2006 Honda Civic: Test Ending

speaking of almost 1 year ago, the longterm RX400h is where... Is it embargoed, broken or am i missing something... Seriously i'm falling over the edge.
 
Otherwise...
I can't believe the si has been here a year! Feels like yesterday!! I guess the MDX, RDX, TL-S and CR-v are the only cantidates from honda/acura for long term vehicles.
 
Thats 5 long term vehicles gone. The 330i, solstice, si, accord hybrid, eclipse and ridgeline. Those were the ones i was following carefully. Now i like the camry, tahoe, and versa.
 
-Cj isn't the mx-5 next to leave?

I'm going to miss the si, even though of recent it seems pretty clear everything that needed to be said was said. Still its a rough segment right now, only a year gone by and already cars like the ms3 or upcoming c30 threaten this car. I however stand by my guns and say its the best you can get for around 20k. Sure its a pretty dead heat in many numbers games, and often laughed at for its torque, or even more recently its power, but the fun factor has always been there. Thats the key, thats the thing thats so hard, you can see it everywhere really, why do bmws continue to be considered the best when other manufacturers can offer leather seats and greater power numbers for the dollar? because they're a riot, and when you test drive one it all makes sence, and i think the si and honda in general are the same way.
 
People say the asian market cars have no soul, but I think their dead wrong and the si is living proof.
 
-Spargo

I have owned an Si for the past four months and still believe it is the the best ownership proposition for the enthusiast driver in its category. Yes, a Mazdaspeed 3 is faster and yes, a VW GTI is (arguably) more upscale, but the Si provides an ideal balance between speed, economy, luxury, reliability, and refinement. The engine -- described somewhere as sounding like a Pokemon Ferrari -- is a real sweetheart. The torque figure doesn't tell the full story. The torque curve is incredibly flat, making it easy to slice and dice traffic even without entering nutter butter VTEC territory.
 
And once the tach sweeps past 6,000 RPM you'd better be focused on the road ahead because the power between there and the 8,200 rpm redline is relentless. The car also handles like it's on rails. My average fuel economy of 27 mpg (mostly city driving) is outstanding for a car with this many features and this much power. Remind me, again, why I should buy a Fit? The seats also come in for special mention. They are simply outstanding.
 
Niggles? Some of the interior trim squeaks in cold weather. The headlights aren't as bright as they should be and fogs should be standard. It could also use a rear wiper for that vast expanse of glass back there. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. I could comfortably afford something twice as expensive (and thought very carefully about a 335Ci), but when the Si is this complete, why bother? Honda has an absolute winner on its hands.

I have been reading the long-term blog religiously for comments on the Si. This blog and other reviews have convinced me to buy a 4-door Si for my next car. I have always been a fan of Honda as a company. However, Honda has not put out a sub-$30k car that appealed to me for quite some time. The new Si seem to meet most, if not all of the expectations, for car enthusiasts. I'm sure it will be a worthy successor to my dearly departed WRX.

I've owned an Si since late May, and I've put about 22,000kms on it (I live in Canada). This car has been just unbelievable to live with and have fun with! This simply has to be the best naturally aspirated 4 cylinder out there. From my experiences, I would place it among other top notch naturally aspirated motors around the world from BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, etc - because its got so much verve and life and refinement. When considering the interaction and relationship between the engine, transmission, steering/handling and brakes, this car approaches the level of cohesiveness of cars like the Boxster and perhaps the BMW 3 series.
  
The chassis on the Si is also one of a kind if you ask me - it took me a bit of time to come to understand its characteristics. Its limits are so high (compared to other cars in this price range, and compared to other front drive cars) that I was unsure about some corner entry (and exit) speeds thinking that theres no way the car would 'stick' - but with some decent tires this thing can likely give you nose-bleeds in the bends. And it loves every minute of it just begging you for more action!
  
The car's been reliable, some panel squeaks, but they're minor and have been easy to fix with some foam and stuffing behind the headliner and pillar-panels. Be careful to break the car in slowly before spending lots of time 'in VTEC' (above 6000rpm), and I'd expect you'll see many years of reliability.
  
I can't recommend this car enough to anyone who is considering it - take one for as long a drive as you can. Pay attention to how much fun you're having compared to other cars that you may have driven and you'll be left very very impressed with the Si!

I've owned an Si since late May, and I've put about 22,000kms on it (I live in Canada). This car has been just unbelievable to live with and have fun with! This simply has to be the best naturally aspirated 4 cylinder out there. From my experiences, I would place it among other top notch naturally aspirated motors around the world from BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, etc - because its got so much verve and life and refinement. When considering the interaction and relationship between the engine, transmission, steering/handling and brakes, this car approaches the level of cohesiveness of cars like the Boxster and perhaps the BMW 3 series.
   
The chassis on the Si is also one of a kind if you ask me - it took me a bit of time to come to understand its characteristics. Its limits are so high (compared to other cars in this price range, and compared to other front drive cars) that I was unsure about some corner entry (and exit) speeds thinking that theres no way the car would 'stick' - but with some decent tires this thing can likely give you nose-bleeds in the bends. And it loves every minute of it just begging you for more action!
   
The car's been reliable, some panel squeaks, but they're minor and have been easy to fix with some foam and stuffing behind the headliner and pillar-panels. Be careful to break the car in slowly before spending lots of time 'in VTEC' (above 6000rpm), and I'd expect you'll see many years of reliability.
   
I can't recommend this car enough to anyone who is considering it - take one for as long a drive as you can. Pay attention to how much fun you're having compared to other cars that you may have driven and you'll be left very very impressed with the Si!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ILL MISS THE Si POSTS!!!

Wow, it gives me a nice warm feeling inside to see to many other Si owners with praise for the Si. I agree with everyone else here.
 
I got my Si a little after insideline got theirs. since then, i've been following their blog on the Si. it makes me sad to see such a knowledgeable blog about the Si end.
 
There's so much to say about this car, i don't even know where to begin. let's start with the engine. pure bliss. it sounds so good, that i don't even wanna mod my car. and that sky high redline. gotta love it! rivals so many expensive cars (ferrari, bmw, other exotics). and that much HP from a stock naturally aspirated engine. it's HP/L is incredible. the only other NA engine that's better is the S2000's. the M5's engine ties with the Si's engine. i love hitting vtec, i'm absolutely addicted to it!!
 
Of course this car wouldn't be the same without a LSD. this is the first car i've driven with a LSD. i never knew that a LSD was so much fun! the cornering is incredible.
 
the exhaust is closely related to the engine in my opinion, so i won't go into much detail. the stock exhaust sounds so good, that i don't wanna change it. since it's the same exhaust tip as the S2000's, i often joke about my car being a baby S2000.
 
i plan on keeping this car even if i get a newer car down the road. scrolling up, i recall someone choosing this car over the new 3 series. wow!! that's like the ultimate compliment to the Si. of all the cars i looked at, the Si was the most powerful. i wasn't too crazy about the look at first, but after all i heard about vtec, i couldn't pass it up. i bought her on the spot that night. jan 28th, i'll never forget.
 
and i think i've run out of things to say, so i'll just say farewell to the insideline Si. i hope your new owner appreciates you and treats you well!

I'll miss it too. Insurance rates kept me from buying one... I'll just call myself a follower.
But what is that 'c30' that two posters above mentioned?*edit* it's the Volvo, which I predict will be like the Audi S3 - capable but numb in comparison.

autoboy16 - You're correct. Next car to head for the auction block is our Mazda MX-5. Test is officially over March 16, 2007.
 
Kelly Toepke, manager of vehicle testing

Wow, glad to see the enthusiasm but reading some of these comments makes me feel like I'm at a wake!
It's ok people, the Si may be leaving Edmunds, but I'm sure it's going to a loving home!
;)

growing up a honda lover, this new Si struck me as pure magic. 100 hp per liter, normally aspirated, LSD. I totally agree with spargo that cars need soul and this car has plenty. And if you want the power of the ms3, just get a turbo kit, for $1600, you get (according to the manufacturer of that kit) 252 wheel hp. I'll miss this car. one question, do you guys fill it with 87, 89, or 91 octane gas?

For those who will miss the blog updates on the Honda Civic Si, be sure and join in our Honda Civic Forum http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.eea7239 and don't forget to fill-in your CarSpace profile page. Cheers!
 
ps - I'm going to miss reading about the Si as well!

civicguy3: i assume we can talk about manufacturers. if not, i'm sorry for what i'm about to mention. there's an AJP kit that makes 376 wheel HP. it's $4300 i believe, but well worth it. low PSI also

if you want all out power i'd honestly say the mustang would be the best route, or if you could wait a much much much much better choice than that would be the new camaro, their bigger engines will have superchargers and turbos in no time and pull some amazing times.
 
This however is not what driving is about to me and i think most people. Although bragging rights are fun, when it comes down to it the feel a car gives a true enthousiast is most importaint. Running around on bimmerforums i've found a few folks who had some souped up cars in their past, but ended up with a bimmer and loving it more because it was a more complete package. I test drove almost everything in this segment and i have to say the si is definately the full shabang.
 
dragonzsoul i have to completely agree with you i could never mod this thing. I go on the forums and people are throwing on all kinds of exausts and turbo kits and i cant for the life of me figure out why youd spend thousands tooling around with perfection. I LOVE the exaust and i wouldnt want to do a thing to change it, at idle there is a nice hum, while driving its almost silent and good lord when you get on it what a symphany.
 
The interior is amazing and perfect for what this car wants to be. It beats out almost any custom system i've ever seen and thats what new coupe buyers want, something hip, young, exciting, A dash that your friends will go damn thats neat. The whole car in fact has this "hey let me try that" aspect.
 
The interior to me is flawless I felt almost imdediately at home, only the windshield threw me for a loop but i got used to it quickly and the whole car made more and more sense the more i drove.
 
Finaly if i had to make a gripe or two i'd say honda should beef up the options list. The headlights should have a xenon option its just common sense, many people are doing this mod. I think the taillights should go led just like they ahve on the accord because the aftermarket will never do it justice, and although it never bothered me i think the drive by wire issue is a bit of an embarassment that honda should step up to the plate with and change. Then again with all consideration I realized honda probably looked into this and did what they could, but perhaps its not as simple as a computer reflash, i for one have found that most folks seem to have the issue fixed with both a chip and some i/h/e work, perhaps theres some backpressure somewhere, but id never want to loose that noise to fix it.
 
all in all amazing car, still saving up, i love it
 
-Spargo
 
-Spargo

hey didn't i hear somewhere you inside line guys are making this puppy into a project car now? Its really a shame to see this go i think its generated a lot of traffic for you guys and i know if you kept doing things with it people would keep coming around.
 
Far as i can tell this gets more comments than any other vehicle you've ever tested.
 
-Spargo

We considered tuning the Si and started pricing parts, but instead we decided to modify our former long-term Mustang GT for a shoot-out with the new GT500. The head-to-head Ford story will go live on Inside Line during the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check it out.
 
Kelly

Not sure of the budget you guys have but why not do both? The si has already proved track prowess, why not show what it can do matted up against a car like the mustang that seems more tunable. I think it would be really interesting and give you more than one article out of the tuned gt.
 
Like its been said turbo kits have been giving over 300hp, and though the si handles amazingly folks have been modifying the suspension with positive results. As well complaints like stock tires and brakes being worse from factory than they would be when eventually replaced could be played out. And i might add it would be interesting to see a budget comparison. The mustang and civic have always been famous tuner platforms and to see them match up in the modern day would be epic.
 
-Spargo

spargo, great minds think alike! the Si sounds just aggressive enough without attracting the attention of the law enforcement.
 
the xenon option would be nice, but it would need to be more than that. i would like to see projectors as well. there have been quite a few projector retrofits, and i must say that they look incredible! i have 8000K xenon on my Si. as for the tailights? i suppose they could be LED, as long as they make it the same for all civics. this car is a sleeper from the rear (at night) also if it doesn't brake. and as for DBW, it supposedly helps with emissions if i remember correctly. did you get the reflash on your car?
 
i have to do a little advertising for my Si forum. for all you other civic owners, www.fgcoupe.com/forum has tons of civic info. just wondering, is anyone on edmunds already from fgcoupe?
 
to the editors: oh c'mon, you gotta turn this into a project car! the potential of this car is bottomless with new parts coming out all the time. i'm biased so i say go with the Si for the project car, but if you can, why not do both the mustang and the Si? and would you guys ever consider getting a S2000 for a long term test car?

dragonzsoul, I think ktoepke may say: While it is possible to get a long term s2000, it has been out for about 7 years and isn't new anymore. I think Acuras new MDX & RDX and honda's CR-v are the only new products from honda/acura that are being considered as long term test vehicles. I should work at edmunds! I ♥ this website! -Cj

i actually am on fgcoupe and 8th civic and tov all under something containing spargo
 
I'm glad to hear somone agrees with me on this japan vs the us shootout. The mustang has obviously more potential given an unlimited amount of cash as far as the engine (no replacement for displacement and rwd) however the mustang has a higher base price, and if you had a budget for both that was the same including the cost of the car you might have some very interesting results as the si would have thousands more at its disposal.
 
I must say kudos though on choosing the mustang what a bad ass looking car and an awesome platform. As I said the camaro would be better in my eyes but since their taking their sweet time i say go for that for sure.
 
-Spargo

spargo: what's your fgcoupe id? yeah the mustang has more potential because of a larger engine. it takes talent/skill to create so much HP from a small displacement engine. did i mention a naturally aspirated engine? and like most japanese engines, they have a very good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. these days with gas prices so high, that's an important thing to remember.

my id is spargo i believe
 
no doubt it takes tallent to push that much power out of an engine, but you must keep in mind the mustang was never really designed to be great, but a great platform, and just like all american muscle, because the engine has such poor hp/ltr there is huge room for improvement, while the high compression ratio of the japaneese engines make them harder to improve upon.
 
Still give me the factory perfection of the si over the ''well it might be good in the future'' of the already more expensive and poorly manufactured mustang.
 
And like i've said since it is more out the gate it would be interesting to see which car would lap a track fastest or win in a full out all details comparo. Which would end up most street drivable which wouldn't loose its character when modified.
 
-Spargo

I'm sad to see that the Si will be leaving Edmund's long term fleet. I've enjoyed reading the blogs about the car as well as the Si being an intimate part of Edmunds.com
It would be fun to see the Si as a project car, since I'd rather not see the it distanced from Edmunds but either way I'm sure the car will get a good home.
As far as Civic communities, TOV, FGcoupe, and 8thCivic are all great. Myself, I'm a active member of 8thCivic.com (for which Edmunds is a sponsor! :) )
 
I look forward to the final test and verdict, and if the Si turns out to have a future with Edmunds, all the better.

spargo: good point about the compression ratio. it's pretty high already. yup i agree, gimme the Si over any american car.
 
i second that comparison!