Honda Civic Hybrid



Just when the competition thought it had the Civic marked, Honda brings out its latest version. Refined and packed with features, the Civic is once again a top choice for compact car shoppers.

Pros: Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, lots of standard safety equipment, roomy and refined interior, special Hybrid and Si models.

Cons: Polarizing dash design, top-of-the-line models are pricey.

What's New for 2006

Honda has completely redesigned the Civic for 2006. Highlights include a more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, new exterior styling, an advanced interior design and more premium features. The company has also improved the gas-electric IMA system for the Civic Hybrid and restored the Civic Si trim's potency with a 197-hp engine and a sportier coupe body style.

Thanks to its frugal and clean engines, spunky performance and reputation for excellent reliability and durability, the Civic has been a consistent benchmark for the economy car class ever since its introduction in 1973. Those qualities continue to apply to the redesigned, all-new eighth generation of Honda's popular hauler. However, Honda also hopes to shift its U.S. market focus from baby boomers to Gen Y-ers, and as such, the new Civic places a stronger emphasis on design and performance. It's sleeker, more powerful and better performing than any Civic before it, and is undeniably the best and most interesting Civic Honda has ever produced.

The 2006 Honda Civic is available as a sedan or a coupe (the hatchback version has been nixed this year), and comes in a number of different trims. As a bit of a change for a Civic redesign, there's not necessarily more of everything. Trunk capacity and rear-seat legroom in the coupe have actually shrunk a bit this year. The reason is a stronger emphasis on style. The Civic's sleek new look includes a laid-back windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs and a tight tire-to-fender gap. This year the coupe rides on a shorter wheelbase, and doesn't share a single exterior body panel with the sedan.

Horsepower is up on every model. All DX, LX and EX models are powered by a SOHC 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with Honda's i-VTEC system. It makes 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The previous Civic Si hatchback was a performance disappointment. Thankfully, the 2006 coupe version steps up by being the fastest production Civic ever. It has a more powerful 197-hp engine, a sport-tuned suspension and a six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential.

For those interested more in fuel economy rather than 0-to-60-mph times, there's the Civic Hybrid sedan. As before, it uses Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, which consists of a 1.3-liter, single-overhead-cam, four-cylinder gas engine connected to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. Combined horsepower is up to 110 on the Hybrid, while mileage swells to 50 mpg city/ 50 mpg highway. The increased fuel economy is largely due to the fact that the gas engine can now shut down completely during deceleration and steady cruising, allowing the electric motor alone to propel the car, just as in Toyota's Prius.

Whichever model you choose, it's pretty hard to go wrong with the Civic. Every time you get into it, you'll know that you're driving a safe, dependable car that causes minimal damage to the environment and will provide years of faithful service.