did you think about getting the shark fin antenna instead? they are lower profile and don't stick up as much. they are painted to match also.

Not an option. The OEM antenna is function over form with the mast for AM/FM reception. Normally the antenna for that is in the windshield, but the hybrid electronics create an interference issue that require a more traditional antenna.

The Shark fin type antennas are for cars that have the am/fm antenna in the windshield or side glass.

Not sure about that, we just bought our 08 HCHII Non-Navi XM equipped in February and it has the standard non-painted antenna. We looked at several at the dealership (they had 9 on the lot) and all were black antennas. They had no Navi-equipped, but they had some with and without XM. Could it simply be a supply/demand issue, some have them and some don't depending on what was available at the factory during assembly? Maybe it's a regional thing, we're in NH. The mystery continues...

I should clarify, the Non-Navi XM equipped non-Hybrid Civics have a painted antenna cover. The Hybrids have unpainted ones because they all have the AM/FM antenna mast.

I installed the shark fin antenna on my 2006 and the reception is actually better than the rubber stub antenna! I like the clean look and it is painted to match.

What is the cost of a shark fin ? H

$81 shipped. http://www.visualgarage.com/home.html

This is a nice looking aftermarket antenna for AM/FM reception, but does not have the ability to work with the XM radio system that some Civic have.



Starting in 2007 all HCHII radios are equipped with XM receivers and this antenna does not address them. If you have a non-XM radio, then this is a fine solution.