Oppopinions: Civic Si

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
05/05/2014 at 08:47 • Filed to: None

I like it. A lot. And I wasn't a huge fan of the Si ever.

Needs a bit of a drop to close the wheel-to-fender gap some, but other than that It's really nice car.

I like everything about the interior except the two-tier dash, but I could easily live with it. I kinda want one.

What does Oppo think?

DISCUSSION (84)

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 08:49

Should've mentioned this before, THIS is the car my dad wants me to buy. He's trying to steer me away from the Fiesta to get this.

Party-vi > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 08:49

I think we need an Accord Si with that V6 and a six-speed trans.

Speaking on the Civic Si, I've never been interested enough to look at their specs or price one up, but I think they're neat when I see them on the street.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:50

I think you'd enjoy this. AUTOX MAN, V-TECH MAN.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Party-vi
05/05/2014 at 08:52

They're actually decently cheap, $22k base price for an N/A powered car making 205HP and 174 torques. Plus honda reliability.

An Accord Si would be a fucking awesome idea.

Alex B > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:53

Is the Fiesta ST? If it is get the Fiesta.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 08:53

Don't think so. There's reasons why it's being redesigned every year and is never in any comparison tests. The Fiesta is in a completely different league.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:53

ST? I'd go Fiesta, but I'm also biased because I'm planning on making a Fiesta ST my next car. lol

mazdaspeed2 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 08:54

I drove a 2007 once and I didn't like how it felt on the road. The engine and trans were good, but it felt bigger than it was. I've always thought they were cool, and I wanted to like it, but I really hated how it drove.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:54

It looks cool and has a ton of aftermarket though!

Brian Silvestro > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/05/2014 at 08:55

But of course! There's like 20 people on oppo with Fiesta STs.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:55

Forget your dad get a Abarth or a Miata.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazdaspeed2
05/05/2014 at 08:55

Maybe they'll feel smaller now. I dunno, I wish I could test drive cars at dealerships. Damn being 16!!

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 08:56

And you also have to deal with being part of "that group" of Si drivers.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:56

Hopefully 21 come June/July-ish. ;)

And maybe 22 if you go with what you know is the right choice. lol Btw, this is coming from a guy who is generally a die-hard import fan. The Fiesta ST is just way too awesome.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:58

That's not entirely true, just ignore the Si douchenozzles and you'll be a-okay.

Why the fuck am I defending a Honda? What's going on with me. I'm scared.

nafsucof > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 08:59

moo buy an st dad is wrong!!!

Tom McParland > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:00

I drove a '13 Si sedan and was a little disappointed The 6MT is AMAZING, super light and very responsive. IMO Honda makes some of the best manual gear-boxes in the biz. What let me down is the interior felt cheap (the '14 is a big improvement), trunk was small, and it didn't "feel" significantly quicker than my Mazda3. That being said, I think they are pretty nice.

mazdaspeed2 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:01

I feel your pain. I'm 19 now, so it still depends on the dealership for me. If they feel like they smaller now then I would definitely recommend it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Tom McParland
05/05/2014 at 09:02

As someone who generally doesn't like Hondas, I'm concerned with how much I like it.

Brian Silvestro > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/05/2014 at 09:03

The Fiesta ST was designed and built by Germans, so you really must be an import fan.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:04

Yeah, even if you ignore them, other people will consider you to also be one of them. This is the main reason I'm also not considering a GTI.

Brian Silvestro > nafsucof
05/05/2014 at 09:04

I know! He knows NOTHING

Brian Silvestro > Alex B
05/05/2014 at 09:05

But of course. It's a no-brainer.

jariten1781 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:05

It's 6 inches longer than a Focus ST with less passenger room/cargo room than the Fiesta ST. That's why I took it off my list. Drivetrain was cool though. Would have been a harder choice if they offered a hatch.

Brian Silvestro > mazdaspeed2
05/05/2014 at 09:06

I'm also 19. If I go in with my dad, they'll usually offer the test drive to me. I've never gone alone...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:06

BREAK THE STEREOTYPE BRIAN. BREAK IT.

Alex B > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:06

Well then skip the Si. It can't even compare. Plus the ST is a hatchback. Totally versatile!

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:07

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > Alex B
05/05/2014 at 09:07

I know! My dad just doesn't believe me when I tell him these things.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:07

You already know what I'm gonna say. But I'm probably biased because I own a 2008 sedan!

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:07

Well I meant Japanese imports, but fair enough. haha I do work for a German automotive company, so my co-workers would probably be a bit more accepting of me driving up in a Fiesta ST. lol

Alex B > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:08

Would the hatch back be cheaper to insure as well?

offroadkarter > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:08

meh

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jariten1781
05/05/2014 at 09:08

There's one reason I can't get behind the Fiesta or Focus ST, and it's that fish lips grille they put on it.

Kinja'd!!!

I just couldn't drive a car that has that face on it.

Tom McParland > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:08

Just something to think about...as a young person (I'm assuming you are under 25) the insurance on this is not going to be fun. The Accord Sport 6MT looks super sharp, has more practicality and is not drastically slower 0-60 in 6.8 rather than 6.3. The insurance should be much easier on the Accord also since the manuals don't sell you can get one at a nice discount.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:09

Still trying to figure out why I'm defending a fucking HONDA.

Brian Silvestro > Alex B
05/05/2014 at 09:09

Most likely! And then I'd have a car with enough space to move my belongings to and from college every semester.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
05/05/2014 at 09:10

I not a fan of Hondas normally. They're just too boring for me. But hot damn this new Si looks fucking amazing.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:10

Just stahp. I think there's one Si owner on oppo, and he tries to defend by saying things like "well I know the other cars are faster, more fun to drive, and cheaper but...."

but it sounds like he regrets his purchase.

Alex B > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:11

Yep. Yet another reason why the ST is far superior to the Si.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Tom McParland
05/05/2014 at 09:11

I'm years away from affording a new car (16 btw) by the time I can I'll be out of this insurance bracket most likely.

Brian Silvestro > Alex B
05/05/2014 at 09:11

Far superior.

nafsucof > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:12

ask him if he's driven a Ford lately.

Tom McParland > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:14

Gotcha

GTI MkVII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:18

205 hp and 174 torques…. at 17 billion RPM. I drive a Honda (97 Civic) and quite liked the last gen Si (06-10), but I can't get behind these newer ones. Honda as of late has been cheapening their cars and cutting corners. The engineering-focused Honda we used to know and love is long gone. Between the new Si and a Fiesta/Focus ST, I'd go with either of the hatches. And I'm not a Ford fan in the slightest.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:22

It looks even better in person! I saw one at the dealership a couple of weeks ago.

schwartz > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:23

Owned a 07 Si, got rid of it shortly after a year. For daily driving the turbo of the FiestaST will be much better around town and you will have more low speed fun with it. Plus as far as handling goes the FiestaST is still better then the Civic. The chassis is more playful. The Si will just wash out in the front end where the ST twins you can get the butt to slide around. MPG on my Si was mid 20's like my Focus ST. My biggest problem with the Si though was the uncomfy seats after about 1.5. The front was too low and my legs cramped badly.

Also my Si went into the shop 8 times for random stuff going wrong. ST has been solid.

schwartz > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:24

You don't see the front when you are driving it. Besides the fish lips resemble your smile while driving it.

Milky > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:45

FWD coupe = #FuckLogic

If I ever were to give up oversteer for understeer I better get more interior space and practicality too. You know the things that most FWD cars give you.

Kinja'd!!!

Also if you want a sporty car on a budget just get a '06 SI, almost the same power and Honda reliability when you actually need it at 100k+ miles.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:51

I JUST HATE FISH LIPS

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > GTI MkVII
05/05/2014 at 09:53

I'd get behind a used Cobalt SS before a Fiesta or Focus. Because I don't care how good to drive they are, I can't get behind how they look.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:54

THEN GET IT IN BLACK

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > schwartz
05/05/2014 at 09:55

I just don't think I could get out of it and be able to look back and admire how it looks..

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 09:57

I'LL ADMIT IT, I HATE THE FIESTA AND FOCUS AND THEIR UGLY LITTLE NOSES. LIKE THE FIESTA USED TO LOOK GOOD AND FORD RUINED IT.

GTI MkVII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:57

I don't know about all that now…

Honestly though, I'd go for GTI (either a MkVI well below invoice, or a MkVII if you can afford it). Insurance isn't terrible on them surprisingly enough.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 09:59

I disagree. I didn't like the look of the Fiesta before the redesign.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > GTI MkVII
05/05/2014 at 09:59

The GTI would be a good choice, that's probably my favorite hot hatch on sale at the moment.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro
05/05/2014 at 10:02

Double grilles over Aston knock off any day.

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 10:03

Kinja'd!!!

schwartz > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 10:03

My Focus ST has grown on me a bit since I got it, but no its not pretty but its the new car in that price point that fit what I needed.

GTI MkVII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 10:20

Go for it then! I know I'll be doing just that in a few short weeks/months. If you can afford the MkVII, I'd go that route - but there's nothing wrong with the outgoing MkVI. Most dealers still have a few floating around and they're letting them go for WAY under invoice. Between practicality, performance, comfort, style, and maturity/refinment, I don't think there's a better contender than the GTI.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 10:43

I see why you would like this. If it is what floats the boat, then go for it. I couldnt stand living with the two tier space age dash, and am more of a VAG person. And, in Mexico, I can buy a Seat which is the epitome of small car design.

Kinja'd!!!

Wurrwulf > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 10:45

I think the Civic needs about 20hp more and much better gas mileage to compete with the Fiesta. Until then, I don't see the Civic winning.

anothermiatafanboy > GTI MkVII
05/05/2014 at 10:59

It redlines at like 7100...with the torque peak in the low 4k range. You say you quite like the last gen, and those were the screamers that rev to 8000 rpm and have a gutless mid range.

GTI MkVII > anothermiatafanboy
05/05/2014 at 11:07

You're absolutely right. But the last gen at least had some character to it. The new K24 is bland compared to the K20 if you ask me.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 11:34

I owned (well, leased, but whatever) 2 of the previous-generation Civic Si, and when the new one arrived, I did not lease a 3rd. Why? Because the styling reminds me of a cheap Chinese/Korean knockoff of its predecessor, the interior is basically the same, and they've given it the engine from the economy version of the Honda Accord.

Yes, that's right, Honda Motor Company, which used to be famous for extracting more hp/liter than anyone they competed with, has gone the lazy Detroit route of taking the engine from a full-sized car and stuffing it into a compact, and calling that performance. So, instead of the 100hp/liter engine that eagerly revved to 8,100rpm all day long, you get the 2.4 from a family sedan, tuned to run on premium, which redlines 1000rpm lower. The new engine runs out of breath before the old one started blinking its shift light in your eye.

Yes, you do get more torque than the old one, but there's only so much torque a FWD car can utilize before it becomes annoying to drive (MazdaSpeed 3), besides which, part of the charm of a Civic Si (or any sporty Honda) is having a tiny engine that you have to wail on to go fast. No one ever complains about F1 cars not having any torque. Oh, and the time-honored tradition of modifying your Civic Si is now gone, because this new engine features an integrated exhaust manifold, which basically kills any potential for bolt-on performance. Fail.

Sure, it may post the same acceleration numbers and lap times as the old one, but there's some fun missing from that. You no longer get to feel like Mika Hakkinen on your late-night milk run. Well, maybe, because some F1 cars are also hideous from the outside. Also, why are identical performance figures to the previous generation vehicle acceptable in today's market? They aren't. So, it's an ugly car that doesn't outperform its dad. Small wonder that used 8th-gen cars are worth as much as brand-new 9th-gens.

Honda dropped the ball on this car, and fumbled it horribly. My dad works for Honda, everyone in my family has one, and when I've needed a new car, it's almost always had an H-badge on the nose. But if I were to go shopping for a new car today, the Civic Si wouldn't even be on my list of considerations. For that money, you can get a Fiesta/Focus ST, which doesn't look like an outdated car with Fast and Furious bits glued to it, has an engine that can be modified, and is actually fun to drive. Oh, and they're both hatchbacks.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 11:56

Not really. The 2.4 in the 9th-gen Si has an integrated exhaust manifold, which means the key component for cheap bolt-on performance (a new racing header) is no longer available to you. The K-series engine always responded well to mods that make it breathe better, but this one does not give you that option. Without an improved, free-flowing header, everything else you can do (short of a turbo kit) is just cheap rice-boy addons that make more noise, but not power.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
05/05/2014 at 12:13

I HATE THAT THEY DON'T SELL THESE HERE. WHY CAN'T WE GET SEAT GOODNESS.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Wurrwulf
05/05/2014 at 12:14

I'm sure it's only a tune away from another 20hp.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > GTI MkVII
05/05/2014 at 12:15

By the time I could actually afford a GTI, the MKX will probably be out. I just wanted to know opinions on the Si, I had no intention of buying anything anytime soon.

GTI MkVII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 12:25

Haha gotcha. Its good that you've got some time. Just do as much research as you can and test drive the cars you're interested in if you ever have the opportunity.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin
05/05/2014 at 13:04

That "Lazy Detroit Way" of swapping engines from bigger cars in smaller cars is what's being done in the Fiesta ST and Focus ST. The 1.6T from the Fiesta is a motor in the Fusion and Escape and the 2.0T in the Focus is in the Taurus, Fusion, Escape, and Edge. Honda's doing the same thing in the Si to reduce R&D cost so the car can be cheaper.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin
05/05/2014 at 13:06

You're telling me an ECU tune just adds noise?

anothermiatafanboy > GTI MkVII
05/05/2014 at 13:09

I agree with you wholeheartedly and am considering the previous gen Si as a daily driver. I would love hearing that K20 hit 8,000 rpm every single day. And I prefer the looks.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 13:23

I suppose that's true of the Ford products you mention, but that isn't The Honda Way, which is why I have a problem with them doing it to the Si. As I also mentioned, doing it the lazy way has resulted in a car that is not measurably superior to its predecessor in any way. At least the Fords with ST badges are better performers than their previous generations.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 13:27

Depends on the car. The 9th-gen Civic Si gets more power from a different ECU tune, but only because they started with the engine/tune from a beige-pants family sedan. If you tried the standard Hondata ECU reflash on the 8th-gen Si, you'd actually lose midrange power if you didn't have a CAI, racing header, and a freer-flowing exhaust on it already.

In most cases, ECU tunes in most unmodified N/A vehicles do not result in meaningful performance gains. F/I engines are another matter entirely.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 14:22

Ive driven the Cupras and FRs. My goodness does America miss out on these gems.

Kinja'd!!!

JerseyJoey > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 15:40

Drove one last week. Found it suprisingly nice. Seats were uncomfortable tho, and I think there were too many screens... I think three or four total. One on the upper dash showed info about the gas, etc. and then to find the MPG and remaining milage, you had to look at a different screen, so information was all over the place. Engine was nice and the gearbox was solid.

ILLec > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/05/2014 at 16:21

Ford>Honda, just sold my Si to get into a Focus ST. Miles ahead of the Civic in fit/finish and overall quality. You'd be surprised how limited the aftermarket is for the Si. Its not like it was in the late 90s

Burrito de EJ25 > Brian Silvestro
05/06/2014 at 00:19

I think that same dude claimed his Si was faster than my '13 WRX around a track. Now, I don't typically getting into these vehicle performance dick measuring contests, but I guffawed like no man has ever guffawed before.

Volvo 850 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/06/2014 at 11:01

Honda dealers were taking $2000-$3000 off these a few months ago, not sure what they're taking off on he 2014's. It's a lot of car for the money. It's the only car in this class with an LSD (until the Mk7 GTI arrives) and it's the cheapest one. The Fiesta ST is probably more fun, but the Si is faster, more refined, more spacious, higher quality, and safer. If they're still taking $2000+ off these, they also cost the same or less than a Fiesta ST. I prefer the Sedan's sleeper styling.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > GTI MkVII
05/06/2014 at 14:34

Not quite 17 billion RPM. The Accord engine in this 9th-gen Si taps out at 7100. The K20Z3 in the previous version went 1000RPM higher before the rev limiter engaged. The new one is out of breath before the old one's shift light started to blink.

GTI MkVII > The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin
05/06/2014 at 16:19

Yeah, I meant that as more of an insult to the car than a compliment. In terms of daily driving, its nowhere near as accessible or as punchy as, say, a Fiesta/Focus ST or a GTI. That said though, I'd choose a K20 over a K24 Si any day. If I'm gonna live with a lowish torque engine, I'd want it to be rev-happy and have some character.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > GTI MkVII
05/06/2014 at 16:42

I've had three cars with a K20 (A2 or Z3), and I never really missed the torque. Know what gear to be in, and don't be afraid to rev the dickens out of it (which it loves) and the throttle response at higher RPM makes up for it. Plus, above 7500 RPM, the Z3 variant in the 8th-gen Si positively sings. And when aren't feeling like Micheal Schumacher, it's happy to cart you around in a smooth, quiet fashion.