2006 Honda Civic Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With the dramatic redesign of the 2006 Honda Civic, the future of transportation is here, today.
Defining the concept of an acquired taste, the 2006 Civic’s styling is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. A jarring departure from the previous Civic, the new car looks more futuristic than Marty McFly’s DeLorean. From the short and stubby hood to the sedan’s weirdly shaped taillights, the Civic is just as much about (questionable) style as it is substance.
Honda doesn’t stop with the exterior design. Inside, the dashboard, instrumentation, and controls represent a complete departure from established norms.
A digital speedometer and fuel gauge are housed in an odd hump near the base of the dashboard, putting vital information directly in the driver’s line of sight. In the location where gauges would normally go, the Honda Civic has a giant tachometer. Stereo and climate controls appear to be integrated parts of the design rather than components that get bolted into it, while the transmission shifter and parking brake lever live in a pod jutting out of the centre console.
Even the rather undersized steering wheel is unusual. And from the driver’s seat, the new Civic’s low dashboard, front quarter window glass, and thin windshield pillars create an airy and expansive feeling unlike any other small car on the market.
In Canada, trims for the sedan are the Honda Civic DX, DX-G, LX, and EX. DX highlights include power windows, driver’s side height adjustment, and 15-inch steel wheels. On DX-G, keyless entry, air conditioning, and a sliding centre console armrest are standard. On the 2006 Honda Civic LX, heated side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, and cruise control are equipped. Finally, the Honda Civic EX comes with a power sunroof, a six-speaker audio system, and a 60/40 split rear seat. The Civic coupe comes with the same trims and features, while the Si includes the EX’s equipment and adds a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other visual upgrades. The Civic Hybrid comes with lightweight 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and hybrid-specific instruments. Due to the venting system for the battery, the hybrid's rear seats do not fold.
As was true before, the new 2006 Civic comes with a variety of powertrain choices, and power and fuel economy improve across the board.
Most Civics have a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine making power specs of 140 horsepower sent to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain and paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. The natural gas version, the Civic GX, continued in the US in this generation of Civic but has not been offered for sale in Canada.
Naturally, the performance-tuned Civic Si returns, now a two-door coupe instead of the previous three-door hatchback. It has a 197-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a limited-slip front differential. The Si also boasts a sport-tuned suspension and bigger wheels and tires.
For maximum fuel economy, get the Civic Hybrid, now rated to return 4.7 L/100 km city and 4.3 highway. Using a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a battery pack, and an electric motor, this version of the Civic is good for 110 combined horsepower.
Obviously, the Civic drives differently depending on the version. The common thread between them is a light, effortless, refined dynamic that makes each Civic enjoyable to drive in its own way. The hardest thing to get used to, aside from the unusual instrumentation, is the tiny steering wheel, which both looks and feels too small.
Regardless of body style, the new Civic features comfortable front seats separated by an innovative new multi-function storage console with lots of nooks, crannies, and bins. The console sits low, and in combination with the minimalist dashboard and all of the glass, it makes the Civic feel positively huge.
Wider than it used to be, the new 2006 Civic sedan is more accommodating in headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers, too. The coupe, however, loses back-seat room due to its more rakish design.
Trunk space measures 340 litres for the Civic sedan, while the coupe loses just a bit of volume to come in at 326 litres. Hybrids offer 294 litres, a reduction necessary to accommodate the car’s battery pack.
For 2006, the Civic takes a big step forward in terms of onboard technology. One glance at the dashboard instrumentation will convince you of that.
As far as infotainment is concerned, satellite radio is now available for the car, and top versions offer a navigation system with voice-recognition technology. A CD player is standard in Canada, and both steering wheel controls for the audio system and an auxiliary audio input jack are available.
In addition to these improvements, the Civic Hybrid boasts next-generation Integrated Motor Assist technology that allows the gasoline engine to shut down more frequently in order to maximize fuel economy.
In a big step forward for safety, the new Civic employs what Honda calls its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Essentially, this means it is specifically engineered to either absorb or deflect crash energy during a collision, which, in turn, better protects the car’s occupants.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, dual front airbags, and side airbags. Active front-seat head restraints are also new for 2006, designed to help prevent whiplash when the Civic is rear-ended.
In crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2006 Civic sedan does a great job of protecting occupants. The Civic coupe, unfortunately, earns no better than a three-star rating for side-impact protection for the driver.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) agrees, giving the Civic sedan a Top Safety Pick rating for 2006. Due to the Civic coupe’s Acceptable rather than Good showing in side-impact testing, it does not earn the same praise from the IIHS.
The 2006 Honda Civic is arguably one of the most refined and sophisticated cars in its class, and that comes at a price. You’ll spend $16,980 for a base Civic DX and $25,950 for a Civic Hybrid with navigation.
However, unlike equally advanced or high-quality models such as the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf/Jetta, if you buy and keep the Civic for a decade or purchase one as a used car, it’s likely to still look and feel like a modern automobile. Such is the price of progress.
Note: Images show a US model.
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2006 Honda Civic Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent