2009 Honda Civic Si user reviews

Pros Cornering, accelerating,sound system.

Cons The ride is a little bumpy but to be expected in a small car. Vehicle comes with XM but you can get the best of Sirrius to add.

Summary I bought this vehicle for economy but needed performace because I live in the high Sierra's . The si is fast enough for anyone who obeys the laws. It will get you from 0 to 60 in a little over 8 seconds, In real life you want the car to accelerate quickly from normal driving speeds to passing speed and this vehicle does that and more. In fourth gear , 3500 rpms and 40 mph, the si will zip up to 91 mph in about 4 seconds in 4th gear, 6500 rpm. I guess I must be getting old, but when you are in 4th gear going 91 mph and you still have two gears and 3000 rpms need I say more. If anyone out there like me who enjoys driving a car normally and not to push the pedal to the metal in order to get from point A to B the si is the way to go. Driving on mountain raods is a joy now instead of a hair raising event. The car hugs the road like the tires were magnets and the road was made of metal. Like a high performace jet you don't want to over steer. Small movements gets you around the corners and the front seat desogns keep you firmly in place. For the timid folks out there the si has four hand grips. The back seat also has three point seat belts so everyone is secure. The vehicle I bought has a moon roof, when open creates very little cabin noise if any at all. For all you middle agers out there all the way to old codgers the si is all the sports car you will ever need. It will surly make you feel alive when you feel your heart beat increase driving this car.

Pros The basics: engineering, quality, reliable, quick, handling, (relative to performance) very fuel efficient and exterior styling.

Cons Weird dash layout: can't decide if I like it or not, but I know the upper-deck LED speedometer has saved me from more than one ticket. Visors in the 08 self-destruct; get the improved ones before warranty is up.

Summary This is the first car I've owned that I am excited to drive after six months of ownership. After owning my 08 Si for just over two years, it's still exciting to drive this car. Also, this may be the only car I have ever driven that seems to prefer high RPMs. Other cars have me questioning just how much the mechanics can handle beyond 4K RPM--almost feels like the mechanics of the engine are filing away with friction; this car is buttery all the way to red line (8K +).

This car is packed full of performance and ergonomic features throughout its build. The quality of the build and engineering impress me. The interior aesthetics are lacking, but OK. Avoid drawing too much attention from Fast & Furious types who are likely to peel-off into traffic, and narrowly avoid several accidents.

Pros Sweet non-turbo engine with equally sweet six speed manual trans. Quite reasonable ride and great handling. Excellent gas mileage when driven with restraint. Unique and highly readable dash.

Cons Rear wing of questionable value. Needs to be flogged hard to make use of full potential.

Summary Compared to the expensive German cars I've owned with turbocharged engines this is one very slick and fun little car to drive. Even though the engine is short on max torque it is available from 3K on up. Staying away from the 6K cam profile still results in satisfying performance and much improved gas mileage, not to mention less wear and tear on the drive train. The clutch and trans are a joy to use and as good as it gets. The ride can best be described as "nervous" but not uncomfortable and handling is "confidence inspiring".
Many automotive experts seem to have a problem with the dash layout but once you get use to the digital speedometer you'll never want to go back to an analog format again. Likewise the electric steering takes some getting use to but becomes a non-issue with use. The Alcantara seats with red stitching are very supportive and perfectly in keeping with the sporting intent of the car. Overall this is likely the finest non-turbo 4 on the market with an equally fine clutch and trans, plus the sticker price make it a true bargain for those not needing more than two seats or front headroom for someone over 6' tall.

Pros Good Basic Standard Features. Interior has good quality materials with lots of nice features generally found on luxury models. Peppy performance and crisp handling.

Cons Engine could use more overall torque (especially from a dead stop) and the dramatic "RPM float" takes some getting used to, making fast shifting a little tricky.

Summary I like to take care of my cars and own them for a long time. I originally bought a 1st generation Civic Si back in 1987 and kept it running for over 20 years (a testament to the wonderful reliability of Honda, as long as you take care of the car). I finally retired my old workhorse Civic Si and bought my new 2009 Civic Si coupe just last month. This is my daily commuter vehicle and I must say my drives to and from work have been VERY enjoyable. This car is an absolute JOY to drive and I love the handling and overall performance of this Si Coupe. And being a Civic, I'm sure I can count on many many reliable years of service out of this car. I plan on keeping this Si for as long as I can (hopefully as long as I had my last Civic Si). This is a wonderful little car that gives me great reliability, low maintenance costs AND fun to drive as well! Highly recommended.