Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2006-2011)

To all graduates of Batch 2012, we wish you all the luck and congratulations! Your hard work had been paid off and be ready to face the next stage (whether you are an elementary, high school, or college graduate) of your lives. And if you want a car as your graduation gift, Myk Belmonte picks out one good choice for you.

PS: This is a request by my friend Nicolo, he made this request months ago. So, here it is.

2006-2011 Honda Civic

Thanks to user GTi of Tsikot.com for correcting some data!

History
So, why is the Honda Civic a favorite among students (especially the ones in high school and college) and throughout the younger crowd? It does have the looks, striking and appealing looks (it does not look something from your tatay). It has the appeal, that brand appeal from a Honda and that one can blend well inside the school environment with a Honda. Maintenance costs are attainable and fuel consumption is friendly to the daily allowance. And for those car enthusiasts, the Civic is a modifiers dream. They can purchase aftermarket parts at affordable prices to have cool rides and those parts are obtainable.

After the lukewarm reception of the ES chassis Civic, the FD Civic was introduced in 2005. For the first time, two different platforms were made, with one for Europe (they get the hatchback) and one for the rest of the world (coupe and sedan versions). The difference between the two? The European model utilizes a simpler rear suspension from the Honda Jazz, while non-Europeans have a choice of two doors or four doors. Type-R and Si variants still remain for the tuner market. Acura (Honda's luxury marque) have their version called the CSX, which is more upscale and a bit different from the Civic. The Acura CSX is Canadian market exclusive.

The Philippine market received the FD Civic in April 2006, through a launch at the Manila International Auto Show. With futuristic styling (which resembles something from Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek) and a good all-around package, this became a best seller until the City dislodged it three years later. The public got wowed with its luxurious looks, the glowing instrumental gauges (every time you put the ignition), and a blast from the past - a digitally encrypted speedometer. Variants include the 1.8V, 1.8S, and the 2.0S (in both manual and automatic transmissions, with the former dropped in 2009 in anticipation of its mid-life cycle on that year). Sales and production continued until 2011, with the FB Civic replacing it the following year.

Value and Costs
With the current introduction of the FB Civic, expect FD Civic prices to drop slightly. And because of this, a buyer can see units priced between P460,000-P660,000. Thanks to depreciation, one can get this vehicle at less than the price when it was new. Be armed with a keen eye for modified and rice units, which can cause more problems and tend to be abused than stock ones. A limited edition variant with genuine Mugen body kits and a different set of rims which graced the 2.0 S was made available in 2011 and only 26 units were sold to the general public accompanied with a certification.

Maintaining an FD Civic is similar to its peers of the same time period. Pet peeves include (although this issue is prevalent within 2006-early 2007 models) the front power windows not functioning (it was later resolved by placing silicon on the assembly or replacing the entire mechanism, which should be done by the previous owner) and related to the power windows, some earlier models have misaligned power windows. Other than this minor quirk, this is a problem free car. The digital speedometer is not a liability unless the previous owner ruined the heck out of it (complaints against this part are non-existent as of now).

Exterior and Interior
One of the selling points of the FD is its exterior design. Come to think of it, this generation is ugly duckling no more - where in fact it is similar to the storyline of Betty la Fea. The exterior got its inspiration from the robots seen in sci-fi movies. The result? Short front overhangs, steeply-raked windshield, front fenders are sculptured, and a sleek profile; you can mistake the Civic as an expensive vehicle from Europe. 

The futuristic theme continues on inside. The famed instrumental gauges do have two tiers, one for the tachometer (which uses a conventional needle) and one for the speedometer (which is digitally labeled and uses bar graphs for the fuel and thermometer). The good thing is, this does not get washed by the extreme sunlight. The steering wheel has good grip and feedback; and while the handbrake may look weird at first, it is easy to manipulate. Paddle shifters are standard in the 2.0 version and trickled down to the 1.8S during its MMC in 2009.

Engine
Filipinos get to choose two engine configurations and two transmission choices to fit their Civics. A R18A1 1,799cc which carries 140hp at 6,300rpm and 177Nm at 4,200rpm and a K20Z2 1,998cc that has 155hp at 6,000rpm and 192Nm at 4,200rpm under its hood. V and S trim lines do have the R16 1.8 while the K20 2.0 is exclusive to the 2.0S. Both engines do have the VTEC technology and do have excellent high end torque. Just apply a light foot and the adrenalin rush is there, just like the EK Civic.

Driving Impressions
The Civic is definitely a treat to drive, for that daily commute or while cruising the winding roads that Baguio and Pagudpud have to offer. Definitely this is one responsive and smooth car, just give this a light foot and this kicks it's speed. Those who love to seat at the back can stretch their legs due to the flat floor and the extended cabin. Just be ready for that firm ride and it could get noisy at triple digit speeds, which is a characteristic of the VTEC.

Verdict
The Civic lived up to its sporty credentials on a practical package. It's not just the driver who can enjoy it, but it's passengers as well. From college students to old people, the Civic found fans in a wide range of market. If you are turned off by the 9th generation's styling and pricing (platform code FB), please to know that the FD Civic can be obtained at half the price of the new. Definitely the EK Civic of the 21 century and a future classic someday.



The Good:

• Advanced VTEC engine
• More room inside
• Futuristic looking speedometer 

The Bad:

• Hard front seats
• Road noise at high speeds
• Some window quirks in earlier models

The Pick: Mid 2007-2011 1.8 S

THE SPECS

Engines: 1,799cc R18A1 and 1,998cc K20Z2 I4 gasoline

Power: 140hp @ 6,300rpm (1.8), 155hp @ 6,000rpm (2.0)

Torque: 177Nm @ 4,200rpm (1.8), 192Nm @ 4,200rpm (2.0)

Fuel Consumption: 7-10km/L (city), 10-13km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent double wishbone

MORE INFO

Price (New): P767,000-P1,398,000 (range from 2006-2011)
Price (Now): P460,000-P660,000
Rivals: Toyota Corolla Altis, Mitsubishi Lancer/Lancer EX, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Cruze, Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3
Resources:
http://teamfd.com.ph/portal.php?sid=1fc3a03f5b62c5a207e2733ec687b0c6/
http://www.hondaclub.com.ph/

Contacts:
Honda Cars Quezon City - 712-6850
Honda Cars Kalookan - 366-5701
Honda Cars Pasig - 988-1288

Photos by Myk Belmonte
Civic unit provided by Guadix Auto Exchange