2006 CIVIC.....THE TRANSFORMATION OF AN ICON.

Having purchased many cars in my day, and still continuing to do so...my daughter was in the market for a new car. She claims that the reason why she wanted another car after having a 2003 Honda Civic was that she has her fathers blood in her. Ok, I'll take the blame for that one. Trying to exert my influence and change her mind, I was soon convinced otherwise when she informed me that her new car was to be a 2006 Honda Civic. I started my homework on this new model for her, and it was off to the the dealership to observe this little gem of a car.

When we pulled into the dealership, we couldn't believe the stunning EXTERIOR of this car. Being 24, she wanted the LX Coupe Automatic in Alabaster Silver. One look at this car tells you that it is more than new. It's the shape of things to come. Leading edge looks and a big dose of high tech describe the new Civic. Welcome to tomorrow! Life is all about movement, and nothing says "go" like the silhouette of the modern, radically shaped,sophisticated coupe.

The front of this baby is very short with sleek headlamps. A huge radically raked windshield exposes large wipers that clear away dirt and grime in a unusual fashion. You've got to see it work...it made us both laugh. The low roof line takes us to the back of the coupe where a deck lid spoiler enhances a rounded back end. This is much different than the sedan whose back end is reminiscent of a BMW 3 series. It's hard to describe it's look, but it is a drastic change from the hum drum civics of the past. 16 inch wheels are standard. The fit and finish of this car is superb. During our visit, there were many people around the car commenting on the looks of this new model. It definitely turns your head more than once.

Open the door and climb into the cockpit, and you'll immediately notice the new INTERIOR. Simply fantastic was my first impression. The instrument panel is two-tiered. Keeping information like speed, temp and fuel is very easy to see. The top panel exhibits a large digital speedometer, with fuel and temp gages to its left and right. It acts much like a heads up display, only better in my opinion. The bottom panel houses a very large tach with odometers. This is all done in a stunning blue color that is a visual delight in both day and night time driving. To the left and right of the tach are large air vents, and new this year is a tilt and telescopic steering wheel that makes it easy to find a great driving position. Cruise control is located on the steering wheel.

To the right of the right air vent is a long radio display that has every button imaginable to help with your listening preferences. A 160 watt AM/FM/CD/ 6 speaker audio system lets you play your MP3's as well. Not a bad sound from the stock radio. Below the radio are your knobs and buttons for heating, A/C and such. This display is really cool to observe at night, as every knob, switch and button all light up magnificently in that great blue color. The seats are done in a nice comfy fabric in gray, but the whole interior screams of having a leather option. I should also mention that despite the short stubby outside, the interior has more than enough room for most anyone. I am 6'3 and fit fine. Rear seating and leg room are OK, but it has sacrificed some room for frontal pleasure. (did that sound right?) Every interior detail exhibits Honda's attention to ergonomics, making your mission clear. We are here to drive, eyes forward, hands on the wheel and foot on the gas.

What about the DRIVING EXPERIENCE?. Absolutely wonderful!. I always get a kick out of starting those fab Honda engines, as it is silent in operation. The coupe quickly got up to speed, as the auto transmission shifted silently and effortlessly. The car took city bumps well, turning radius and braking distance was short and without incident. On the highway, the car struggled at first to merge into traffic (140hp..1.8 I-VTECH)....but once going, this thing was a maniac. It took little effort getting up to 80mph. Some small wind noise came into the cabin, but all in all it was a big improvement over prior models. The car handled smoothly, was very comfortable, and exhibited traits of a more expensive car. Honda clearly has outdone themselves here, as this new civic has won 2006 Car of the Year honors, as well as tremendous reviews from every car critic alive.

As far as safety goes, the are front, side and curtain air bags....daytime running lights...ABS...side impact protection and pretensioner seat belts and active head restraints. A security system is also standard equipment. Crash test results are not in yet, but if past history is any indication, they will earn 5 star crash test ratings.

All in all, this car is a can't miss with the public. While the coupe is clearly designed with the young kids in mind, as it's appearance is very sporty in nature....I prefer the look of the all new Sedan. Check out both, then get your check book out. This without question is the best thing since sliced bread, and will be for some time. All the others will have a big chore in front of them to match the styling, performance and all around value of the Civic. It is destined for pure dominance in their segment.


A few things to mention, I really think Honda needs to offer more as far as color combinations go. Black exteriors with Ivory only interiors. Why not gray or black inside?. White exteriors with Ivory only inside. Why not blue like the HYBRID, or black?. The LX coupe has standard 160 watt audio with 6 speakers, the LX Sedan has only 4 speakers. What's with that guys?...geeze. Sometimes you just scratch your head and wonder about some of these things. Nothing is perfect, but this is a close as it gets.


*****UPDATE***** I purchased the Sedan Automatic, and having driven this for a bit, there are a few things to watch for.

1)If you are tall, your right leg might hit the emergency
brake. It's located next to the shifter in an awkward
position.
2)AM radio really stinks.
3)Gas mileage on first tank was 31.7 in mixed driving.
4)Why didn't Honda make backlighting for all window
switches?
5)Front windshield is very hard to clean inside due to the
hump that houses the digital speedometer. No space!

For those looking to purchase, check out the Sedan. It really is quite stunning in Trafetta White. Very BMW like. People turn their heads at every stop light.