2006 Honda Civic Coupe

When I heard Honda was introducing a redesigned Civic for '06, I thought, "That's nice." When I saw the redesigned '06 Civic Coupe sitting in my driveway, I thought, "Wow, that's nice."
And after I spent a week behind the wheel of this 8th generation, I thought, "That's really, really nice."
I am apparently not the only one feeling this way. Motor Trend Magazine awarded the Civic its prestigious Car of the Year honors for all four models: the coupe, sedan, hot Si hatchback and four-door hybrid with an upgraded engine.
My spin was limited to the EX Coupe, but it was a good introduction to an impressive rebirth.

The good news
Honda Civics have always been great little economy cars: reliable, reasonable, accommodating. It's something you bought because you were sensible and it was satisfying.

I think some of that might change with this new Civic. I fully expect it to continue with the reliable/reasonable/accommodating shtick, but there is more. This one is not only satisfying, it's compelling. And you may find yourself feeling as passionate about this coupe as sensible.

For starters, the Coupe is very pretty. Like "What's that?" pretty. It has traded the marshmallow lines for a lean, trim, more aggressive look. In profile, the nose dips low, the windshield rakes back dramatically into a roof that forms a continuous arc towards the tail. From the rear, tail lamps are placed high and slant inward into the cut of the trunk. Taking a number of cues from its rich cousins at Acura, the whole design is crisp and architectural, but restrained. There is nothing silly about it, a sin often committed by econo-coupes trying to make a statement. The look is refined and very sophisticated for this class.

The wow-factor continues inside, where the instrument panel takes a bi-level approach. Tachometer and some gauges are placed behind the steering wheel in traditional fashion, but digital speedometer, temperature gauge and gas gauge sit just below the driver's line of sight in a little band shell molded into the dash. It is like having heads-up display without the annoying floating numbers. I am easily put off by rearranging familiar instrumentation, but I really like this setup.

A multi-task screen mid-dash keeps up with audio and, in the case of my EX test vehicle, navigation. I find the whole system logical and as easy to use as any multi-functional screen. XM Satellite Radio is also part of this particular package.

Power comes from a new 1.8-liter aluminum SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve four, the only one offered. It cranks 140 horses and 128 lb-ft torque via either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Mine came with the manual gearbox, which is standard equipment and makes the most of this Civic's surprising muscle. Drive-by-wire throttle delivers the juice in ample amounts for the usual maneuvers -- more than you'd likely expect from an economy-minded coupe. Satisfying handling (slightly sport-tuned in the coupe) and firm-but-comfortable ride quality round out the package. Overall, it's a delight.

For all its new pizzazz, the Civic does not overlook fundamentals, like safety and fuel economy. New advances in protective body structure plus standard front, side and curtain air bags, active front head restraints and anti-lock brakes earned this 2006 Civic one of only five Gold Awards for Top Safety Pick from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It was the only such award given in Civic's class.

Fuel economy also improves. With the standard 5-speed transmission, my Coupe gets 30 mpg city/39 highway. Equipped with automatic, highway figures rise to 40 mpg. These stats maintain Civic's tradition of ranking among the thriftiest.

The bad news
Bad news is in short supply.

Passenger volume is reduced by an inch here and there. This new Civic is slightly - slightly - shorter overall lengthwise than its predecessor and height decreases. But the wheelbase and width actually expand, and it feels roomy enough. Still, the back seat won't get any awards.

If you like your sport coupes on the noisy side, this Civic won't oblige. "Quieter operation" is listed among its assets. But I'm told we can expect appropriate voice from the 197-horse Si's exhaust note. I can't wait.

Is it worth it?
The Civic Coupe is accustomed to being dubbed a good value. Better structure, performance, fuel economy and class-leading safety in this 2006 seal that claim. But the sexy skin and sophistication separate this standard Coupe from its ancestors. There is welcome excitement here I've not seen before. I'm sure it's keeping Honda's competitors up at night.

And it should. Honda has lifted the bar waaay up on this one. Each generation Civic may have made strides, but this No. 8 makes a leap. Wearing high heels and a tight skirt, no less.

Particulars
Front-engine, 4-passenger two-door Coupe
Price
Base: $20,010 (for EX with navigation and XM Satellite Radio standard);
As tested: $20,560
Notable standard equipment
Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition, XM Satellite Radio with upgraded audio, steering-wheel mounted controls, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power moonroof
Major options as tested
All equipment standard to the model
Safety
Airbags: dual-stage/dual-threshold front; front side and side curtain
Active Head Restraints
Side-Impact Door Beams
Three-point seatbelts at all positions; front with Automatic Tensioning System
Brakes: Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes with Anti-lock and Electronic Brake Distribution
Engine
Type: 1.8L i-VTEC SOHC
Power: 140 bhp @ 6300 rpm; 128 lb-ft torque @ 4300 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
front-wheel drive
Exterior/Interior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length/width/height: 174.8/68.9/53.5 inches
Curb weight: 2701 lbs.
Luggage capacity: 11.5 cu. ft.
Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut suspension with enhanced geometry
Rear: Compact multi-link double wishbone suspension with enhanced geometry
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 30 mpg city/39 highway

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.