Honda Civic Sedan 2006

Replying to: tawneycat (Oct 27, 2005 4:02 am)

Replying to: accordmq (Oct 26, 2005 11:36 pm)

Replying to: mcap56 (Oct 26, 2005 9:33 pm)

I also own an '04 EX AT Civic sedan so appreciate the opportunity to compare impressions with you. At first was tempted to pay big premium to trade, probably mostly due to new-car-itis, but now am happy to stay with my still-new 15,000 mile '04. I was turned off when I learned that the '06 has 1.4 inches less rear legroom. I prefer the ride of the '04 over what I consider a bit too firm ride of the '06. Despite the EPA ratings, I believe gas mileage will not be as good with the '06 because it weighs 136 pounds more, and because you can't help but use more gas by using its 13 more horsepower. I really enjoy driving my '04 - off-the-line and braking smoothness, steering, everything, recognizing it doesn't have much horsepower (like compared to my '99 MT Z28).
 
My only complaint about the '04 is the front seats. I am 5-8 and am still playing with adjustments to be comfortable. The seat (squab I believe the British call it) is severely inclined which might be the reason, and there's no adjustment for that. I've found the best position all the way up and all the way back, with a fairly vertical seatback. Even then to be comfortable, it seems best if I don't press my hips all the way back in the seat. I must eventually get it right because I've taken two long overnight trips in the car. I don't seem to have this complaint in '03, '05, and '06 Civics I've sat in. Anyone else have a problem with the '04 seat?
 
                                                               

Replies to this message:
• mcap56 (Oct 28, 2005 9:43 am)
  • bfyerxa (Oct 28, 2005 11:19 am)
  • only1harry (Oct 28, 2005 12:25 pm)
    • user1235 (Oct 28, 2005 1:37 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: andysandiego (Oct 28, 2005 4:48 am)

Replies to this message:
• bfyerxa (Oct 28, 2005 11:19 am)
• only1harry (Oct 28, 2005 12:25 pm)
  • user1235 (Oct 28, 2005 1:37 pm)
    • backy (Oct 28, 2005 1:52 pm)

Replying to: mcap56 (Oct 28, 2005 9:43 am)

Replying to: mcap56 (Oct 28, 2005 9:43 am)

Replies to this message:
• user1235 (Oct 28, 2005 1:37 pm)
  • backy (Oct 28, 2005 1:52 pm)

Replying to: only1harry (Oct 28, 2005 12:25 pm)

Replies to this message:
• backy (Oct 28, 2005 1:52 pm)

Replying to: user1235 (Oct 28, 2005 1:37 pm)

today i finally got to drive a sedan with navigation (that was the only MT they had). the sales person was with me, so I couldn't really try the high speed cornering
To see the comparison, i have a Mazda 3 5 door (so, I'm spoiled) and compare it.
The Civic has enough room in the rear. I'm 5,11" and sat in front comfortably. Then I sat "behind me" in the left back seat and still had enough room at my knees. that's how I test a car... not with the EPA figures in inches. the car is smooth, but way less powerful than my 2.3 l Mazda. Especially the driving at low rpm is way worse than with the Mazda. (I apologize for comparing to the Mazda.. but that is the car I love and know....). The Mazda can maintain very decent driving at under 2000 rpm and very reasonable acceleration at under 3000 rpm. The Civic needs way more than 2500 for some decent driving. the car only had 25 miles. So it might get better after breaking in. That somehow explains why Honda geared the 5th gear so low..... or why the AT shifts down all the time.
the trunk is small, the "hole" to put stuff in is even smaller (again, I'm spoiled with the Mazda...) the civic is more a 2nd or single car (which is my plan for a new car...) than a 2 children-family car. Teh steering wheel seems to be smaller than the Mazda one (again, my aplolgy for bringing in that car I already own), the speedometer is weird.... I suppose you end up with speeding tickets quickly because you end up being too fast.
I would like to know about your long distance experience (since I'd miss the lumbar support). not sure if I'd like that. Also the lack of a coolant temperature gauge annoys me (I think of getting an LX MT) and makes it lok cheap.
the trunk and interior comes by no means close to the Mazda 3 (See a Mazda 3 and lift the bottom in the trunk and you seee the compartments there, also the little compartment for the tools... then you know what i mean..)
also, the sales person told me that there still is a timing belt that has to be replaced. i hoped to get rid of that expensive thing. He also told me, that the maintenance intervals are at 5000 miles now instead of at 10000 miles as they used to be. This somehow lets me think more of getting a second Mazda with a chain and 7500 miles service intervals. Please confirm or correct that.
In general, the Civic is not bad, economical (Please provide some more real world MPG numbers) but doesn't reach the Mazda 3. No way. Especially the mini-trunk puts it in another league (which i don't care about cause we have the Mazda to carry stuff Still deciding which second car for just secondary driving I'll get..
I had a look under the hood. it looks very compact. I suppose repairs get labor intensive..... makes me worry even more about the timing belt (please someone give detail if it has a belt or chain). The sales guy first didn't know if it has a belt or a chain. then he looked under the hood and said it has a belt... don't know how he could see that
Before I buy any car I want to try it out on ht ehighway (hopefully wihtout a watchdog salesperson...). but the 140 hp are inflated... well, you have 140 hp at 7000 rpm.... so in the real world at 6000 rpm you only have 120 - 130 hp.
the test drive made me think of other options (if MT Corollas with ABS and 6 airbags would actually be available I'd consider that). I"m not that excited anymore.... I'm definitely not in love with the civic... maybe the mileage will convince me....

Replies to this message:
• claudius753 (Oct 28, 2005 10:05 pm)
  • herrkaleu (Oct 28, 2005 10:17 pm)
    • bfyerxa (Oct 29, 2005 8:06 am) and 1 more...
    • claudius753 (Oct 29, 2005 2:00 pm) and 8 more...

Replying to: herrkaleu (Oct 28, 2005 8:06 pm)

Isn't there a temp gauge to the left of the digital speedo, with fuel to the right?
 
The new 1.8l has a timing chain, not a belt.
 
Tune up intervals are 100,000 miles+. I do not think that the other maintenance intervals have changed. All Civics have a 'maintenance minder' system standard that monitors total engine revolutions and distance to tell you when you need service (to the best of my knowledge). Check an owners manual for the numbers to be sure.
 
Power is 140 hp6300 and 128 lb/ft 4300. So you get peak power close to redline. However, these figures are SAE net, rev 8/04 the 'new' procedure for testing. Many models dropped with the new testing procedures, such as the corolla from 130 to 126hp and the RSX from 160 to 151. I think that the 3 would actually be a bit lower if tested by the new procedures. TOV tested an EX coupe on a dyno and it showed that it is actually reading closer to 150-155hp at the crank (136hp 130lb/ft at the hub as tested). Not bad for a 1.8l rated for near 40mpg hwy mileage.
 
The Mazda is sporty, the Civic is economical. Whichever you choose, you'll get a great car.

Replies to this message:
• herrkaleu (Oct 28, 2005 10:17 pm)
  • bfyerxa (Oct 29, 2005 8:06 am)
  • claudius753 (Oct 29, 2005 2:00 pm)