Registered: 01/03/00
Posts: 6063
Loc: Queens Village, NY
Test drove a 4 door Si today.
Likes: Great little car, fun to drive even at moderate pace. Not a torque monster but enough torque to say, take off on second gear from a stop, drive around town etc... It makes sexy noises as you rev it up, even though you aren't really going that fast. Vtec crossover is purely aural, you cannot feel it lol. The shifter is smooth as butter, as I was expecting. No notchiness, no slack. The throws are a little long though, relative to my current car.
dislikes: interior. The whole feel of it is like a spaceship; so much glass all around you, and even though the beltline is low you sit high, so I felt weird. I don't know...I guess I could get used to it, but the feel of the cabin is downright cheap, and that I don't know if I could get used to again. Not enough go power. OMG. this is a low 15sec car right? It just doesn't feel anything like it. I know that with Hondata and boltons this car can run low 14s or even high 13s but it just feels so much slower than my Z in stock form it's hard to believe.
The exterior styling isn't that bad from the rear, but that ultra short hood gives it that hybrid look which I just can't stand. They even had the Mugen Si there and with the body kit the overall look is vastly improved but for 29000 dollars they can suck my left nut.
The ride is definitely on the stiff side, though quite bearable, but it's stiff enough that I'd be worried of rattles developping in the future. You feel every imperfection, but the car I drove had no rattle sound or flex. Felt very solid and well put together, but most new cars do.
Overall, it's a good car, but I think Honda missed the boat on the styling inside and out, which is why I probably will not buy this as a replacement for my Z. The interior is what pisses me off the most. If they had modeled the interior styling of that car after say, the TSX interior styling, it would be a different story.
I can't fathom taking off from second though. No car I've driven except for a Dodge truck has been confortable with second gear starts (lots of clutch slipping and an obvious bog ensure).
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2008 Infiniti G35x Sport 2008 Acura RDX
I didn't like the interior of it *at all* when I sat in my first Si. I had an LX loaner for a while and it actually grew on me quite a bit rather quickly, I actually enjoyed driving that after a day or so. Far from perfect but it definately grew on me.
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2010 Mazda 3i Sport - THANKS OBAMA!!! 2008 Honda Fit - Has more JDM armrest than your car does. 2001 Suzuki SV650 "on the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that really counts." - Scootergeek "IN THE GLORIOUS PEOPLE'S REVOLUTION, THE FIRST TO DIE WILL BE THE BOURGEOIS TOW TRUCK DRIVERS!!" - Syhopeful
You do get used to it. Though I never really paid any attention to the ten foot dash. For what the car is its great step interior wise compared to the Em1. I dont know how you can say its cheap or has a cheap feel. I disagree. its no mercedes but common its a 20k civic.Its not liek 350's are known for fit and finish
Registered: 01/03/00
Posts: 6063
Loc: Queens Village, NY
Originally Posted By: Euphoric
You do get used to it. Though I never really paid any attention to the ten foot dash. For what the car is its great step interior wise compared to the Em1. I dont know how you can say its cheap or has a cheap feel. I disagree. its no mercedes but common its a 20k civic.Its not liek 350's are known for fit and finish
I wasn't talking about fit and finish. The fit and finish are ok. I was talking about the overall feel, which is of a cheap econo car. 350zs aren't the best interior wise, but there is not mistaken the interior is that of a sports car.
But I guess when you've been driving an econocar for 80% of this decade, you wouldn't know what I'm talking about. That's ok.
overall feel of the interior is also way up compared to the em1 . Its a 20k civic. what did you expect, a maybach? i know you know me and what ive driven . its ok.
I never found it cheap and the fit/finish was nice, but it doesn't impress as much as a GTI's where the materials just seem top notch and really make up for what could be called extremely plain jane otherwise.
I think the coupe looks way better than the sedan as well.
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2008 Infiniti G35x Sport 2008 Acura RDX
I love my FA5. The interior is a huge step up from my 00 ex. the car is very well put together. A few guys on 8th gen are running 14.1's in stock form. Oh well he is a pic of my car, great daily driver in my opinion.
quick vid of a friends SI I/H/stock exhaust hondata TSX cams.
I love my FA5. The interior is a huge step up from my 00 ex. the car is very well put together. A few guys on 8th gen are running 14.1's in stock form. Oh well he is a pic of my car, great daily driver in my opinion.
Stock? I don't think so. I've run a few, my car is chipped running 14.5s, and they couldn't pull on me. I have a hard time believing they're low 14sec cars in stock form. Maybe with some Hondata.
_________________________ -Chad AIM: bmpgli "No matter how beautiful a girl is, I'd rather get a barrel."--Jesse Billauer, LRO Foundation
You can hide a ECU reprogram super easy. I say he has a hondata. What does 3rd top out in a stock new SI? Seems like he shifted to 4th almost as he crossed the traps.
I think its like 78ish in 3rd I know it 102-103 in 4th cause I love that gear
Take this as it is, most si's run 14.7-15.2 stock. There are always a few out of the bunch that are factory freaks and have really good drivers behind them.
The factory freaks are putting 195ish to the wheels with just intake.
Registered: 01/03/00
Posts: 6063
Loc: Queens Village, NY
14.1 will only happen in a stock car with divine intervention coupled with a great driver and great great weather conditions. After driving that car, trust me, it is NOT anywhere close to low 14s on an average day.
Registered: 01/03/00
Posts: 6063
Loc: Queens Village, NY
Originally Posted By: Impulsive
I never found it cheap and the fit/finish was nice, but it doesn't impress as much as a GTI's where the materials just seem top notch and really make up for what could be called extremely plain jane otherwise.
I think the coupe looks way better than the sedan as well.
See...it's not just the fit and finish, materials etc...it's the simple fact that this car feels like a Civic too much. The Golf feels like an Audi and even the MS3 feels like a more upscale car. The Si feels econo. That's what I meant. They could have made it spicier. I mean, look at the euro Civic Type R version of this car; much better.
#2091673 - 12/02/0708:14 PMRe: test drove 08 Civic Si
[Re: cliff st-clair]
Poster
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 340
Originally Posted By: cliff st-clair
Test drove a 4 door Si today.
Likes: Great little car, fun to drive even at moderate pace. Not a torque monster but enough torque to say, take off on second gear from a stop, drive around town etc... It makes sexy noises as you rev it up, even though you aren't really going that fast. Vtec crossover is purely aural, you cannot feel it lol. The shifter is smooth as butter, as I was expecting. No notchiness, no slack. The throws are a little long though, relative to my current car.
dislikes: interior. The whole feel of it is like a spaceship; so much glass all around you, and even though the beltline is low you sit high, so I felt weird. I don't know...I guess I could get used to it, but the feel of the cabin is downright cheap, and that I don't know if I could get used to again. Not enough go power. OMG. this is a low 15sec car right? It just doesn't feel anything like it. I know that with Hondata and boltons this car can run low 14s or even high 13s but it just feels so much slower than my Z in stock form it's hard to believe.
The exterior styling isn't that bad from the rear, but that ultra short hood gives it that hybrid look which I just can't stand. They even had the Mugen Si there and with the body kit the overall look is vastly improved but for 29000 dollars they can suck my left nut.
The ride is definitely on the stiff side, though quite bearable, but it's stiff enough that I'd be worried of rattles developping in the future. You feel every imperfection, but the car I drove had no rattle sound or flex. Felt very solid and well put together, but most new cars do.
Overall, it's a good car, but I think Honda missed the boat on the styling inside and out, which is why I probably will not buy this as a replacement for my Z. The interior is what pisses me off the most. If they had modeled the interior styling of that car after say, the TSX interior styling, it would be a different story.
Okay, I traded in a 2003 Nissan Altima SE with the 3.5 engine, a little less power than the Z but close. I had an AEM intake and AEM Performance Exhaust. The thing I miss the most about the Altima is the Torque. You punched it, it went, smoked the tires kicked you back in the seat. The Civic SI does not do it. But, when you are on the highway, downshift to third and floor it at about 50, you will feel the ivtec kick in. It is fun, and the car handles well. I plan on keeping it for a few years, then go back to something more powerful, but it is a fun car to drive.
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2006 Black Civic SI (no mods) 1998 VW GTI VR6 (Deceased)
the gti doesnt feel(or look) like an audi... (ive driven it a lot) I read a few reviews which said its quality was down compared to years past? IMO it felt no more upscale than the civic did.
now an actual audi(such as the s4 I test drove) was noticably more upscale(duh).
I still dont get the complaint though. its a 20k civic that is miles ahead of the models that came before it(in terms of fit and finish). its not a luxury car or entry level.
its competitors fit and finish is very similar imo. its a civic man. I dont get it.
When I sat in my new SI I felt like I was sitting in a lexus compared to my old 00ex. The 00 SI was only 4k less then the new si's and as far as fit and finish and the options you get it is well worth the price tag.
30 more hp Night and Day interior upgrade Factory 17's VSA(traction control) auto open and close sunroof
so on and so forth.
the only car that competes in this price range is the speed3 which is a great bargain for the price. I put alot of miles on my car though and I didn't want the headache of replacing turbos after 3 years or 100k miles.
Registered: 01/03/00
Posts: 6063
Loc: Queens Village, NY
I would hope it would be better than the 00 Si, which basic interior design was from 1996. Come on people it's 2007, it could only be compared with contemporary interiors. Don't compare it to a 10 year old design. I understand it's a Civic but no, Euphoria, I wasn't expecting a Maybach type interiors But I think it could be much better when compared to the other sport compacts in that class. Again, I know how hard you swing from the nuts of the Civic so it's going to be hard for you to agree, so we'll just agree to disagree. We are entitled to our opinions, after all.
Did I mention I like everything else about that car? The only thing I have a problem with is the styling in and out.
#2094352 - 12/03/0703:10 PMRe: test drove 08 Civic Si
[Re: cliff st-clair]
JCL_96Stang_GTJCL_96Stang_GT
I HATE YOU PAT! Make-up sex?
Post Master Sr
Registered: 05/15/01
Posts: 6134
Loc: Denver, CO - USA
I love my Si Sedan. I have been a little dissapointed on the fuel mileage, but that is about it. Everyone who has been in the car asks if it's a V6 lol.
She's a bitch when cold due to the DBW, and 3rd is notchy when cold as well. I really like the interior, remember I came from a Camaro though... but it is comfortable. The A-Pillar is a huge bitch.
The car is definitely quick, it's no race car obviously but the roll on power is nice, and the LSD keeps the corners very crisp. I think the electric steering is perfectly weighted. The ride can be a little jarring, but never horrible. Turn in is quick, and precise. Steering wheel is perfect.
The trans is awesome besides the cold 3rd notchiness. Sound system is excellent.
The cars aren't that bad. There were a few of them this weekend at the Streets of Willow HPDE, both in 2 door and 4 door variety, and I’ve spent one session chasing two of them. One looked factory stock, the other one looked dropped and had exhaust at the least. I was pretty impressed with their acceleration, which was just a bit slower than mine, so I was unable to overtake them on the straights. Handling was nothing special really, because my stock suspension mustang had absolutely no problem keeping up with either one of them, and once I did get the point by after 3 laps of tailing the shit out of them, half a lap later they were nowhere in sight. I suppose with a better driver, those cars could have been quicker, but not much. They just had a LOT of body roll and understeer. Maybe it’s a good new car, but there has to be something better for the money.
I can't fathom taking off from second though. No car I've driven except for a Dodge truck has been confortable with second gear starts (lots of clutch slipping and an obvious bog ensure).
you're doing something wrong if you can't start a forester with an sti turbo/ic/tune in second. THIRD is a stretch, but i've done it on level ground--slopes don't count.
hell, i 2nd gear started my si all the time, and a friend's crx had no issue with it either. it's MUCH easier in the sti, but neither of those were all that difficult to get going.
Stock? I don't think so. I've run a few, my car is chipped running 14.5s, and they couldn't pull on me. I have a hard time believing they're low 14sec cars in stock form. Maybe with some Hondata.
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But I think it could be much better when compared to the other sport compacts in that class. Again, I know how hard you swing from the nuts of the Civic so it's going to be hard for you to agree, so we'll just agree to disagree. We are entitled to our opinions, after all. 
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