2006 Honda Civic: Road Test
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2006 Honda Civic EX Manual with Navigation
2006 Honda Civic ▼
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- MSRP: $14,360 -$23,350
- Invoice: $13,134 -$21,335
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Our road test for the 2006 Honda Civic includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Honda Civic from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Honda Civic, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Honda Civic help you decide if a 2006 Honda Civic is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4.4 |
With either transmission, 140-hp Civics have adequate power around town, but often require foot-to-the-floor effort in highway merging, passing. Slick-shifting Si craves high rpm, responds with terrific acceleration. Hybrid slow off the line, demands liberal throttle to build speed quickly, but keeps pace with fast-moving traffic. Hybrid powertrain has no overt vices; system shuts off engine at stops to save gas, restarts instantly, maintains air-conditioner power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test EX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.1 mpg. Test Si models averaged 29.9-30.3 mpg. Test Hybrids averaged 37.8-38.0 mpg. Si requires premium-grade fuel, other Civics use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4.9 |
Sedans take bumps in stride, with good absorbency, little float or wallow. LX and EX versions especially stable at highway speeds. Coupes feel choppier on uneven surfaces, but even firm-suspension Si never jars.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5.6 |
DX models competent, but no more than midpack for steering response, resistance to cornering lean. LX, EX versions could use more grip in fast turns, but feel reassuringly responsive in most changes of direction. Hybrid has low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy, but allow copious noseplow in tight turns. Agile Si tenacious in corners, though suffers slight torque-steer wander in rapid low-speed acceleration. All Civics have fine straightline stability even in crosswinds, plus effective stopping power with good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Sedans near top of class in suppression of road, wind noise. Hybrid's CVT promotes pronounced engine noise in rapid acceleration, but some testers find 140-hp engine noisy as well. Coupes do not isolate nearly as well as sedans, though Si's snarling engine/exhaust note is race-car invigorating.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 5.9 |
Adventurous instrument-panel design combines analog, digital features to good overall effect. Speedometer's digits are in driver's line of sight for viewing without taking focus off road. Climate controls within easy reach, though audio switchgear requires longer stretch. Navigation system takes time to master, has undersized buttons, and absorbs too many audio functions. But programming via predetermined voice commands a plus. Navigation screen difficult to read in changing light. Door-mounted power window and mirror switches conveniently backlit. Controls move with smooth precision, cabin materials a laudable mix of high-grade plastics, fabrics; EX, Hybrid have richer trim, upmarket feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Tilt/telescope steering column and height-adjustable driver seat are standard, help tailor accommodating driving position. Seats blend support, comfort; Si's buttressed for glued-in-place feel in fast cornering. No excess head room for tall occupants, especially beneath sunroof housing. Long front roof pillars impede outward view to corners; long dashtop shelf, sloping nose complicate judging distance in close quarters. Some sunlight conditions trigger annoying windshield reflections.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.9 |
Sedans have adequate adult head room. Knee space tight with front seats more than halfway back. Toe room uncompromised unless front cushions near lowest point. Flat floor aids overall comfort, as does firm, well-contoured seat. Sedan doors open wide for good entry/exit. Coupe's tiny, hard-to-access rear area best left to toddlers.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
Sedan has wide, tall trunk with generous opening, low liftover. Coupe trunk has same attributes, but slightly less volume. On both, lid hinges intrude on cargo area. All but Hybrid have folding rear seatback. All doors have map pockets, cabins boast a plethora of storage bins, cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6.2 |
The Si coupe version excepted, Civic is not as sporty as some in this class, but it's remarkably friendly to drive and inspires confidence in most any road or traffic condition. Civic is more comfortable than most rivals, despite being slightly less roomy than some. With its futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative, entertaining even, and only the navigation system sacrifices easy functionality. The Hybrid model is a penalty-free choice for the environmentally conscious willing to pay its higher initial cost. Overall, no competitor matches the particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment. Civic continues for '06 as a compact-car Best Buy.
Total Score
| LX sdn, man. | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid w/nav. sys. | Si | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 50 | 50 | 52 |
Total Score: 54
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