As a long-time Civic owner ('91 Si HB bought new in '90, traded for a '93 Si Coupe two years ago after a bus wrote off the '91), I was always impressed with Honda's build quality. The problem I have with Honda is that they are too focussed on one segment of the market and not focussed enough on the hot new trends. Two door coupes are great sporty cars. Four door sedans are great small family cars. But for someone that wants all-around practicality, a five-door HB can't be beat.
I test drove the '06 coupe (non-Si version), and found it to be extremely nice to drive. That two-tiered dash is *amazing*. I thought it would be gimmicky, but I found it to be very convenient and natural to glance at the top tier. It handled as well as my '93 Si, but the shorter wheelbase meant tighter corners, and the newer suspension meant it rode better overall. Nice solid clunk when the door closes too, which you don't get on many other cars.
After driving my new 3 Sport GS for three days now, though, I wouldn't trade it for a Civic. It handles a lot like my old '91 Civic, despite being a larger and heavier car. The extra 50Hp probably doesn't hurt.
And it's a lot easier to load/unload with the extra doors, and it's bigger inside, and... and...
Honda used to have a 5-door Civic, but it only came with the tiny wheels, small engine, and cheap interior. If Honda btought it back, gave it a proper suspension, 16" or 17" wheels, and the Si engine, it might sway me back. But I doubt they will, and even if they do bring one back it'll probably be positioned for the same market as before, not targeted at the people who buy Mazda 3's.
