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Honda Civic Si / SiR 2005 and earlier

3321 messages,  Last post on Dec 21, 2007 at 5:11 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Coupe

Messages Page 107 of 333

#1055 of 3321 Poor paint quality by gee35coupe

Oct 22, 2002 (1:28 pm)

Is not refinement. Hondas have always been lighter and noisier than the competition but the noise didn't scream "cheap". Drive a 1996-2000 Civic/Integra and those rear wishbones are kinda noisy.
LX models have always had drum brakes and EX models have had drum brakes in non ABS models since 1991.
The diameter of the wheels have very little to do with refinement. Especially in cars of this size. What's the real difference in a Civic LX that's to be used as a commuter car? It's not running the slalom.
I'll be the first to admit the latest Civic is a letdown compared to the previous versions but I still can't think of any of it's contemporaries that I would rather purchase.
Refinement is how the controls work, how the clicks click and the beeps beep. Hondas ergonomics are some of the best (except the sunroof switch) ad the controls from the clutch to the turn signal stalk draw raves.

#1056 of 3321 by himiler

Oct 22, 2002 (1:49 pm)

I'm not just talking about refinement. The cost-cutting is obvious, and the car suffers for it.
 
It's all about actual vs. perceived value. Take a careful look at both the Civic and Protege (not a Ford product in any way) and tell me again why you'd rather drive the Civic.

#1057 of 3321 I wouldn't drive em by gee35coupe

Oct 22, 2002 (2:02 pm)

I've owned both. They both have positives and negatives. Protege drives like crazy but the engine leaves a bit to be desired when compared to the rest of the package. The Civic (excluding the Si) is like driving a bar of soap. Not for me. And its ugly from the rear. Even the Si has a sub 7000 redline. In a 4 cylinder "sporty" Honda there's no excuse for that.
I can't tell you why I'd rather drive a Civic cause I wouldn't rather drive one. But I still recognize it's one of the best cars in its class.

#1058 of 3321 Refinement... by civicw

Oct 22, 2002 (3:13 pm)

I've been looking to graduate to a refined Civic, but Honda is not interested in my business. My definition of refinement includes an absence of excessive noise, particularly road noise.
 
Presumably, Honda would like me to buy a bloated 03 Accord (subjective comment, no offense meant to those who like the looks). Too big for me. I tried the CR-V, but it too has lots of road noise.
 
The Civic 5 door would be perfect, especially if it was reasonably quiet.

#1059 of 3321 civicw by muffin_man

Oct 22, 2002 (3:49 pm)

The Si is surprisingly quiet, in my opinion. I think it is a very refined Civic.

#1060 of 3321 The Si by gee35coupe

Oct 22, 2002 (4:02 pm)

Is the best model in the lineup. Solid little car. The Si has the "feel" of a very substancial car. And even the sunroof button is where it should be.

#1061 of 3321 by anonymousposts

Oct 22, 2002 (5:53 pm)

Well I actually like the sunroof button to the left of the wheel. It's easier to see right there without having to look up for the sunroof switch and take your eyes completely off the road. But at least the SI's switch is right where it should be when your hand reaches up.
 
I've never actually never driven a "regular" 2001+ Civic. But I do remember about a year ago when I owned another economy car and I sat in a Civic LX 5-speed sedan. You could hear the smoothness in the engine compared to the car I owned, the way the gears snicked between gears, where the switches were .. it was all the way I think a car in it's class should feel.
 
And if you look at the Corolla it has a non-independent rear suspension. The Sentra has an axle. The Protege uses harder plastics than the Civic and it's not as safe, the Jetta is expensive and doesn't have an independent rear suspension, then you go to Neons, Cavaliers, and the Korean makes. All cars in this class have flaws. You can't get a "perfect" car for $15,000 anymore.

#1062 of 3321 All cars in this class have flaws? Please tell us what flaws do you see if by hamproof

Oct 22, 2002 (7:21 pm)

any in the Civic?? From the DX, LX, EX and SI? Please please please please please!

#1063 of 3321 by gee35coupe

Oct 22, 2002 (8:50 pm)

There's a great 10 car comparo in the Nov Car and Driver.

#1064 of 3321 "refinement" by ranald

Oct 23, 2002 (6:51 am)

Civics have always had comparatively thin paint and sheet metal and high interior noise, they contribute to why the car is lightweight and fun to drive. And it's not like you're going to find a $14K Lexus anywhere, all cars in that class share those problems to some degree.
 
Non-Si Civics have always had rear drum brakes,
and at best 14" wheels. Yes those are cost-cutting measures, but Hello?! this is a cost-cutting segment. Those features are perfectly acceptable on a lightweight commuter car which doesn't pretend to be a high-performance vehicle.
 
Anyone who complains about "obvious cost-cutting" in the Civic is (IMO) either ignorant or delusional. They either refuse to see where others cut costs even more obviously, or have the notion that somehow Honda can produce a $14K luxury car.

Messages Page 107 of 333

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