2009 Honda Civic Si

Power: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 197 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 21-29 mpg                                   

Price: $22,105

Standard features include: anti-lock brakes; vehicle stability assists; daytime running lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; tilt steering; power windows, doors, mirrors; keyless entry

Review By Jeffrey Weidel

I thought I knew the Honda Civic quite well. After all, I owned one for 12 years and put over 200,000 miles on my wonderfully crafted 1982 compact vehicle. I drove that model for a long time and over the past decade have test driven at least half a dozen other Civics, so I was familiar with the old and the new.

Yet Honda fooled me with the 2009 Civic Si. This little sporty coupe was ready for some serious road action and was equipped to compete against plenty of other more notable vehicles. Who would begin to think a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder would have this much power? But the Civic Si did, utilizing 197 horsepower, which is quite a bit for a light-weight coupe that can go from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. With an “exclusive” six-speed manual transmission, the Si was particularly fun to drive.

Of course, the downside to having all that power is reflected in the price, which runs high for a Civic. This Si with a navigational system was going for $24,105. Strip away the navi feature and it’s down to $22,105. For the very cost conscious, a DX trim with manual transmission starts at $15,305. The DX and three of the other trims are more Civic-like with 140 horsepower or less.

So take your pick, be cost conscious and purchase a more practical Civic that is better on gas, or be daring and buy the Si, which gets between 21-29 mpg. Either way one is getting a good deal because the Civic continues to be a smartly designed small car that’s at or near the top of its class, and continues to provide a nimble ride, interior refinement, good gas mileage, and affordability.

It’s actually hard to find major flaws with the Civic, so why bother nit-picking. New this year are some cool exterior design touches on the front and rear that make the vehicle sleeker looking and adds to the visual appeal that competitors like the Nissan Versa, Scion xB, Chevrolet HHR and Hyundai Elantra don’t possess.

The Civic’s interior design is very well thought out and makes sense, a quality that more manufacturers should strive to produce. Honda doesn’t go cheap like some other compact competitors; the material is high quality.

We mentioned the Si provides the fun factor, but so do lesser models. The Civic has historically handled well and is very stable at higher freeway speeds. It also maintains a firm grip on the road, isn’t susceptible to wind problems, and has strong braking power.

Honda Civic Si

Tags: Auto Reviews

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