looking at the '06 Civics for the entire time you drive your next car and sighing every time. A few more months won't hurt. I'd wait for the Civics to come down in price, and in the mean time, take the car you are currently driving and wash/wax/vacuum it. You'd be amazed how an old car seems new when it's cleaned! That's what I'm doing to my car right now...I have the new car bug and I'm trying to make it buzz off.
Did you just level with the dealer and say,"Look, bud...I'm not buying a Civic for THAT MUCH money! Call me when the price is down to $$$$". Once the buzz is over for the '06 Civics that guy will know he/she has a sure sell! Just don't go with any other option but #2 or #3 because you'll be able to keep your next car for a long long time and you don't want to live with that.