2006 Honda Civic Sedan First Drive

Every 2006 Honda Civic Sedan gets the same engine, a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder equipped with i-VTEC variable valve timing. With 140 horsepower available at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 4,300 rpm, the 2006 Civic Sedan’s engine is more powerful than both motors offered in 2005 and runs on regular unleaded fuel. A five-speed manual transmission sends the power to the front wheels, and is estimated to provide 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The optional five-speed automatic is expected to do even better when it comes to fuel efficiency, matching the manual’s city rating but getting 40 mpg on the highway.

Suspended by MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones in back, the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan rides on standard P195/65 all-season tires. Civic LX and EX get P205/55R16 treads. All three models have a conventional hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, unlike the drive-by-wire electric units in the Civic Hybrid and Civic Si sports coupe. Ventilated front disc brakes are standard, but DX and LX make do with rear drum brakes while the EX trades up for solid discs for better, more balanced braking performance.