Superhonda

I dont want to spend a whole crapload of money, i was looking at the difference from the 96-98 hatches compared to the 99-00 ones. Is the only thing different the front bumper?..thats all i can see by comparing them, just the newer ones have 2 little air scoops in the front bumper, anything im missing ?..also what are the drawbacks if i went with a 96-98, rather than a 99-00 ?... thanks a lot

Superhonda

and 1 more quick thing, air conditioning would be shweet, but ive been hearing that the hatches dont come with them, just like they dont come with power windows or power locks or a sunroof, is this all true?

GokuSSJ4

mine 97 came with a/c also 99 -00 the lights are just some different .
also it depends the price that you find the years at !
either choice is good!

i believe that on the year 99-00 the inside is also not the same , but its just little here and there

VoltageLS

First off--good choice on the EK hatch. I bought a 97 personally, and in retrospect, it would have been somewhat better to have gotten a 99-00 to being with--depending on what your preferences are. You probably already know the difference between the two trim levels available (CX/DX). CX= small black spoiler/no rear wiper DX= colored matched spoiler (a little longer) and a rear wiper. Exteriorwise, the 96-98 hatchbacks have different hoods, fenders, headlights, front bumper and taillights than the 99-00 hatches. I liked the look of the 99-00 front end with just the addition of a SI grill and SI Lip that i did a front end conversion so that my front now looks like a 99-00 SI. Of course, some crazy lady hitting my front end helped fund that decision. I also tracked down a pair of 99-00 tails, which i think look better depending on the color of your car. So basically i have a 99-00 on the outside, while still retaining the interior of a 96-98. Interiorwise, the only differences are the center climate controls, which on the 96-98 are cable controled (sliders) as opposed to the 99-00 which are elctronically controlled (dials). The other small, but otherwise very relevant difference in interior is the hatch release lever. If i'm not mistaken, the 99-00 DOES NOT have this little lever, and owners are forced to either climb back there to open it or get out of the car and use their key. I would find that extremely annoying...but as of right now i have the best of both worlds! AC was optional on the hatches throughout 96-00. Good luck on your choice!

Bleed Black

I bought a 97 but theres something about those 99-00 headlights that makes me jealous.

RR98DX

96-97 = no power steering at all, lever for hatch release, old style front end, flip up cup holder
98 = same as 96-97, but has power steering and a low gas light on DX, and has no lever for the hatch, key access only
99-00 = same as 98, but has eletric climate controls, cheap *** cup holder, new front end, different tailights, different ECU plugs

i don't like the 99-00 front end. i really like the 96-98 style better.


[Modified by 95CivicSi, 12:59 AM 4/11/2002]

AllMotorHB

If your planning to swap I would get a 96 hatch because we live in CA and for a swap to be legal you need to get a motor the same year as your car or newer. If your going for looks, I like the 99-00 more. Better front end, better climate controls.

flybert

The 99-00 front end looks like **** compared to the 96-98 in my opinion. Those lights are ugly. A nice CTR front lip and rear lip for the 96-98 hatches look sooo tight. Much better than that Si lip. Plus, the other guy mentioned the motor swap thing. That is really important. What if you found some CA 98 type R motor for cheap but you had a 99-00. That **** wouldn't be street legal. At least you increase your chances of being all legal with the old model plus it looks better. The only problem i have with my 97 coupe is the center console. The 99-00 is much nicer.

Superhonda

damn, well im most likely gonna go for looks, im gonna have this car through collage, so ill slap my black rotas on and drop it a little with some intake and exhaust and thats prob it. It looks like 99-00 would be the best if i did this. damn they are pretty expensive though. going to run me like 10-13k...hrmmm =/

functionFiRst

smogging your car in CA sucks...so if you with a 96-98...you might as well get a 96 dx...if you plan to swap out the motors...i have a 99...that means i have to get a 99-up motor to be smog legal...96 so you have to find a 96 and up motor...dx because it has all the creature comforts that you'll need...less $$$ too... i my '99...but its gonna be hard and more $$$ to find a legit swap for it...

sloppy_seconds

i have a 1997 CX and i wish i had gotten the '99 because i personally like the headlights better. so i guess when i paint the car i'll just see what i can do about a '99 front clip.

--justin

Trey

Just buy mine and be done with it......

fowler!

Screw it. I have a 00 hatch with a 97 motor. It's not going to pass smog, but you can just pay someone off for that.

functionFiRst

True...how often do 99-ups have to smog again...every six?...go w/ what you like...or your gonna regret it in the long run...it's nice to have a smog legal ride though...the cops can't do ****...


[Modified by EKmike, 6:57 PM 4/11/2002]

fowler!

I don't have to do it til '04. If something happens, I'll just swap the original motor back in. A days work.

SyndicateEH

99-00 are my favorite hatch series!

midorigreen.

96-97 hatches dont have powersteering and
98 hatches do?
i thought all 96-00 DX hatches had powersteering but not the CX...
anybody really knoe?

Jackson

i agree, who here really has gone to a ref and had their car smogged and certified with a motor. i personally dont care, i will just swap the stocker back in if needed. i think the 99-00 is the better choice, but if you dont really plan on doing anything to it, then it doesnt matter. to each his own.

Superhonda

ya im not worried about a engine swap, i dont think ill ever do that, i was looking on auttrader.com and these things are freekin expensive, cheapest 99-00 DX i could find was like 12 grand, for a hatch!?...guess ill start looking at loans...thanks for all the info guys

VoltageLS

My 97 Dx does not have power steering.

96hbdx

I am picking up a 98 for around 6k this weekend . In my opinion the 96-98 fornt end looks more racer style while the 99-00 looks a bit girly to me . Hey but thats me. Go with whatever you like . Keep looking!!!
BTW Its a CX model , but i dont care since no power steering feels pretty good and i plan on painting every black piecve on the car

Ehron

I have a 97 w/out powersteering.