Honda Civic Sedan 2006

goose

Lots of interesting points concerning the 06 Civic and the Scion tC. But lets face it, it all comes down to the test drive. I've owned Civic sedans and coupes and they all felt like econo vehicles. My Civic coupe was an Si version but it still felt like a econo car. I'm waiting for the test drive of the 06 before I make up my mind but insurance wise the tC has already got the Civic beat. The statement concerning MPG might not be as significant once you weight in the insurance difference between both vehicles. I've test driving the tC. It does not feel like a econo vehicle. Yes, it feels like a small vehicle but its better than the current Civic. I'd compare the tC to the RSX before the Civic. Having said that, the new Civic must best the RSX. Why, the tC is thousands less than the RSX yet it has a nicer ride. So the new Civic must be as nice as the tC which means it must beat the RSX in ride quality. The RSX does have better handling and engine than Civic or tC but the price difference just doesn't make it worth while. Interesting point made in one post concerning the Accord. Its obvious that the Civic will not beat the Accord. Maybe the smart move is to buy a Accord coupe and buy some after market accessories. Anyway, I can't wait to test drive the 06 Civic and compare it to the tC and Accord coupe .

bigdaddycoats

The SI looks sweet!

bigdaddycoats

What is the base engine/specs?

robrwa123

OK, do yo know if the 06 HCH will be avilable in a manual transmission (5 or 6-speed?) with navigation and leather interior :confuse:

maxamillion1

From what I have been reading...

The new Civic Hybrid is automatic only this time around. I'm not really sure though because the current gen. Hybrid is available with CVT and Manual.

The Navigation system you will be able to get and I've heard that automatic climate control will be on the EX and Hybrid models, but not the Si (not surprising)

Leather upholstery is not available for the first model year of the Civic from what I have been reading, but it may be available later in the years, specifically when the car gets a facelift in three years.

Anybody going to the Honda Civic's Party in the Atlanta area??? Anonymouspost? anyone? I'm thinking about it. Seeing as I'm about an hour and a half or so from the area.

Kirstie_H

A reporter would like to hear from consumers who, thanks to rising fuel prices, have newfound interest in hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles. If you have a story to share, please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info, city/state of residence and the make/model in question no later than Monday, August 29, 2005.

jchan2

The pictures look very nice.

Makes my 99 Civic look really old.

goose

Man, Honda has a serious hit. Very nice looking auto both inside and outside. Did you notice that the Si does have a three spoke steering wheel? The two spoke doesn't look bad either. Personally, only taking looks into consideration, the tC will have a tough time competing with the Si. :shades:

user1235

I also can't wait to test drive the new Civic EX coupe, and compare it to the Scion tC which I already test drove and liked. Also considering going for the SI if I can get it for less then $20K, but again I have to wait and see what kind of performance it delivers. I will opt for the civic over the scion if (and only if) all these conditions hold -

a) the civic doesn't feel too underpowered compared to the scion (I'm willing to accept slightly slower accelaration)
b) The interior of the Civic is at least as good as the scion's
c) It costs LESS then the scion

otherwise, you can cross off another potential honda customer (and many others like me that don't care about gas mileage that much).

btw, did someone mention here that the EX has 17" wheels ? that would be very good news for the civic. Also I expect it to have AT LEAST 6 speakers (not 4 like current civic) STANDARD that sound as good as the scion tC stereo.

P.S. I totally realize that this thread is infested by civic/honda die-hards which have a subjective preference for the civic regardless of the alternatives, probably based on positive past experience and brand loyalty. That is understandable, and that's why reputable models don't lose their market share overnight. But I look at the civic from an objective standpoint - it's just a product which I compare to the other available products and list all the pros and cons of each one, and then choose the best one for me. I really don't care about the opinion of a person saying "my previous honda was good, I'm just gonna get another one" although I understand that is very common because it's easiest to stick with something which is fine, but it may not be the best choice.

chidoro

I think I read that the stereo was much improved with a total of seven speakers. The seventh is a subwoofer from what I understand.

I don't think the Si will be under 20k though. Might be asking a little too much out of the gate.

anonymousposts

We are going to try and make it. I haven't been able to find any confirmed dates/locations for Atlanta yet though. But if it does make it here, count us in, schedule prohibiting of course.

On an OT note: There will be a Lexus event here in October where you can drive the new IS. They will have lots of free food. We signed up last week. If you are interested you might be able to get signed up as long as you act quickly.

stickguy

I think the Si will have 17" wheels, and the EX 16". I think the Si will be about 21K, but that's just a SWAG.

anonymousposts

the more we like it. Looks like a great car for the expected price. Gee still loves his 03 Si though so maybe we will get rid of the Accord at the end of the lease ...

I dunno. Too many choices out there and there's still 23 months before we have to make a decision on the Accord. And there's always the 6-speed Accord sedan. That's the car we kept asking Honda to build. Would be quite hypocritical of us if we didn't buy one, right?

dkuhajda

The 2006 Civic coupe looks way too much like the Saturn Ion or Pontiac Sunfire coupes. Except for the more sloped hood to windshield lines, I almost thought I was looking at an old but updated GM body style.

Again Honda has made the Civic blend in with the crowd all too well.

backy

I think it looks a lot nicer than the ION or Sunfire. The roofline reminds me a lot of the last-gen Cougar, which I think is a good-looking coupe.

user1235

No, the SI will have 18" wheels, LSD, 6-speed, 200 hp. And that is confirmed information. Pricing is not known yet, but I agree most likely it will be above $20K.

blueiedgod

If the K20Z3 is anything close or better than K20A3 in the current Si, it is going to be one sweet ride. K20A3 has gobs of torque slightly above the idle. It really feels like a small V6. Nissan used to have a 2.0 or 2.3L V6 in the NS200 at one point. This is what the current Si feels like when you drive it.

I really HOPE that Honda does not go back on the promise they made with the original Si and DON'T put AUTOMATIC in the Si. They have already betrayed the original Si with the 1999-2000 Si coupe, and are betraying the Si with the 2006 Si coupe. Si is for sporty drive and feel, AUTOMATICS are not about either.

I may get rid of my 88 Prelude Si for the last of the 05 Si hatches.:-)

307web

You can get Corvettes and Mustang GT automatics and they sell well, so there is no reason to not have the choice of both stick and automatic.

corey415

If it has been confirmed that the Civic Si has 18" wheels, then why did people say that the preview party civic Si has 215/45R17 Michelin Pilot Exalto tires?

tawneycat

Interesting the 5 sp auto new Civic will most likely exceed the manual. Back when 3 speed auto was the norm the 5 speed manual with OD was the bomb.
Then we went 4 Speed auto and playing field was closer.
Then we went 5 speed auto and highway is virtually the same for most cars.
Then some went 6 speed manual with no OD. My 04 TSX got no better than 30 with the 6 speed. It yearned to cruise in relaxed mode but could not.

My 98 civic EX 5 speed got 35 mpg no matter how I drove it. It had higher rpm gearing then the LX 5 speed. I never really liked that much as high prm on highway.

Why not have a close ratio 5 speed with a true 6 speed OD. Hondas would have some awesome fuel economy that way.

An auto is nothing like a manual. My TL has the sport mode. Who cares, It is an automatic like 96% of the people want. Manual changes the entire character of most cars. I hear VW/Audi has some pretty advanced manual matics.

I found two out of 60 civics being ordered on allocation in my region in a 5 speed manual so colors choice was slim.

Go try to find a new manual in 325i, TL or TSX--virtually non existant. Cell phones and coffee rule our highways anymore. Resale with a manual is bad unless you find that one shifting hero.

Anyways my 06 Civic on order and built 25 Sept week is a 5 speed manual. Better city mileage regardless of EPA nonsense but I imagine HWY will be a wash between the two trannies..

Side note> my 05 TL is awesome hwy mpg. I consistently get with windows closed and AC off and 3 lbs extra air 39 mpg on my work commute 25 miles.
Speed is slow 57 mph, all expressway, brake not touched and along Arkansas River. Put er in town and 20s fast...full throttle and high teens faster.

But nice to know you can take a trip at 65 mph in a heavy solid car and get 32 mpg over 1000 miles with the AC on. I imagine a Civic could do 40. I am not selling my TL by the way--

bigdaddycoats

What Civic did you order? Did the dealer have all of the ordering information? Any guess on cost?

inkyofok

Dealer is in tulsa. All Honda dealers have ordered their first allocation of 06 Civics and will order the next one very soon. Colors are listed on their allocation. EX auto is 5 speed auto, LX is 4 speed. Anyhow, some dealers would not talk to me until the car actually comes out. I have bought from allocation before with no problem.
I ordered EX Silver with gray interior sedan 5 speed.

Deal $500 over invoice. whatever that will be an no one seems to know that.

sdjosh

Your order sounds like exactly what I want (so far). Do you know if the EXs will have side mirror-mounted signals and an Ipod auxilary jack?

Please keep us informed about any changes. Thanks!

corey415

Only the hybrid model will have side mirror turn signals.

wco81

Is this the new in-thing these days?

sdjosh

Functional or fad? I guess it's a flashy kinda thing. I thought I saw them on spy shots on more than just the Hybrid. It seems like an interesting feature to include on Civics because I only see them on really expensive, or really big cars. To me these cars appear more noticable when signaling.

I have to admit standard safety features, fuel economy, and increased power are my 'official' reasons for being interested in the new Civic. However, it's the little novelties (weird dash, rear seat fold down arm rest[?], Ipod compatability[?]) that make it sound exciting.

Man, my posts are getting goofy.

blueiedgod

You can get Corvettes and Mustang GT automatics and they sell well, so there is no reason to not have the choice of both stick and automatic.

It is an oxymoron to call a Corvette with Auto a sports car. It is more of a LAZY man's car. It is a shame that Corvette comes standard with auto and manual is optional. What kind of a fool would get a sports car with automatic? No matter how good an automatic is, or manumatic for that matter, there is no substitution for the feel of the real clutch and the ability for the driver to decide when to shift and what gear to shift into.

Try entering a corner, downshifting to 3rd, power out of the corner and upshift in an automatic, all without using brakes. Yeah, automatic will downshift, but only when it "thinks" it is ok, and when the speeds required to do that have been reach. Automatics are RE-active, while a driver in a manual shifted car is PRO-active. The driver knows that he will be entering a corner, and shifts ahead. Auto tranny, no matter how sphisticated, can not predict that you will be making that turn in 10 seconds, it just responds to what has happened already, not to what will happen.

I had one and only auto and will never go back. You are so disconnected from the car with an automatic, it just becomes another computer game. It just becomes a transportation pod, rather than a piece of machinery that gives you satisfaction of driving involvement.

307web

The majority of people in the US want automatics and automatics sell. Car makers want to sell cars. Nowadays many automatics are getting the same or better fuel economy than manuals. That eliminates the justification of getting a manual to save gas.
Trying to justify how a manual could be more fun to drive hard and aggressively and so you can shift gears at the redline to save tenths of seconds is pointless.

tawneycat

Wow, I agree but completely on your point but the manufactors go with the demand. Not sure a foolish choice just a how it is choice. One of the dumbest automatics on the market today is the Acura TSX--my goodness the manual is a blast while the auto is nothing but a 4 banger accord that costs more. I drove both and owned the 6 speed so what is the point of automatic sports cars?
Style? ego? Actually >>cell phones and coffee.

I do think the new civic 5 sp auto will be good performer but by no means fun.

billmchale

One should keep in mind that automatics usually have a higher final drive ratio so they cruise at a lower RPM; this certainly accounts for at least part of the reason that automatics are matching stick shifts; it therefore stands to reason that if they added a higher overdrive on most manuals or increased the final drive ratio that they too would get better fuel economy. They don't because generally people who favor manuals in part like the extra boost of power that comes with it (especially in small cars).

chidoro

I guess traffic is generally light in Buffalo. Most people's days aren't spent throwing around a shifter trying to excel at cornering, but sitting in traffic trying to get to work with the line of cars in front and behind of them. When the opportunity arises, they want to step on the gas and go fast.

I like manual. I learned on manual. It's a pain in the neck to function a vehicle on a daily basis w/ a manual. As a second "Fun" car, sure, but the drudgery of dealing w/ traffic and hills, and etc is just the last thing I need to deal with after a heck of a day at work. Actually, I'd just to ride a motorcycle for enjoying rides that get me touch w/ the road.

Regardless, this is a 2006 Civic thread, not a manual vs. auto debate which I'm sure is somewhere else on this board.

laurelgrae

Hi-
I just heard from a dealer today that the new 06 Civic Hybrids will NOT be available in a manual. Other info (that MAY be on this board...I haven't looked all the way back):
All will have ABS and Side Curtain airbags standard. He said the prices range for all models would be a little bit higher than 05...(about 14-20000) also that there was some sort of new special frame which would up the side-impact crash test rating even higher. I forget what he called it. My car (05 corolla S, which I had for a year was totalled last week) I don't know if I can wait till they come out to buy a car! Grrr...Toyota doesn't seem to be able to find any S's in the region with ABS and side curtains. Oh well. Just thought I'd share.

backy

What kind of a fool would get a sports car with automatic?

Maybe someone who has a disability and has trouble shifting a stick but likes the feel of a sports car? Or maybe someone who likes a stick but has a DW (OK, to be non-sexist a DS) who can't shift a stick worth a darn and is non-trainable, and the DS will drive the car sometimes? And maybe other reasons. No need to call them "fools."

Personally, a stick is the only way I'd want to go on the '06 Civic because Honda makes some of the slickest stick-shifts around. But I have the DW issue I mentioned. To each his own.

raychuang00

I just heard from a dealer today that the new 06 Civic Hybrids will NOT be available in a manual.

That's because the Integrated Motor Assist drivetrain found on the 2006 Civic Hybrid was designed specifically for use by the CVT automatic, mostly because Honda now added a battery-only low-speed operating mode; Honda has no plans to sell the second-generation Civic Hybrid anywhere in the world with a manual transmission as far as I know.

inkyofok

HOnda has revised the HP rating method which shows lower. Does the new 140 civic mean that under the old rules 145 would be posted? If so this is a significant HP increase of the old 127 hp civic EX which was rated under the old inflated system. Anyone know better?

This engine looks very appealing as an efficient sporty ride (manual). Article below from Honda press release looks promising as VTEC kick is now across the rev band and seamless...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has developed a new 1.8 i-VTEC engine to be introduced in the new Civic that achieves both more powerful performance and improved fuel economy. The engine employs an intelligent VTEC system that switches the valve timing for maximum efficiency during startup and acceleration to achieve powerful, torquey performance, then delays intake valve closure timing during cruising and other low-load conditions for improved fuel economy. Use of the valve timing control system results in off-the-line acceleration performance equivalent to a 2.0-litre engine, fuel economy better than the current 1.6-litre Civic engine, making it one of the world’s most efficient 1.8-litre engine designs. During cruising, the new engine achieves particularly high fuel economy, on a par with that of a 1.5-litre engine.



Under low-load conditions on conventional engine, the throttle valve is normally partly closed to control the intake volume of the fuel-air mixture. During this time, pumping losses are incurred due to intake resistance, and this is one factor that leads to reduced engine efficiency. With the i-VTEC engine, however, intake valve closure timing is delayed to control the intake volume of the air-fuel mixture, allowing the throttle valve to remain wide open even under low-load conditions for a major reduction in pumping losses of up to 16%. Combined with comprehensive friction-reducing measures, this results in a significant increase in fuel efficiency for the engine itself.



A DBW (Drive By Wire) system provides high-precision control over the throttle valve while the valve timing is being changed over, ensuring smooth driving performance that leaves the driver unaware of any torque fluctuations. Other innovations include a variable-length intake manifold that delivers optimum inertia effect to further improve intake efficiency and piston oil jets that cool the pistons to suppress engine knocking, for powerful torque at rpm ranges typical in normal driving. The new engine delivers a high level of performance, with maximum output of 103 kW (140 PS) and maximum torque of 174 Nm (17.7 kgm). It also delivers cleaner emission performance, employing a 2-bed catalytic converter positioned immediately after the manifold and high-precision air-fuel ratio control to achieve low emission levels.

anonymousposts

"I had one and only auto and will never go back. You are so disconnected from the car with an automatic, it just becomes another computer game. It just becomes a transportation pod, rather than a piece of machinery that gives you satisfaction of driving involvement.

We found this to be true when we had our 04 Accord EX-L automatic. It was a NICE car but wasn't fun-to-drive. Our 04 EX-L 5-speed manual is still a NICE car but it has way more personality.

gearhead1

Grrr...Toyota doesn't seem to be able to find any S's in the region with ABS and side curtains. Oh well. Just thought I'd share.

Isn't this sweet of Toyota. I think they make great reliable vehicles, but finding one of their safe vehicle is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Don't get me wrong, I have a 91 Toy RWD truck that I love, it just won't die, still runs like new and looks excellent as well, but stuff like trying to find safety features is irritating and one reason why I'm switching to Honda. In 06, every 06 vehicle you see on the lot will have ABS and side / curtain / front airbags due to their safety for all program.

As far as the manual/auto thing. I wanted manual when I bought my new truck this year, but it wasn't available on the Ridgeline I bought. This trucks shifts as well as I could and always is where I want it to be gear wise, so I bought it. It's the best auto I've driven. despite this excellent auto, I still miss my manual. Though, auto is the best for busy city stop and go traffic no question. Luckily we don't live in those traffic conditions, So I'm looking forward to my manual 06 Civic Si.

ballyshannon

I agree with backy that everyone is different with different needs...and have a better question for blueiedgod. What kind of a fool would ever consider a Civic a sports car in the first place??!! Come on.

ballyshannon

blueiedgod wrote: What kind of a fool would get a sports car with automatic?

backy replied: Maybe someone who has a disability and has trouble shifting a stick but likes the feel of a sports car? Or maybe someone who likes a stick but has a DW (OK, to be non-sexist a DS) who can't shift a stick worth a darn and is non-trainable, and the DS will drive the car sometimes? And maybe other reasons. No need to call them "fools."

Personally, a stick is the only way I'd want to go on the '06 Civic because Honda makes some of the slickest stick-shifts around. But I have the DW issue I mentioned. To each his own.

I agree with backy that everyone is different with different needs...and have a better question for blueiedgod. What kind of a fool would ever consider a Civic a sports car in the first place??!! Come on.

stupidfool

Does anyone know the release date for the coupe i've been calling 5 dealerships in dfw and their saying from september to december, anyone have a concrete date?

user1235

"What kind of a fool would ever consider a Civic a sports car in the first place??!! Come on."

he was talking about Civic Si. SI = *Sports* Illustrated (?)

tradscott

This is not true.

First of all, the drive ratio is crankshaft to axle so higher ratios actually cause the engine to run at a higher RPM. The newer 5 speed automatics have similar final drive ratios to the 5 speed manuals. Plus, overdrive eliminates the viscous losses in the torque converter so the automatic has nearly identical highway EPA estimates. City mileage is still lower because the torque converter is used in the lower four gears. The gear ratio of manuals has already been chosen to optimize mileage at some target speed. If it were that easy to improve mpgs, the car manufacturers would have already done it.

SMG transmission, if manufacturers ever start offering them on anything other than super high performance cars will offer the benefits of both automatics and manuals. BMW puts one on a couple of its cars.,

dudleyr

Actually I would consider a Civic with a manual transmission to be more of a sports car than a Corvette with an automatic.

That does not mean I think automatics have no place - they are just not sporty.

I am glad that Honda continues to offer as many manuals as they do - like on the '06 Civic (and the new Accord V-6).

jmess

Some people don't consider FWD cars to be sports cars. At a minimum they need a limited slip differential to help manage power induced understeer. If Honda is serious about making a sporty version of the civic it should have an LSD.

Don't let an automatic fool you either, the C5/C6 is 100% Sports Car no matter what gear box it has. Go drive one and you will be impressed at what a monster they are. They go/stop/turn at a level that you can only really safely explore on a racetrack. With 400 HP and 400 ft/lbs of torque in a 3400lb car you don't have to shift gears like you would in FWD 4 banger that doesn't have a lot of torque or HP.

bigdaddycoats

9-15 for the coupe and sedan, later for the Si. Pretty sure this is correct.

claudius753

Would the 140hp as measured now be 145hp measured according to the old system? There is really no way to tell. The old system was not, as you said "inflated". It was just different. Some engines will go down in rating, such as the Corolla's 1.8l going from 130 to 126. Then again, some engines will increase in power like the Cadillac STS-v Northstar V8 goes from 440 to 469. It could very well be that the old D17 VTEC is underrated and really has 130hp or 135hp.

Also worth noting is that the D17 in the EX used the old VTEC system, while the new R18 uses iVTEC to give better power across the rev band, instead of just at the higher RPMs (I think around 4,000 was the switch on the old EX?) Even if the new R18 was rated at the same horsepower as the old D17 with identical SAE regs, the R18 would feel more responsive and quicker because you have more power at any given RPM other than the power peak (power is the same peak).

There is also the weight to consider on what feels quicker. The best way to find out if it is quick enough for your tastes is to test drive it and see. All I want of the new Civic is a powertrain that is decently peppy and can get out of it's own way, maybe even be a bit fun at times, but will get good gas mileage and be reliable, and offer some higher end comforts. It seems that 40+ hwy mpg, CD with MP3 support, and Navi in a car with 140hp will fit the bill, but the test-drives will tell all....

inkyofok

Temple VTEC has all the data and will release test drive, photos and specs on 8-30-05 at 0001 hours so they say.

I guess that was the deal HOnda made with everyone.

All the Honda dealers have their first allocation ordered for 06. I saw the complete print out of all the Hondas on order at my dealer. 06 Civic is being built as we speak, the last 05 long gone. Now, they will stockpile and ship so 9-15 is a good assumption. My EX sedan 5 speed is being produced the week of 9-26 so mid Oct hopefully.

Also note that HOnda and Acura are very good at dealer trading their allocations. Mine was traded seamlessly and will come straight to my dealer.

I noticed my Silver is listed as gray interior which I prefer over the ebony blacks out there.

You can see the colors on the UK Honda web site. Silver is Alabaster Silver but looks like good ole Satin Silver to me.

I hope the 5 speed is nice and also hoping for 40 mpg in my commute.

stupidfool

woot! thx guys going to my dealerships the 15th and gonna buy a blue coupe

steveoregon

Can anyone say for sure if the EX will get a slightly bigger engine - as in previous generations? Or does Honda think the move to a bigger engine will be adequate for all three base trim lines?

Steve

bigdaddycoats

Pretty sure all Civics (except the SI) get the new 1.8. 140hp, 128lb-ft.