Honda Civic Si: fun-ctional

Edited the blog w/ current miles

A-ha! so, it's not just me, then. If I don't push the clutch in like I mean it when switching to 3rd gear, the car tells me right off with a rude, grinding-of-metal noise. Hm.
 
More in the "it's not just me!" category:
"The latter of which, given the Si's proclivity to goad me into driving like an a-hole (I swear it's the car's fault)" -- it is TOTALLY the car's fault. It's a struggle for me, too.

Sheesh, only 20K miles? How's that gear box going to be at 40K?...

I am surprised the editors are taking this all so well. If this were my car I would be pretty pissed right about now...especially if I bought it.

I have the 2nd gear issue, never knew exactly what the problem was though. i just deal with it by shifting slightly slower. can this problem be fixed?

Not sure why everyone keeps looking at it like it's a mechanical issue. The problem lies with Honda's choice in transmission fluid, not the gearbox itself. There's a big long explanation, but I'll spare you the details and just tell you the next time you have it serviced, ask the service department to replace the Honda fluid with GM's Syncromesh fluid or some other comparable transmission fluid. Problem solved.
This is quite common among the newer Honda's and the resolve for most of us Civic/RSX enthusiasts was to replace it with either Mobil 1 tranny fluid or GM's. GM's Syncromesh TF is some of the best stuff out there though and that buttery smoothness we all love in the new Si comes right back.

Wonder if that voids the warranty...

Why would it void your warranty? Because you're replacing the fluid with a non-Honda fluid? Honda can't MAKE you purchase their fluid. That's against the law. They can RECOMMEND that you use their fluid, but there are service departments all across the U.S. who don't even use a manufacturer's own fluids.

I have similar gear issues, especially the grinding part. But that more oftenly occurs when the transmission is cold or needs warming up. Also, I have dislodged my phone from that cubby hole a few times =X
 
mrjones944 - Although the Si has some problems (but what car doesn't?), there's just so much to love about it and the driving experience.

I've owned my SI for 15k miles now. Exact same model as edmunds; Galaxy Grey, No Navigation, All-season tires.
 
What they post is true. From the factory, the first 7000 SIs delivered had poor Drive-by-Wire (DBW) programming. This was addressed in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). As edmunds noted, Honda would reflash your ECU. This removed most of the jerkiness when cold, and throttle surging in low gears at low speeds with mild throttle input.
 
Many SI owners have found ways to adjust to the DBW programming. After I received my reflash at around 9000 miles, I found the driving experience much more enjoyable. I learned how to drive my car since throttle input became more natural. Much like many other cars, the SI takes time to learn how to drive smoothly.
 
And therein lies what I believe is the problem with edmunds assessment of this car's throttle/engine/transmission. Since they often switch who is driving it, and few people drive it regularly in day-to-day traffic, they do not become accustomed to the characteristics of the car. That's just my opinion; I could be wrong.
 
Regarding gear grinding. I do not get an audible grind, but I feel gears when I shift into 2nd about 50% of the time. 3rd gear when cold requires extra attention to make sure the shifter went all the way in. It's not a real concern, unless you are driving spiritedly. In which case you should be warmed up already, and it's not a problem. :)
 
As said previously, many SI/RSX owners with this transmission (it's been out now for 5+ years) have experienced various 2nd-3rd gear concerns. The get an occasional grind, or just are unsatisfied with the feeling of the shift. Very, very few owners have reported actual synchro or transmission problems as a result. Most people who switch to GM or AMSOIL trans fluid find their concerns alleviated. I intend to spend the $20 on the AMSOIL MT fluid myself, as I prefer synthetic fluids in drivetrain components anyway.
 
Speaking of which, two days ago I changed my oil to a new full synthetic. Engine jerkiness when cold was reduced tangibly. Perhaps this is somewhat a fluid/break-in matter? Just a thought.
 
After 15k miles, it's a joy to drive everyday. The power isn't amazing, but it is intoxicating for what it is. The handling is subjectively the most impressive experience of the car. When you think you are nearing the limit, the nose starts to dig in like understeer is coming on, but you continue rotating and the car performs admirably.
 
Interior comfort is second to none. Ergonomics are amazing (I can fit either a water bottle or a (unopened) bottle of wine in my cupholders, and both stay put easily). Seat comfort is tremendous. And the stock stereo is fantastic.
 
First year quirks include the aforementioned issues, and one or two squeaks and rattles on most 06 SIs...especially when cold out. Other than that, it's been an impressively trouble-free car for most owners including this one. And I thrash it everyday, usually 4-6 trips to redline in 25 miles of commuting....plenty of shifting between 5000-7000rpms as well. Consistently delivers 26mpg in suburban aggressive driving with minimal highway.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Joe

Cutting Honda MTF w/ a quart of GM synchromesh works well enough for me in past H/A products and would be my starting point with the Si after I get a few miles on the odometer.

Seems a little suspect that if it was as simple as changing gear oil, Honda would have done that at the factory...

The same trick works on some Mazdas too. Some of us wonder if we're giving up any long term durability when we switch to GM Synchromesh w/ friction modifiers (or Redline fluid), but no one's really sure.

It does seem like quite and oversight for the company that spends more on engine development than any other in the world, then again it probably is overwhelming to have 100s of engines and have to each time rethink each part and do tests. I would guess the fluid was great at one time for a large amount of engines, or was reformulated because it worked in one engine or another better, but they didnt neccisarily have the oportunity or resources to test it in absolutely every situation (no company can) still from what i've heard there has been a recent change in formula so perhaps newer cars and cars that get a refil of the new oem stuff will run smoother.
 
-Spargo

let's hope so. i'm really considering using a different transmission fluid

I thought I read somewhere that Honda overfilled the tranny which causes the grinds and such? Im not sure how true this is. In the end it looks as if the GM synchromesh takes care of the tranny "issues".

I love the cubby too. I have an 03 civic and often find my cell phone sharing space with lose change in there though. but the cell phone always stays put.