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Introduction
Honda Civic Si Sedan – 2007 Review: This is the best Civic Si that Honda has ever built. It’s quick, it handles beautifully, it’s exciting to drive, and at times it’ll have its pilot giggling like a five-year-old in a roomful of puppies. Its 197 horsepower engine revs to 8000 rpm, with an accompanying punk-rock soundtrack that’ll have you muting the stereo. The shifter is perfect, the driving position beyond reproach, and the four-door body a bonus to anybody who has to tote more than one passenger. Compared to previous versions of the Si, it’s the best. But compare it to its current competition and its lack of low-rev grunt becomes an Achilles’ heel that simply can’t be overlooked by any but the most ardent Honda faithful.
What We Drove
Our Galaxy Gray Metallic Civic Si Sedan had only one option box checked, yet it still came very well equipped at $22,085, including Honda’s $595 destination charge. That non-princely sum gets you a premium audio system that is XM ready with MP3 and WMA capability, an effective climate control system, special Si sport front seats with the Si logo embroidered in, power windows and door locks and stability control. Lessee…yup, that’s it. Oh, except for the 2.0-liter 197-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission that made you pick this car in the first place. That sole option, by the way, was a high-performance summer tire package that put 215/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot Exalo tires on our car’s multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Performance
Civic Si promises performance and for the most part this one delivers. The engine makes 197 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,100 rpm. It sings sweetly to its 8,000-rpm redline, and the six-speed manual transmission is one of the smoothest shifting we've found, with short throws and an easy, progressive clutch. But – and here’s the part Honda fanboys hate – it needs more torque. The VTEC power surge comes on at about 6,000 rpm. In second gear at that engine speed you’re already going 40 mph, and you hit redline soon after. Honda’s Acura division has embraced turbocharging for this engine in the RDX, with great success. We hope Honda does, as well.
Handling
Few cars at this price can keep up with the Civic Si on a twisty road. It attacks the tarmac and has easily controllable limits that are high enough to explore only on a closed track. We did miss communicative steering though; the Si’s electric assist box is quick, but too light and less communicative than a disaffected teenager. The downside of this handling is ride quality. On the grooved and rippled freeways and potholed streets of Los Angeles, our test car bounced, jiggled, slammed over railroad tracks, followed rain grooves and committed pretty much every ride sin there is at some point. We love the handling, but a little more compliance would make the daily slog much more enjoyable.
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