Entered CNET Catalog: 04/11/2006
SKU: 100677616
Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Company, Incorporated
Product summary
The good: The 2006 Honda Civic Si packs serious drivetrain technology and excellent front-drive handling into a less-than-$20,000 package. A superior navigation system and satellite radio are also available.
The bad: The electronic throttle can be tough to modulate. Bluetooth integration is not available in the 2006 Honda Civic Si.
The bottom line: The 2006 Honda Civic Si is a real performance bargain that also offers good mileage and emissions ratings. The quality of the electronics is equivalent to that found in much pricier vehicles. Simple standard features fit the car's mission well, signaling the Si's return to form.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 05/26/2006
Our first short drive in the 2006 Honda Civic Si left us with a very positive impression, and the car's recent week at CNET headquarters did nothing to change this. Praise for the rev-happy engine and slick transmission was universal, and everyone who drove the Si came away smiling.
The previous-generation Honda Civic Si was largely a disappointment to the Si faithful, without the zip and the agility that had defined the earlier versions. This eighth iteration is heavier and larger than the car it replaces but is also substantially quicker, making it both more comfortable and inspiring behind the wheel.
Also satisfying longtime fans is the return to a true two-door coupe layout, with decidedly aggressive styling further separating the new car from the unloved hatchback it replaces. Rated trunk volume is down slightly from the hatchback's capacity, but the 2006 Honda Civic Si's rear seats and trunk both offer usable space, given the car's overall dimensions.
Interior tech features are well designed, with satellite navigation differentiating the two available trim levels. Our test car wasn't outfitted with the voice-recognition navigation system, which also includes an in-dash PCMCIA card reader and an XM radio tuner, but the auxiliary audio input and the MP3/WMA playback capability are fine standard features. We tested the navigation unit in our earlier review of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and concluded that it's a first-rate, worthwhile option.
At a list price of $20,540, including a $550 destination and handling charge, the 2006 Honda Civic Si offers overall performance that none of its direct competitors can better and rounds out the value equation with good build quality, up-to-date tech features, and fuel economy that will save dollars over the course of ownership.
The interior of the 2006 Honda Civic Si sets itself apart from its less-sporty Civic brethren with bolstered sport seats, a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, and textured aluminum pedals. The short-throw shifter for the six-speed transmission is also aluminum, with a leather grip.
The Civic coupe's steeply raked windshield makes plenty of room for the two-tiered dashboard layout, with a large analog tachometer dominating the lower portion and a digital speedometer flanked by temperature and fuel gauges in the upper hump. The low, broad dash translates to great forward visibility, and the stubby rear overhang offsets the rising waistline and rear wing to make the view out the back nice too. A standard power moonroof adds to the airy feeling in the cockpit.
The 2006 Honda Civic Si's standard seven-speaker, 350-watt audio system has no trouble filling the car's interior. Bass response is strong from the 8-inch subwoofer, and overall, the sound remains clean within reasonable volume levels. While the navigation system with card reader ($1,750) would be the obvious technophile choice, the simple, large knobs and buttons of the non-navi layout win points for ease of use. That said, the single-line LED readout is inadequate for song info coming from an MP3 player or burned CDs, and had the XM radio tuner been present, we would have been really frustrated. On the plus side, the readout can display a customized message on powering up, cell phone style. Steering-wheel controls are available for volume, audio channel, and the usual cruise-control functions; the nav option adds further controls to the wheel.
The navigation option, as tested in other Hondas, comes with a truly usable voice-command feature. The nav system gives fast and accurate route calculation and has a large database of businesses, facilitating weekend errand running. The voice-command interface is easy to learn and extends to control the temperature and the stereo.
No provision for Bluetooth cell phone integration is available, although the center console of the 2006 Honda Civic Si houses a second 12V outlet; you could, for example, charge a phone while using the dash outlet for another gadget. The cup holders between the shifter and the adjustable center armrest accept different-size drinks well.
The rear seat backs split and fold 60/40, with releases from both the interior and the trunk. With the seat backs up and the front seats in the midrange of their adjustments, there is a fair amount of legroom in back. There are seat belts for three rear passengers, but they would make for a very tight fit.
The 2006 Honda Civic Si packs an impressive amount of technology into the drivetrain of what is essentially an economy car. First and foremost is the engine, a small-displacement gem that spins its way to 8,000rpm with a howl befitting the distant cousin of a Formula One contender.
From a 2.0-liter, all-aluminum, in-line four-cylinder configuration, Honda squeezes 197 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque using a high-volume intake manifold and iVTEC, which encompasses its full arsenal of computer-controlled variable-valve timing and lift-control programs. These systems maximize efficiency and low-end torque, giving sparkling performance while also maintaining EPA-rated mileage figures of 23mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway, as well as a LEV-2 CARB emissions rating.
Falling (perhaps deliberately) just short of the revered 100-horsepower/liter figure achieved by its pricier stablemate, the 2006 Acura RSX Type-S, the 2006 Honda Civic Si is still the more engaging drive of the two. This may have been partially due to the more aggressive rubber found on our Si's 17-inch alloy wheels. We enjoyed our week last summer with the Type-S, but the new Si will certainly cannibalize its sales from below.
What sets the handling of the two apart is the 2006 Honda Civic Si's limited-slip differential (LSD), which gives it a clear advantage in lateral acceleration. The LSD acts to send torque to the front wheel with the most grip, allowing the outside loaded wheel to pull the car through in a turn and avoiding wasteful spinning of the inside wheel, which is traveling a shorter distance. Especially in a powerful front-wheel-drive car, this makes a big difference in cornering feel, and with it, the Civic Si has the edge on both the Type-S and the new Volkswagen GTI. Torque steer from rest in a straight line is evident but not intrusive.
The six-speed manual transmission has well-spaced ratios, and the throws are short, inspiring frequent use. But as we noted after our first drive of the Civic Si a couple of months back, the notchiness we loved in the RSX Type-S gearbox is somehow missing in the Si. It's not enough to detract from the driving experience, but we would enjoy a slightly more direct feel to the shifter.
Another mild annoyance that we didn't notice on the, ahem, aggressive short intro drive was the drive-by-wire throttle's lack of response when getting off the pedal. Rather than dropping as the pedal is released, the revs hold level for a solid second before beginning to fall. In our week's experience, we never quite mastered the rhythm of mellow midrev upshifts. The short throws mean you're into the next gear before the engine falls to where it would have been without the delay; it takes some getting used to. One of our testers also complained of high-pitched valve-train whine becoming tiresome during sustained cruising, but this wasn't noticed by everyone.
The 2006 Honda Civic Si offers the usual standard passive safety features: dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags; front side air bags with an occupant-position sensor; and side curtain air bags. ABS is standard on the Si's four disc brakes; rear drums are standard on the base-model Civics. The Si gets larger ventilated front discs than the next cheapest EX, at 11.8 inches to 10.3. Electronic brake-force distribution is standard on all Civics.
Front and rear crumple zones help the 2006 Honda Civic Si achieve five-star NHTSA frontal crash ratings. Side crash ratings are not yet available, but side-impact door beams come standard on Civics. Daytime running lights are also standard.
Honda's new-vehicle warranty is good for three years/36,000 miles, with rust-perforation protection extending to five years and unlimited miles.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17out of 17 user reviews
Amazing car for a great price!!
Pros: Beautiful interior and exterior design, 6 spd manual, sporty looks.
Cons: Lacks a lot of torque and hp & annoying front-side window panels
It is so much fun to drive it around. I'm always looking for an excuse to get out and drive.
If you are interested in buying an SI, you will NOT be disappointed. Before buying, I did a little research and my first choice of car was a 2007 VW GTI. After looking into both of these cars, I found out that you practically get the same performance out of both, only the Civic SI costs at least +$6000.00 less.
My only complaints about the SI are:
1. Honda needs to make SI's turbo in the near future.
2. Because it's not a turbo, it lacks torque and power (not that it's a weak car. It's got plenty of power, just not enough when you want to push it a little).
3. The 2 front-side window panels are really annoying because they are huge. When you are turning, especially RIGHT, you can't really see where you are turning.
Overall though, like I said, it's an AMAZING car.
out of 17 user reviews
i LOVE this car!
Pros: style, character, AND it performs great--beats the pants off the competition at 1/2 the cost.
Cons: not really awesome in th 0-60 department, but fast enough. thats a SMALL complaint.
out of 17 user reviews
the best Si yet
Pros: sleek body design, excellent performance and value
Cons: limited peripheral viewing, cumbersome entry for backseat passengers
It is definitely meant as a 2-seater, although there is adequate room for 2 in the back. Getting in and out of the backseat is a pain as the driver's side front seat does not automatically roll forward.
Peripheral vision is limited on the sides due to the steep design of the rear window. Changing lanes at night was difficult as I could barely see through the tiny side rear window.
Compared to the Civics that I have owned in the past, the Si has the lowest gas mileage. I consistently get about 26 mpg.
It is a great value for such a high performing car (if you can get it). I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a reliable car and a fun driving experience.
out of 17 user reviews
An amazing car for the money!
Pros: Handling, acceleration, transmission, seats, exterior/interior design, safety rating, fuel economy, Honda reliability.
Cons: No windshield shade band (and that windshield is huge!), no tire pressure monitoring system, no heated outside mirrors.
out of 17 user reviews
Fun to drive and plenty of power
Pros: Fast, good turning radius, generally nimble
Cons: A little cramped inside.
out of 17 user reviews
Fast, hi-tech, and great looking
Pros: + stiff and quick like a race car
Cons: - no bluetooth
If you are considering buying an Acura RSX-Type S- Don't do it! The SI offers way more for a better price.
out of 17 user reviews
A great car, but doesn't fit everyone
Pros: lots of power, fuel efficient, great interior
Cons: not great rear visibility
There is very little I can fault but rear visibility could be better- no small car with all those airbags will be better though. The metal shifter knob gets blazing hot in the sun. But the handling is unbeatable, plenty of space for my 6'1" 200lb frame and lots of power above 5000rpms, lots of efficiency below. I get 30MPG average.
out of 17 user reviews
Nice car. Needs more torque
Pros: Super good Handling, High RPMs, nice exterior and interior
Cons: NO TORQUE!!!, just another civic with a spoiler.
Good Equipment for a low price which is a major attractive over other cars. Nice rims. Needs xenon lights to come standard. Excellent brakes. Weird steering wheel. Like the fact that can bring the car up to 8000 rpms (to compensate no torque).
out of 17 user reviews
Excellent Vehicle
Pros: Fun to drive, good pick up, great interior, pretty decent mileage.
Cons: Torque is a bit low
out of 17 user reviews
Honda has a good rep for a reason!
Pros: Solid interior, exterior. Clean and definitive lines.
Cons: Bucket seats might be to tight for some, but I like most everything about the car.
out of 17 user reviews
Plenty of Bang for the Buck!
Pros: Great interior & exterior styling, lots of get-up-and-go
Cons: Rev drop delay, limited visibility (PSF)
It's hard to argue with the amount of features you get for the money in the Civic Si. It's also hard to argue with the performance as this car moves out with a purpose when the accelerator is applied. Given all the features that are standard in the vehicle, it's an amazing value for the price.
The only drawbacks I observed are two. First, as a result of the throttle-by-wire technology, the engine revs stay high for almost a full second once the clutch has been depressed to make a gear shift. While this may cause some consternation in driving purists and initial surprise in others, I find that it lets me move up through the gearbox that much more quickly for maneuvers requiring quick acceleration. The feel in my mind is similar to what Formula 1 drivers must sense with their paddle shifters as they zip up through their gears.
Second, in low speed driving such as parking, it seems as though it is difficult to see across the passenger-side-front on the vehicle to be able to avoid curbs and the like.
Other reviewers have mentioned ride harshness, and while this is true at times, one must remember that this vehicle resembles its more economical Civic cousins in name only. This is a vehicle bred for eating up roadways, and as most of the racier car set will attest, ride comfort can frequently take a back seat to speed, looks, and handling.
Other than that, this is an outstanding automobile. Yes, if you're a real driving nut with deep pockets, you could spend thousands more for a Porsche or some other exotic thoroughbred. But I challenge anyone to find as much quality, design, and fun in a car in the Civic Si's price range... It simply can't be done. Bravo Honda!
out of 17 user reviews
great car for the price
Pros: gadgets, looks and gas milage
Cons: some people don't like the looks
out of 17 user reviews
Incomplete review
Pros: power, handling, price
Cons: ride, seating
out of 17 user reviews
More like a 9.5
Pros: Performance, transmission, Honda reliability, Alcantra seats, cheap navigation option, and on . . .
Cons: Halogen headlamps? Bi-level dash with digital readouts may strike some as too much
out of 17 user reviews
Mediocre at best
Pros: handling, power, efficiency
Cons: ugly exterior, tiny interior
out of 17 user reviews
A sporty coupe that makes driving enjoyable!
Pros: Nimble, powerful, and packed with amenities for low $
Cons: Miniature back seat, near impossible to get
The car is a dream to look at, especially in the Habanero Red Pearl that changes from red to orange depending on the light that hits it. The seat stitching and quality seems to say, "I'm not a normal Civic", as they hug you comfortably when blasting into hyperspeed.
When driving, it zooms, especially once the i-VTEC kicks in. Don't worry about those tight corners, this car can handle it. In fact, I read a review that said the '06 Civic Si put up the same numbers as a Dodge Viper in a slalom. The exhaust on it makes a type of rumble that won't let you forget that it is first and foremost a speedmobile.
Speaking of sound, it has enough of an audio system with its subwoofer to round out any type of music. The voice activated navigation and radio control is whiz-bang and the integration of XM Radio and an mp3-capable PC card into the mix adds another level of versatility.
The gripes are few but must be said. I don't recommend this car being thought of as a five seater unless you have 3 small kids. To get them back there is somewhat of a pain to, as the driver seat doesn't offer the same one-touch seat collapse like the passenger.
Also, if you read reviews and are excited to get one, plan on having one around Fall. They are given to dealers in alotments and it is common for a dealer to only get 2 of them in a 3 month period. Therefore, your color selection and price haggling gets pretty stifled.
Once you drive one, though, the limitations seem very worth it. Especially with a $22k price tag with the navigation.
out of 17 user reviews
The Si is back and with an attitude!
Pros: 197hp, LSD, K20 engine, honda name/value/durability, gorgeous exhaust
Cons: availability w/navi, rev hangs
the car is just fun.. the 6speed mt is very closely geared so you feel like a race car driver and the exhaust note is..... simply.. mozart to any car lover's ears..
the only downfalls i see now are:
-availability (very hard to find navi and colors at times)
-rev hangs (but heard this seems to go away after putting on 2k miles)
so yea... Honda gave the Si its balls back and also added some nice cosmo surgery (ditched the uber ugly hatchback for a sleek coupe)
well.. now have about 1000miles on her and still in lover with her.
i've finally been able to reach the 7k rpm ranges after my gentle breakin and all i can say is.. WOW! she screams while hugging the road like the tires are glued to it..
the handling is great, comparable to my old 90' Eagle Talon AWD but even better on turns (gotta love that LSD!)..
the navi is cool, but i haven't used it much. i'm really enjoying the PC Card reader and my 1GB card.. thumbs up to honda for adding that geek factor!
the rev hang issues and jerking when you coast has been slowly going away (and really isn't that bad).. the main reasons i've heard for this is the electronic dbw... there is no cable from the accelerator to the engine, rather the ecu controls it and thus the lag... rumors of an ECU reflash by Honda has been speculated/rumored, we'll see if they are true or not..
i still love the Fiji Blue Pearl.. its gorgeous in any light but does get dirty fast.. but when cleaned and out on a nice sunny afternoon, she glows...
so again, if you can get one or want one.. do it!
