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 FUN-TO-DRIVE
HONDA CIVIC COUPE Si BOASTS LOW OWNERSHIP COSTS
BY JEREMY CATO
If beauty is found in the details, Honda's whole line of Civic
subcompact cars has proven to be a collective masterpiece.
Numerous quality surveys back up claims about top-notch Civic standards
in fit and finish. Consumer Reports, J.D. Power & Associates, you
name it; when the consumer researchers ask, owners give the Civic five
stars. And it's that quality and reliability that keeps ownership costs
for the Civic among the lowest of all automobiles.
For 1996, Honda substantially re-made its whole Civic line--hatchback,
sedan and coupe. Certainly, the leaner styling was a statement about the
'90s, but I'm more interested in all the small things Honda did to
improve this automobile compared to the '92-'95 model.
Among other things, accelerator travel was shortened slightly for
greater driver comfort. The brake pedal was firmed up. Engine vibration
was reduced by fitting a hollow steering shaft. And all Civic models
were given more headroom, too.
The sportiest of the Civics has been the Coupe Si. It's had a
127-horsepower version of the 1.6-litre, multivalve engine standard in
all Civic models. (The base version, lacking race-car-like variable
valve timing, produces 106-hp.) Mated to a standard five-speed manual
transmission, the lightweight Si (1,117 kilos or 2,483 lbs) is a quick,
sporty package.
If you find a used '96 or newer model with an automatic transmission
note the difference in shift quality versus older Civics. Civics from
'92-95 had a hard-shifting autobox that tended to hunt as one drove up
and down rolling hills. For '96, Honda gave the autoshifter a bigger
electronic brain (16-bit processor) capable of monitoring throttle
position, road speed, brake activation and rate of acceleration or
deceleration. Much better.
Meanwhile, for '96 Honda added insulation and beefed up the body
structure with more braces, improving the body's resistance to both
twisting and bending. Not surprisingly, the Si feels solid and ride
quality is very quiet for a small car. so quietly.
What changed little for '96 was the suspension system. But it had always
been comfortable, sure-footed and predictable. The Si feels tightest of
the Civic bunch and the power-assisted steering is precise and not
over-boosted. Look for it as a sporty used car.
As for the cabin, in '96 Honda made small changes, relocating the sound
system controls above the heating and air conditioning and enlarging the
radio's buttons. Also note that the lockable split fold-down rear seat
gives the coupe wagon-like versatility.
Civic Si models have come with plenty of standard equipment: power
moonroof, power mirrors/windows/door locks, AM/FM stereo, cruise
control, tilt steering and tinted glass. But be aware that anti-lock
braking (ABS) has been an option.
Prices, of course, have stayed strong on the used market, in part
because few people part quickly with their Civics. There have also been
a few small issues with water leaks, troublesome cupholders and the
seatbelts, so inspect those areas carefully.
That said, if you find a used Civic-especially an Si-you're looking at
an exceptionally well-built, reliable, completely driver-friendly
runabout with a history of low long-term ownership costs.
BUYER'S ALERTS: Listen for wind whistle at the top of the
windshield (TSB 95-056, Sept. '97), along with a cupholder lid that will
not close or is stuck closed (95-047, Sept. '97). Some owners have also
reported power windows that bind or have come out of their run channel
(97-021, March '97); water leaks from the seam under the dash and the
moonroof (92-050, Feb. '97; 96023, April, '96); seatbelts that will not
retract or retract slowly and belts with a broken button for keeping the
tongue from sliding down (SB048400, June, "96); a rear suspension
squeak that may be caused by dry or loose (96-057, Oct. '96); and timing
belt noise due to tension being too tight (Oct. '96, SB049984).
For recalls bel alert to one for passenger airbag modules that may have
been improperly assembled; and one related to the brake booster check
valve that were assembled with a lubricant that may eventually cause the
check valve to stick, causing a loss of braking power ('96, 1996090).
THE VERDICT: Superb commuter car with lower ownership costs.
CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Honda Civic Si coupe
1998-$16,350 ($18,300 original MSRP)
1997?$14,900 ($17,995)
1996?$13,350 ($17,896)
1995?$12,000 ($17,495)
1994?$10,625 ($16,595)
1993?$9,000 ($16,794)
BUYER'S ALERTS: Look for a climate control system that misbehaves
but can be fixed if you remove the fuse (briefly) for the air
conditioning controls unit (AC00196, May '96). Also look for a knocking
or thumping nose from the engine that could indicate the need for a
larger crankshaft bearing (ENG006, Sept. '91); rear squeaking or
groaning noises that might be remedied by a new stabilizer bar bushing
(SU92002, Nov. '92); leaking water pump seals (EG95004, May '95); a
transmission leak that might be traced to a casting knock hole or a bolt
hole (TC95001, May '95).
Under recalls be alert to be alert to freezing in the brake vacuum hose
in extremely cold temperatures (1997155, '97) and dust accumulation in
the secondary hood latch calling for a latch replacement(1994049, '97).
(Service bulletins provided by Alldata Inc.)
THE VERDICT: Extraordinarily well built executive car.
CHECK THE SPECS
1995 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Si
MARKET SEGMENT: Subcompact coupe.
Typical market competition: Dodge/Plymouth Colt and Eagle Summit,
Hyundai Scoupe, Saturn SC, Toyota Paseo. Also, consider hatchbacks such
as Mazda's 323 Precidia, Nissan's NX1600/NX2000, Suzuki's Swift GT,
Asuna Sunfire/Geo Storm and Ford's Escort LX/GT.
Drive system: (front engine/front drive) 1.6-litre electronically
fuel-injected four-cylinder with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and
variable valve timing; 125-hp at 6,600 rpm; torque rated at 106 lbs-ft
at 5,200 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic.
Steering: rack-and-pinion, (power-assisted on automatic transmission).
Brakes: front disc/rear drum.
Tires: P85/60R-14 all-season radials.
Fuel economy: litres/100km--8.1 city/6.0 hwy for the five-speed manual.
Pros
* Fuel-efficient and comfortable performance and handling
* Timeless, handsome styling
* Roomy, versatile and accessible trunk
* Low ownership costs
Cons
* Power-assist steering not standard with manual five-speed transmission
* Engine noisy at higher rpms
* Limited headroom in back seat
ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 1995 Honda Civic Coupe Si
Access: B
Driving position: B
Instruments/Controls: B+
Visibility: B
Climate Control: B
Steering: B+
Brakes: B+
Handling: B+
Acceleration: B-
Engine: B
Transmission: B
Interior space: B
Trunk/Cargo: B
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B
DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD for
Overall: B+
Mechanical: B+
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B
SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Available w/later models
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes (later models)
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the
best): NA
INSURANCE HISTORY
Collision cost rating: average
Comprehensive cost rating: average
Theft claim cost rating: average
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