With the redesigned, restyled, rejuvenated 2006 Honda Civic models, the company has returned to the fray with renewed energy. Just when you thought the Civic was getting too predictable, Honda changed everything for 2006.
If you own an older Civic model, you'll notice the much more rapid response. Civics used to have a steering wheel that could be twirled around 3.6 times; this has fallen sharply to 2.7. The result is that the car is much easier to handle, especially when driving in the city. With the four different models, you get four, distinct driving experiences. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine's variable valve timing pumps up the horsepower from 127 to 140 and torque from 114 pound-feet to 128.
For 2006, there are four Civic models, two coupes and two sedans. Three of the coupes and three of the sedans, the DX, the LX and the EX models, share a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission. The most powerful of the range, the Si, comes with a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4 fitted with a six-speed manual. The DX coupe and DX sedan are the base models, priced at $14,360 and $14,560 respectively.
The interiors will be a bit of a shock for old Civic owners. The controls resemble more of a video game than a car. There is a digital speedometer between LCD coolant temperature and fuel level gauges. Unfortunately, the look is spoiled by an ugly two-spoke steering wheel. Interior room is adequate. All the models come with Honda's new 2006 warranty, with 3 years/36,000 miles basic.
