Monday, March 19, 2012

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

35 comments:

  1. I want the keys to an FD Civic on my hand, right now!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. In case someone stumbles on this nice review, some known/common problem or defects:
    - Engine Support mount easily fails
    - Power Steering Fluid, Pump, etc related problems
    - Ball bearing problems
    - Tensioner (Belt)
    - And as mentioned in the blogpost: Driver side window alignment

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good day, thanks for pointing other problems prevalent in this generation of the Civic. The engine support is something announced recently since our Civic (2011 model) was affected and fixed.

      Thanks for the praise

      Delete
  3. Which is better? Manual or Matic?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It depends on what you really prefer sir. If I were you, test drive the Civic with either transmission and let that be your starting point.

      Delete
    2. Thank you sir for the reply. By the way, how is the fuel consumption of this car? I am planning to buy one, particularly the 2006 model 1.8 manual (not sure if it's the S or V variant). Is this car fuel efficient?

      Delete
    3. Fuel consumption depends on how you drive, we can rate it from 8-10km/L in the city (worse if you mix traffic jams) but slightly higher in the highway. If compared to the Focus 1.8, yes it is.

      Delete
    4. I get 7 litres per 100km in the city and 6 litres on the highway, this is the 1.8 5 speed manual variant.

      Thank you for the review.

      Delete
  4. hello how about sa 2007 FD Okay na ba siya? what i mean unlike sa 2006? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To answer your question, pareho lang ang 2007 sa 2006 na FD. No changes happened, as far as I could remember.

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Recently bought a preowned 2007 FD 2.0s and I must say it does have that adrenaline rush but NVH is just not its strong suit... The road noise just gets to your nerves... And the underchassis noise is just so unsettling... But spaciousness and Honda engine is still very dependable...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Recently bought a preowned 2007 FD 2.0s and I must say it does have that adrenaline rush but NVH is just not its strong suit... The road noise just gets to your nerves... And the underchassis noise is just so unsettling... But spaciousness and Honda engine is still very dependable...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Recently bought a preowned 2007 FD 2.0s and I must say it does have that adrenaline rush but NVH is just not its strong suit... The road noise just gets to your nerves... And the underchassis noise is just so unsettling... But spaciousness and Honda engine is still very dependable...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Replies
    1. Sulit naman po ba ??bili kasi ako 2ndhnd 2006fd model e...

      Delete
    2. Bout sa v model. Ano ba difference sa S.

      Delete
    3. Bout sa v model. Ano ba difference sa S.

      Delete
    4. biggest difference i cansay sir is yung airbag, S has dual airbags while V has only one.

      Delete
    5. S->Dual Airbags
      V->Driver side lang

      Delete
  10. Ang 1.8v po ba walang airbag

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! You may refer to these links http://myk384.blogspot.com/2015/01/honda-civic-generation-81-2006-2009.html and http://myk384.blogspot.com/2015/01/honda-civic-generation-82-2009-2012.html

      Thank you!

      Delete
    2. meron sir, pero driver side lang..sa 1.8S, dual airbags un..

      Delete
  11. Magkano na lang value nyay ngayon boss yung 2007 na 1.8s?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi. Need ur inputs mga sir. just got fd 1.8V 2007 , is it normalwhen driving na biglang hihilain ka kahit mild step lang sa gas? Parang mabigat din ang pakiramdam ko sa sasakyan habang tumatakbo ang car compared to my Altis. But fd ok din sa fuel consumption kHit 1.8 sya. Pls advise. Tnx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is true, comparing the 2010 1.8S Civic of my Mom vs the 2012 Altis 1.6G that I drive, mas malakas torque ng Civic pag tapak sa gas, though it's more stiff sa pedal compared with the Altis.

      Delete
  13. Which is better po in terms of running cost and availability of parts. Compared to galant 240m.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Myk. Galing ng article / blog mo, kahit 5 years later. I'm looking for a 2nd hand 2.0 pearl white civic and saw this thread. Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Myk, shopping for a car for my son, did any of the variants have side curtain airbags?

    Site is excellent, a real labor of love. Kudos to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mga sir may tanong po ako. sana po matulungan nyo po ako. kakabili ko lang po ng fd last week 1.8 2006 model. nagtanong tanong po ako bago ako bmle kung ilan fuel consumption ang sabi sakin 8-10km automatic. yun din po ang declare sakin nung owner . pero nung kinuha ko na po. napansin ko ang lakas sa gas. nung kinompute ko po nag rararange lang ng. 3.5km to 4km. ano po kaya problem nun? matulungan nyo po sana ako. thanks.

      Delete
    2. kmusta civic mo bro? planning to buy 2007 model.

      Delete
  16. Hello, what engine oil should I use for 2008 civic? Honda recommends 0w-30. I'm planning on using Zic oils but they don't have the said oil rating

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello Guys! Im planning to buy a pre owned 06 Fd 1.8s. Im still hesitant because there is an "SRS" appearing on the odometer while the engine is on. I believe this is about the airbag, but how do you correct this one? Thanks in advance to those who will reply. Nice article by the way.

    ReplyDelete