2006 Honda Civic Si First Drive

Si History


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TO THE POINT What’s New? With 197 horsepower flowing through a six-speed manual gearbox to a helical limited-slip differential and 17-inch Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 summer tires, does it matter what else might be new on the 2006 Honda Civic Si?
Selling Points: Sleek styling, sophisticated engineering, comfortable front seats, lots of standard safety equipment, reputation for reliability, amazing performance
Deal Breakers: Cramped back seat, funky dash design
Our Advice: Honda unleashes a redesigned 2006 Civic Si, equipped with enough performance hardware that it sets the new standard by which sport compact cars must be measured.

MEET THE COMPETITION Mini Cooper S
Scion tC

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Si History In its 20-year history, the Honda Civic Si has cultivated a reputation for performance and reliability.

With the introduction of the 2006 Civic Si, Honda celebrates the performance model’s 20th anniversary. The Civic Si first debuted as a 91-horsepower hatchback in 1986, riding on 13-inch, 70-series rubber. That first model was also distinguished by a rear stabilizer bar, and rode on exclusive 175/70R13 Michelin tires.

A 1989 redesign brought a 108-horsepower engine and 14-inch wheels running P185/60 tires. Next up was the 1992 model, which rode on those same size tires, stopped now with four-wheel-disc brakes and powered by a 125-horsepower motor equipped with VTEC technology.

The 1999 Honda Civic Si Coupe – the best of the breed until this year – whipped up 160 ponies and included a sport suspension riding on P195/55R15 treads. A larger exhaust system was also part of the package. The 2002 model returned the Si to its hatchback origins, adding ABS and 16-inch wheels to the mix. The motor didn’t make more horsepower, but torque was greater and peaked at lower rpm. The 2002 Civic Si also had a funky console-mounted shifter, like a rally car.

Now, for 2006, the Honda Civic Si has 197 horsepower flowing through a six-speed manual gearbox to a helical limited-slip differential and 17-inch Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 summer tires, making it the best Si model ever produced.