Honda Civic Si

Overview: Is the Honda Civic Si a Good Sport Compact Car?

The Honda Civic Si is a performance-oriented variant of the popular Honda Civic, offering enhanced driving dynamics and sportier styling. While the Si badge dates back to the 1980s, this overview focuses on the more modern iterations, starting with the eighth-generation Civic (2006-2011). Subsequent generations with an Si edition include:

• Honda Civic Si ninth generation: 2012-2015
• Honda Civic Si tenth generation: 2016-2021
• Honda Civic Si eleventh generation: 2022-current

The Civic Si has been available in sedan and coupe body styles, except the eleventh generation, which is only offered as a sedan. Known for its engaging manual transmission, responsive handling, and value-oriented performance, the Civic Si appeals to enthusiasts seeking an affordable and fun-to-drive compact car. For many years, the Si was the only performance-oriented Civic variant available in the U.S. In 2017, Honda added the more powerful Civic Type R to the lineup.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Honda Civic Si cars for sale.

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Related: Honda Civic Generations: The Model Through The Years

Key Features

The Honda Civic Si offers:

• Compact sedan or coupe body style (varying by generation)
• Front-wheel drive
• Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (tenth and eleventh generations)
• 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching (tenth and eleventh generations)
• Sport-tuned suspension and steering
• Unique exterior and interior styling elements

Trims

The Honda Civic Si is typically positioned as a standalone trim level within the Civic lineup, offering a balance of performance and features. In some generations, the Si has been available in both sedan and coupe body styles, while others have offered only one body style. The eleventh-generation Civic Si is solely available as a sedan.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Honda Civic Si's interior strikes a balance between sportiness and practicality. The front seats offer good bolstering for spirited driving, while the rear seats provide adequate passenger space. The Si features unique interior accents and materials, such as sport pedals and red stitching, to differentiate it from standard Civic models. Technology offerings have evolved, with more recent generations featuring larger touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and premium audio systems. Cargo space is competitive for the compact segment, with the sedan offering a spacious trunk and the coupe (in previous generations) providing a smaller but still usable cargo area.

Review: Here Are The Honda Civic Years To Avoid

How It Drives

The Honda Civic Si's driving experience is characterized by its responsive handling, precise steering, and engaging manual transmission. The eighth and ninth-generation models are powered by high-revving naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, while the tenth and eleventh generations feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines with improved low-end torque. The Si's sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes provide confident handling and braking performance. The 6-speed manual transmission, available with rev-matching technology in later generations, offers short, precise shifts and enhances driver engagement. Although the Si is undoubtedly quicker than its lesser Civic cousins, it’s better described as a sporty car rather than sports car. The 2024 Honda Si has a zero to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. In contrast, a four-cylinder turbocharged Mustang only requires 4.5 seconds for the same task.

Safety

The tenth and eleventh generations of the Honda Civic Si sedan have received a top five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Reviews

Kelley Blue Book doesn’t break out ratings for the Civic Si; instead, it combines all Civic editions. The eighth through tenth generations of Civic score high, with an average 4.5-4.7/5 rating. Owners give high rankings for the Civic’s reliability and value. Feedback for the eleventh-generation Civic is less optimistic, with an average 3.7 rating. Consumers expressed dissatisfaction with value, quality, and comfort.

Learn More: Are Honda Civics Good Cars?

FAQs

Does the Honda Civic Si only come in a manual?

Yes, the Honda Civic Si is exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. This approach reflects the Si's focus on driver engagement and its appeal to enthusiasts who prefer the control and connection provided by a manual gearbox. There is no Honda Civic Si automatic.

How long do the Honda Civic Si engines last?

Honda Civic Si engines are known for their reliability and longevity when properly maintained. A Civic Si engine can last well over 200,000 miles with regular servicing and responsible driving habits.

Does a Honda Civic Si have a turbo?

The tenth-generation (2016-2021) and eleventh-generation (2022-current) Honda Civic Si models are equipped with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. These engines provide improved low-end torque and more efficient performance than the naturally aspirated engines used in previous generations.

What does the SI mean on a Civic Honda?

The "Si" designation on a Honda Civic stands for "Sport Injected." This badge denotes the performance-oriented variant of the Civic, which features a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and other performance enhancements compared to the standard Civic models.

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