I used to own a 99 DX coupe, but now i own an 02 civic coupe. To me it seems like the 99 was built better, especially the engine. I was suprised to open the hood and see PLASTIC used in the engine?!? WTF plastic? Anyways, ive heard rumors that Honda has been slipping in quality in the last few years, and they dont make cars like they used to. Can anyone conforim whether or not this is true? Maybe you guys have stories of 01+ civics, or can show me statistics or something? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

 

How do you feel the 99 was built better?

And what does plastic under the hood have to do with anything? Plastic is lighter than metal and if it can do just as good of a job...I welcome the light weight.

I still remember the plastic valvecovers on the 84-87 CRX HF's.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How do you feel the 99 was built better?

And what does plastic under the hood have to do with anything? Plastic is lighter than metal and if it can do just as good of a job...I welcome the light weight.

I still remember the plastic valvecovers on the 84-87 CRX HF's.</TD></TR></TABLE>


The 99 had a better feel to it. The interior of the 02 seems much more cheaper, cheaper plastic and just eh. But i guess the 99 did have a cheap interior as well, the ac vents on the front were messed up, the window handles were loos as hell among other things. The main thing is the engine using plastic. From what i remember the 99 had an all aluminum engine that looked better built, while the 02 has a big ol plastic valvecover? Ive also heard they were making them cheaper now, and not as reliable.I dunno, hopefully im just being paranoid, and my civic will be as reliable as the old school ones.

 

they should be better if not honda would have recalled them or not put them out to begin with. i personally like them alot thats why i have one. the stronger 1.7l motor is truly and upgrade as well as the macpherson independent that we share with the ep's and dc5's. the interior i cant say much about being that its a honda and not a lexus. i guess you get what you pay for. oh well whatever floats your boat i guess

 

Yeah, the upgrade from the DX engine of the 99 to the EX of 02 was amazing. I know my car still isnt fast, but at least it isnt dangerous merging onto the freeway anymore.

And I always thought the double wishbone suspension of the older civics was better than the mcpherson?

 

The suspension is an argueable point. The geometry theoretically took a turn for the worse, but it can be made to work. The car is so rigid, it makes up for it. Lots of people with older models have complimented my car on the way it handles on the track.
As far as reliability... I haven't blown anything up yet (with a good amount of track time), so its reliable enough for me. 2 big problems I've had are brake cooling and oil capacity (both are only track problems, both will overheat). As for plastic... BMW uses plastic IMs too, whats your point?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slow99dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> From what i remember the 99 had an all aluminum engine</TD></TR></TABLE>
On a Civic? I don't think so!

 

I have not had either of the cars you are talking about, so my experience it based on a 92 DA and an 05 ep3, but I have been very happy with both cars and the DA had a really rough life before I got it. I still drove it until the wheels fell off.

In my opinion I dont think you can do much better than the current Civic line up for bang for the buck in a DD. I think the new line this fall will be even better and if Honda brings over the Fit/Jazz that will add another low cost alternative.

 

well the valvecover u are talking about is not the valve cover, its the spark plug wire cover, thats plastic. the valve cover is under that and its metal...

 

01+ civics went to mcphearsons instead of wishbone suspensions to increase the leg room in the interior. wishbone takes too much space under the hood. also like everyone mentioned plastic is lighter than metal and using plastic to cover sparkplug wires and such doesnt make the "motor" any more unreliable. also people (stupid picky people) buy cars for the clean unclutter look. if honda kept the plastics out of the car and exposed all the wires and hoses, maybe those stupid picky people would have gone to another automaker...like nissan. i work as a mechanic at a nissan dealer and the new nissans, u basicly got a hood under the hood. so many plastic pieces covering everything...its rediculous. so there's a point when its too much but honda did a great job with the civics.

 

01+ Civics do have a "composite" intake manifold.

 

westside