Honda Civic: A Benchmark for Economy Cars
The Honda Civic is considered one of Honda’s most popular models for its value-added features, including fuel economy, standard features, and reliability. Since its introduction in 1973, the Honda Civic has served as a benchmark for the economy car class, winning numerous awards and accolades within the automotive industry.
The new Honda Civic models are building on these basics to create a car that emphasizes design, performance, power, and handling. The 2006 Honda Civic is available as a sedan or a coupe in a number of trim versions. The hatchback has been discontinued. Prices range from $14,000 to $24,000 depending on the model and trim package.
New Features for the Honda Civic
Changes in the current version of the Honda Civic include:
- Trunk capacity and rear-seat legroom in the coupe are smaller than previous models.
- The new look features a laid-back windshield, small front and rear overhang and a tight tire-to-fender gap to add sleekness to the car.
- The coupe has shorter wheelbase and does not have the same single exterior body panel that comes on the sedan.
- Horsepower has increased on every model. The Honda Civic now has a SOHC 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with Honda's iVTEC system.
- The Honda Civic Si2006 coupe version is the fastest ever with a 197-hp engine, a sport-tuned suspension and a six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential.
- The Honda Civic Hybrid sedan uses Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, which has a 1.3-liter, single-overhead-cam, four-cylinder gas engine connected to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. Combined horsepower is up to 110 with 50 mpg city/50 mpg highway.
Honda Civic Specifications
The Honda Civic has a number of trim levels, including DX, LX, and EX. Here are some features of each trim model:
- The DX is the economy version that has a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver seat but not many other amenities.
- The LX is the next level up and features 16” wheels, a CD player with MP3/WMA playback, air conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control.
- The premium version is the EX, which comes with everything in a DX and LX but adds alloy wheels, a moon roof, a 60/40-split rear seatback, two extra speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a portable music player jack.
Honda Civic Competition
When looking for other cars to compare when shopping for a Honda Civic, be sure to check out these cars, which fall into the same size and performance class:
- Scion tC
- Ford Focus
- Chevrolet Cobalt
- Saturn Ion
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda 3
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Volkswagen Golf
- Nissan Sentra
- Subaru Impreza
- Suzuki Forenza
- Kia Spectra
- Hyundai Elantra
