2) Did anyone here consider an EX non-hybrid 06 Civic? If you have and test drove both, what were some advantages/disadvantages you noticed?

I had driven a preproduction hybrid at will in the hills of Arkansas and a Insight along with a Si. I bought a EX Sedan 5MT, w/navi.

The big turn offs for me with hybrid was the CVT tranny ONLY!!! And no rear disk brakes. The hybrid is slower by a long shot. But dont see that as a merge problem on the hwy's or interstates.

The Insight was a 5MT. If it would have had disk brakes on the rear I would have got it. In all honesty I wanted Si. Or a hybrid config'ed to my spec. Dealer wouldnt move off MSRP on the Si, so EX it was.

All the Civics less the Si drive about the same. Si is a barn burner.

The hybrid will do its best to move for you. With passing in the mph area your looking at vtec is there to help along with the electric motor. But at a cost in FE. From what I saw in my test drives. WOT in a hybrid Civic is aken to WTO in any of the Civics. Just less go fast. We also own a 06 Accord EX Sedan, I4, 5AT. The new Civic is on par with that car. Its been upscaled alot.

I didnt think I would by a Sedan and had writen the hybrid off due to the CVT and brakes. Was plesantly suprised when the EX sedan entered my life. IMA, auto off and hybrid a/c compressor would make my car perfect!!! Auto climate controls make me no never mind.

The EX will return good MPG if driven right and show you love at higher rpms. I think EX is a near perfect blend of high possible mpg and the ablity to make life fun if you want a tach stirring event. I see why the HX has been droped.

I still havent rule out a hybrid purchase or a Insight, Si. I just wont pay MSRP for any car and I wont have a CVT or drum brakes. I have my dealers word that if I want to trade my EX in within a year and buy a hybrid or the Si. They will give me a great trade in. Basicly by back numbers.

Either way you go your going to be happy. The Civics are good cars. Go drive them for yourself.