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2006-2011 Honda Civic

How to upgrade the stereo system in your Civic

2006 Honda Civic coupe (Crutchfield Research Photo)

In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your Civic's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We'll tell you all about:

Then, use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Honda.

Overview of the Honda Civic

After the Honda Civic’s initial release in 1972, it gradually evolved from its humble beginnings as a sub-compact coupe, to become a leader in the compact segment. By 2011, the (much) bigger, better Civic regularly topped nearly all competitors in U.S. market sales.

The Civic was available as a coupe or sedan, with a host of optional amenities ranging from leather seating to premium entertainment systems, to high-revving 1800cc, and 2000cc VTec engines. The Civic was also one of the first widely accepted hybrid gas-electric vehicles.

Honda Civic sedan

There are plenty of sharp-looking 2006-2011 Civics out there, so whether you have one already, or just want one, you have excellent taste in cars. An aftermarket sound system is a great way to make your car truly yours. Here are a few tips on how to upgrade the audio in your Honda Civic.

The Honda Civic's stereo (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The Honda Civic's stereo (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

The 2006-2011 Honda Civic carried a base stereo package comprised of an AM/FM/CD unit with an auxiliary input and either four or six speakers. The 6-speaker system added a pair of tweeters in the dash.

An upgraded sound system was also available for Civic owners who wanted a bit more oomph from their stereos. This system featured seven speakers, including a subwoofer in the rear deck. An external amplifier was included to power it all.

An in-dash GPS navigation receiver was another option available on most models. We'll get into the pros and cons of replacing this receiver below.

honda civic radio removal

Removing the factory stereo is a little bit involved, but our Crutchfield MasterSheet will walk you through it (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

With a variety of factory stereo systems comes a variety of techniques used to remove them. Here's a quick breakdown of the basic things you'll need to do:

4- or 6-speaker stereo systems without navigation

The Civic can handle either a single-DIN or double-DIN stereo, so you have lots of options for your new receiver. When you replace your factory stereo, you’ll lose the auxiliary input, so make sure your new stereo has the inputs you need for your electronic devices and music sources.

Removing the factory stereo is a little bit involved, but our Crutchfield MasterSheet will walk you through it, step by step. To remove the factory stereo, the first thing you’ll need to do is use a panel tool to pry away the knee panel located just under the steering column. Once the retaining clips are free and the knee panel is out of the way, locate the single Phillips screw in the center of the lower internal dash assembly and remove it. This process will allow you to lift the entire instrument trim panel away, disconnect the instrument-cluster’s wiring harness then move on.

Next, open the storage compartment, pry off the internal storage panel located next to the power module and remove it. Once that panel has been set aside, remove the two 8mm Phillips screws located behind the panel, then move to the trim panel that encloses the stereo and climate controls. Pry the trim away until the retaining clips are free and, finally, lift the entire trim assembly away from the dash in order to gain access to the radio/climate control assembly, lift it out, disconnect the wiring harness, and set it aside.

Honda Civic dash adapter kit

Honda Civic dash adapter kit

Installing a new stereo, no matter which size you choose, will require a special integration kit. This kit replaces the central dash panel and integrates the climate controls and new stereo, just like the factory dash panel. The kit is available in three colors, to match your dash.

When installing the integration kit, you’ll need to remove the climate controls from the factory dash panel and attach them to the kit. Once you’ve mounted the kit, installing the new stereo in your Civic is straightforward. Just follow the mounting instructions included with the kit.

You’ll also need a wiring harness so that you can connect the new stereo without cutting into to the car’s wiring. You attach the wires from one end of the harness to the wires from the stereo. The other end of the harness has a connector that plugs into the Civic’s stereo connector. Honda uses a non-standard connector for the radio antenna, so you need an adapter for that, too.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

MasterSheet image
With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

Luckily, when you purchase your stereo from Crutchfield, the wiring harness, the antenna adapter, and the integration kit are deeply discounted with your order. A pack of Posi-Products Car Stereo Connectors makes the job of connecting the harness wires to the stereo wires much easier.

One important note: If your Civic is a DX model that doesn’t have a factory stereo, you’ll need to purchase stereo mounting brackets from your local Honda dealer.

Amplifier bypass harness

The amplifier bypass harness from Metra

7-speaker stereo system without navigation

The upgraded, 7-speaker system is largely the same, and you'll use the same integration kit in the dash. The biggest difference comes from the addition of a factory amplifier. You'll need to bypass that amp when you install your new receiver.

Bypassing the amplifier entails using a "bypass harness" to run the speaker wires from your new stereo to the factory amplifier location. (This bypass harness is offered at a discount if you purchase your new stereo from Crutchfield.) The location of this amplifier depends on which type of car you have. In sedans, it’s located under the driver’s seat. Just run the harness’ wires to the amp.

In coupes, you’ll find the amp beneath the center console, in front of the gear shifter. In this case, you’ll need to disassemble the console to get the wires to the amp, a process that is explained fully in your Crutchfield MasterSheet.

In either case, you unplug the speaker connector from the amplifier and plug it into the connector on the bypass harness. This removes the factory amplifier from the system, letting you safely power your speakers with the new in-dash receiver.

You'll need to install an aftermarket amplifier with a low-pass crossover if you want to retain the factory subwoofer.

For a look at how to do this installation, watch our stereo and speaker installation video at the end of this article.

Honda Civic navigation system

The optional Honda navigation radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Civic stereo systems with navigation

If your Civic came with a factory navigation system, you'll be happy to know that the radio replacement process is quite similar to those listed above, thanks to the availability of a suitable dash kit.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, panel tool, 8mm socket, ratchet, and extension

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

[SHOPCARSTEREOS]

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Civic's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Removing the factory speakers

Regardless of which stereo system your Civic has, speaker access and replacement is essentially the same. There are some differences between the coupe and sedan, of course, and they're noted below.

Honda Civic tweeter location

The tweeters are near the base of the A-pillars. They're not easy to replace, but the work is worth it. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Dash tweeters

If your Civic has tweeters in the dash, they are easy to remove. Just pry up the dash grille panel and pull it toward you to remove it. Unplug the tweeter harness and pry the tweeter out of its setting. Installing replacement tweeters involves fashioning a mounting bracket, and we offer a universal backstrap that’s great for this.

If you’re comfortable using a hole saw, you can flush-mount the tweeters in the dash grille itself. You’ll have to cut off the plug on the speaker wires and connect the wires directly to the new tweeter’s wires. A few Posi-Product speaker connectors would be very helpful here.

The factory tweeter has a diameter of 1-1/2" and you have an available depth of 1-1/8", so keep these dimensions handy when you’re shopping for replacements.

honda civic factory front door speaker

A front door speaker (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The front doors will accept a healthy variety of aftermarket speakers, but the space between the front of the speaker and the door panel (called the mounting height) is limited to 3/4", so speakers with especially large tweeter assemblies might not fit. If you have questions, give us a call and talk to an Advisor.

You’ll need a mounting bracket to hold the speaker in place and a wiring harness so that you can install the new speaker without modifying the Civic’s wiring. These parts are available at a discount when you purchase your new speakers from Crutchfield.

The process of removing the door panel varies slightly depending on whether you have a coupe or sedan. In either case, you’ll remove a few screws behind the door release and handle, then pry off the door panel. The speaker is held in place by a single screw. Remove the screw, pull out the speaker, and unplug the factory wiring harness from the speaker. Our MasterSheet™ instructions, included with your order or available separately, will walk you through this process step-by-step.

Now for the new speakers. Attach the speaker to the mounting bracket, according to the included instructions. Connect the wiring harness to the speaker, then plug it into the Civic’s wiring connector. Mount the new speaker and bracket assembly in the door with the same screw you removed earlier, then reassemble the door panel.

Honda Civic rear deck speakers

Replacing the coupe's rear deck speakers takes effort, but the actual job isn't all that difficult (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear deck speakers

The rear deck speakers can also be replaced with a healthy variety of aftermarket speakers. You’ll need to use a mounting bracket and wiring harness and, as noted above, you'll get a very nuce discount on those when you buy them from Crutchfield.

honda civic rear deck speaker

The Civic coupe's rear deck speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Coupe

The installation process depends on whether you have a coupe or sedan. In the 2-door version, you’ll have to pry up the rear deck to uncover the speakers.

This is done by folding down the rear seat and removing two screws in the front edge of the rear deck. (In EX and SI coupes that have a subwoofer, there are ten retaining clips instead of the screws.

Place your hand under the front edge of the rear deck and push up to release them.) Pull down the trim panel for the trunk light and disconnect the rear-window brake light harness. Guide the seat belt through the slot in the rear deck and remove the deck. Remove the single screw from each speaker, pull up the speaker, and unplug the wiring connector.

Just like in the front doors, you'll attach the mounting bracket to the new speaker, connect the wiring harness, and secure the new speaker assembly to the rear deck. Repeat with the other speaker, then reassemble the rear deck.

Honda Civic sedan rear speaker

The Civic sedan's rear speakers are much easier to work with (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Sedan

Replacing the rear speakers is a much easier task in the Civic sedan. No panel removal, no problem. All you have to do is pry up the grilles over each speaker, then remove the four screws securing the speaker to the deck. Assemble the speaker and mounting bracket structure, connect the wires, and put it all back together.

You'll find some notes below on what you'll need to do when you're replacing the factory subwoofer found in the Civic EX and SI models.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver, panel tool

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information

[SHOPCARSPEAKERS]

honda civic factory subwoofer

The factory sub is in the rear deck (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Honda Civic

Some Civic models have a factory subwoofer mounted in the center of the rear deck. This location is sized to fit an 8" subwoofer, but there really isn't a lot of room for an aftermarket sub. The mounting height is limited to half an inch due to the rear deck panel, while mounting depth and magnet width are both limited by the trunk torsion bars below (available depth is 4" and magnet diameter is 4-1/2").

The rear deck is a very handy spot to mount a better woofer if you can find one that fits. An aftermarket sub mounted in this location needs to be free-air capable, and you’ll need to install an amplifier to power it. The factory amp is fine for the factory woofer, but it’s not going to give you the power needed to drive an aftermarket sub.

Removing the woofer is simple. Fold down the rear seats, place your hand under the front edge of the rear deck, and push up to release the deck. Guide the seatbelt through the slot in the panel, then lift the panel off of the deck and set it aside. The woofer is secured by four Phillips screws and the wiring connection.

Standard component subwoofer boxes and powered subs are also a good option in the Civic, depending on how much bass you want and how much cargo room you’re willing to give up. The available space for a subwoofer box is roughly 34" wide and 15" high, with an available depth (front to rear) of 29" at the top, and 34" at bottom.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

weathertech custom floor liners

Protect your Honda's carpeting with a set of custom-fit WeatherTech FloorLiners

Other options for your Civic

Looking for some other ways to upgrade your Civic? Here are a few suggestions:

Protect the carpets with WeatherTech floor liners

It's easier than you think to mess up your Camry's interior while you're going about your daily business. Floor mats and liners from WeatherTech will help protect your car's carpeting from dirt and damage. And if they're already dirty and damaged, these mats will cover it up and make your car's interior a nicer place to be.

Hands-free calling and iPod® control

If you are keeping your factory stereo, you can still add a Bluetooth® phone interface or an iPod adapter. A universal Bluetooth adapter works with any car. For your iPod or iPhone®, you can add an interface that lets you control your music from the Civic’s stereo, and keep the device charged, too. When installing one of these iPod interfaces, or a one of the Bluetooth kits that need to be hardwired, you still need to remove the factory stereo to connect the new device to the rear input.

Remote start and security systems

Adding remote start capability to your vehicle lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. The iDatastart system is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to install a remote start system, so we highly recommend it. The module requires a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) to connect with your vehicle's computer, security, and ignition systems, so we ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.

You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.

Watch a quick installation

Now that you have some idea of what's involved in upgrading the audio gear in your Civic, watch our short installation video. You'll see for yourself that the task isn't that hard.

This video is a quick look at the installation. For a step-by-step, detailed look, watch our full-length version of how to install a stereo and speakers in a Honda Civic.

Let's get started!

Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your car or truck. If you have questions, give us a shout via phone, chat, or email

  • Ruziz from WA

    Posted on 11/4/2023

    Hey guys, I've replaced my front speakers, tweeters, and rear speakers in my 08 Si coupe and they work phenomenal, so thanks for the help on that! The only thing that I can't figure out is how to get the sub to work. Bought this used, had aftermarket sub in the trunk, I assume since there's a wire ran back there, and the headunit is aftermarket. There's nothing wrong with the stock sub... it's connected and has 2ohms, so I'm wondering if they had to disconnect it for their trunk sub to work? Any ideas? In the head unit menu options, turning on/off the sub does nothing to it. Thanks!

    Commenter image

    Crutchfield Writing Team from Crutchfield

    on 11/9/2023

    Ruziz, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system.
  • Joshua from Carbondale

    Posted on 1/8/2023

    I was wondering. I have a 2011 honda civic lx sedan. They do not come with tweeters so I bought some really nice ones to install. My question is what is the gauge of speaker wire used standard in this cs, likely from factory. I was wondering because I wanted to use the same gauge wire when I install my tweeters. Unless anyone thinks that is a dumb idea and I could benefit more using a different gauge for tweeters. Please let me know. Tyvm.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 1/9/2023

    Joshua, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • Cole from Bellevue

    Posted on 6/30/2021

    Does my 2008 Honda Civic EX have a factory subwoorfer I can upgrade?

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 6/30/2021

    Cole, The EX was available with a factory sub. It'll be the big speaker in the center of the rear deck. This location is sized to fit an 8" sub, but there's not a lot of space for an aftermarket model. The mounting height is limited to half an inch due to the rear deck panel, while mounting depth and magnet width are both limited by the trunk torsion bars below (available depth is 4" and magnet diameter is 4-1/2").
  • Jason B from Fort Collins, CO

    Posted on 2/28/2021

    I just swapped one of the stock front door speakers in my 2008 si coupe with the factory amp with a nice rockford fosgate 6 3/4. It sounds terrible! I don't understand. I double checked to make sure the speaker contacts weren't grounding out on the door metal or something. Any advice? Would it have something to do with the factory amp? The stereo is all stock except for the speakers. Thanks!

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 3/1/2021

    Jason, Possible, but it's hard to tell from here. With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system.
  • ray from Los Angeles

    Posted on 2/18/2021

    Can you upgrade a 2006 Civic Ex with a stock radio with a Navigation unit from a 2010 Civic? If so, what harness/adapters will I need to do so? They don't look like the match.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 2/18/2021

    Ray, Replacing one factory receiver with a different factory receiver is almost never as easy as it seems. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right aftermarket gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • Gowtham from Melbourne

    Posted on 10/27/2020

    Hi, I have a Honda Civic 2007 Sedan and just interested in knowing if there is a chance of displaying the door open status on the after market android car unit.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 10/28/2020

    Gowtham, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • Rhyan Rey from elk grove village il

    Posted on 7/23/2020

    Hi help me to find a good quality front doors speakers L/R and rear center sub woofer/speakers that would fit of My 2008 honda civic Si sedan... only one speaker workin now on my Si... stay safe and have a nice day

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 7/24/2020

    Rhyan, We can help with that. When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which speakers fit your car. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
  • Victor Gabriel from Toppensih

    Posted on 5/13/2020

    hi i have a 2009 honda civic si and i was wondering if i put a 2006 honda civic coupe factory navi stereo would it fit?

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 5/14/2020

    Victor, Maybe, but there will likely be some wiring issues that get in the way. OEM-OEM swaps like this aren't our usual thing, so you might want to check an online owners' forum to see if anyone else has been able to make this work. Good luck!
  • Tony Vang

    Posted on 12/7/2019

    I have a 2007 Honda Civic Si with navigation and I was wondering if you NEED to buy the dash kit to make one that is not OEM fit? If not then it'll save me money for not having to buy the dash adapter for an aftermarket deck

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 12/9/2019

    Tony, Yes, you'll definitely need the dash kit and the wiring harness adapter to install a new radio. The good news is that when you buy the radio from us, we'll give you a nice discount on the kit and the adapter. When you enter your car's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos fit your Civic, plus the correct harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
  • Chad from Orange City, FL

    Posted on 3/31/2019

    I have a 2008 Civic SI Sedan and I plan on upgrading the factory amp to an aftermarket amp, but I'd like to retain the factory speaker wiring of the door and deck speakers for a cleaner installation. Can the Metra bypass harness be utilized to connect the factory speaker wiring to an aftermarket amp? Would the gauge of the factory wiring impede the output power of an aftermarket amp? I have Infinity Kappas 60.9cs and 63.9i in the doors and the deck already installed respectively.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 4/1/2019

    Chad, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.

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