200mi later... First Impressions of the Si
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Orange County, CA
200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si
I purchased my '06 Civic Si on the 10th here in Southern California for MSRP.
Wanted to share with you...
My early driving impressions (10 – 202 miles)
I love the look of the car - the raked windshield, the 17” wheels, and that color. I wanted a white Si, but the blue was so much nicer in person than it was in the pictures. The hood is VERY short and the front of the car is only a few feet in front of the driver. This makes for a very nice wheelbase and turning radius. It also makes the engine bay very small (room for a turbo or supercharger???)
Inside, everything looks very Honda – which isn’t a bad thing. You don’t feel like you just bought a cheap car with the new Civic. While some of the plastic pieces are cheaper than I’d like, in general, everything is held together very well. No flimsy plastic pieces are going to make noise while you’re driving around. Take a seat. The seats are very supportive, and very comfortable. It’s a plus that they look nice. I’m big on ergonomics and love several things about the car. The steering wheel controls are very functional and placed in just the right spot. The armrest sits at the perfect height (the height of the seat is adjustable). The controls are of standard Honda variety and I felt right at home. The location of the shifter is one of my favorite surprises so far. Rather than sit low like most cars, the shifter is elevated and is very comfortable to get to. When you are shifting into 1st, 3rd, or 5th gear, your arm is moving forward – not forward and down like most cars.
When you depress the clutch and start the car, you notice one thing – the sound. The car sounds amazing. The exhaust note is a deep grumble – even at low RPMs. The shifter feels quick and clean, although it’s not always easy to find 3rd and 4th gear – I’m afraid I’ll mis-shift it one of these days.
The torque is adequate, but with the gear ratios the way they are, you’re at 4500 RPM very quickly and the car starts to fly. The car is quick – but could use more pull early on (supercharger perhaps?).
The steering is incredible. The car responds very quickly and accurately when you turn the wheel. The power steering is fluid. If I had to knock it, I’d say it might be slightly overboosted – at times I’m wishing for more feedback. It’ll take some time to develop feel.
The freeway onramp is my favorite place on Earth right now. There is nothing like taking those 25mph turns at 55mph and riding out of the turn without any hesitation. It’s quickly evident that I’m not driving my RL anymore. The car seems to understeer if you head too fast into the turn – but it takes a while before you’re at that point – I’m usually not that fast. Let off the gas if it does and the car rushes through the turn.
There is some body roll and dive, but overall the suspension is pretty tight. I’m not sure if I want a ride too much stiffer during my daily commute, although I’ll probably want stiffer when I start autocrossing the car. Maybe the HFP springs and dampers will be perfect for me – we’ll see.
When I bought the car, I was thinking that Brembo’s might be my first upgrade. They will not. The car stops on a dime. Enough said.
The radio is actually pretty good – although I had to boost the treble to get it there. Overall I’m impressed with what I’m getting out of the 7 speakers. The aux input and MP3 playback make it that much better. The radio reads Artist/Title tags without any problem.
Dislikes: I’m still not a huge fan of the dash design. I don’t like having different focal points – but everyday this becomes less bothersome. I don’t like the turn signal – it’s too loud. The all-season’s are noisy. I’ll definitely get a nice set of tires as soon as I can wear these out. If you have the option to get the summer tires – do so. Of course I live in SoCal, so I don’t know anything about driving in snow/rain/etc.
The verdict – the car is a nice blend of a real sports car and a daily driven EX. You definitely feel like you’re in a Civic, and you won’t mistake it for a TL, but the car feels rock solid and handles itself nicely on the road. You do NOT feel like you’re in a little tin can. I see people drive by in their M3’s and 350Z’s, looking at me like I’m driving a kid’s car. It just makes me laugh, because I only spent $20k for a car that is fun, reliable for YEARS to come, and fun. Did I mention the car is FUN? What other car would have provided me the fun I have in this car with the ergonomics, quality, reliability, and looks for $19,990? None I can think of.
Wanted to share with you...
My early driving impressions (10 – 202 miles)
I love the look of the car - the raked windshield, the 17” wheels, and that color. I wanted a white Si, but the blue was so much nicer in person than it was in the pictures. The hood is VERY short and the front of the car is only a few feet in front of the driver. This makes for a very nice wheelbase and turning radius. It also makes the engine bay very small (room for a turbo or supercharger???)
Inside, everything looks very Honda – which isn’t a bad thing. You don’t feel like you just bought a cheap car with the new Civic. While some of the plastic pieces are cheaper than I’d like, in general, everything is held together very well. No flimsy plastic pieces are going to make noise while you’re driving around. Take a seat. The seats are very supportive, and very comfortable. It’s a plus that they look nice. I’m big on ergonomics and love several things about the car. The steering wheel controls are very functional and placed in just the right spot. The armrest sits at the perfect height (the height of the seat is adjustable). The controls are of standard Honda variety and I felt right at home. The location of the shifter is one of my favorite surprises so far. Rather than sit low like most cars, the shifter is elevated and is very comfortable to get to. When you are shifting into 1st, 3rd, or 5th gear, your arm is moving forward – not forward and down like most cars.
When you depress the clutch and start the car, you notice one thing – the sound. The car sounds amazing. The exhaust note is a deep grumble – even at low RPMs. The shifter feels quick and clean, although it’s not always easy to find 3rd and 4th gear – I’m afraid I’ll mis-shift it one of these days.
The torque is adequate, but with the gear ratios the way they are, you’re at 4500 RPM very quickly and the car starts to fly. The car is quick – but could use more pull early on (supercharger perhaps?).
The steering is incredible. The car responds very quickly and accurately when you turn the wheel. The power steering is fluid. If I had to knock it, I’d say it might be slightly overboosted – at times I’m wishing for more feedback. It’ll take some time to develop feel.
The freeway onramp is my favorite place on Earth right now. There is nothing like taking those 25mph turns at 55mph and riding out of the turn without any hesitation. It’s quickly evident that I’m not driving my RL anymore. The car seems to understeer if you head too fast into the turn – but it takes a while before you’re at that point – I’m usually not that fast. Let off the gas if it does and the car rushes through the turn.
There is some body roll and dive, but overall the suspension is pretty tight. I’m not sure if I want a ride too much stiffer during my daily commute, although I’ll probably want stiffer when I start autocrossing the car. Maybe the HFP springs and dampers will be perfect for me – we’ll see.
When I bought the car, I was thinking that Brembo’s might be my first upgrade. They will not. The car stops on a dime. Enough said.
The radio is actually pretty good – although I had to boost the treble to get it there. Overall I’m impressed with what I’m getting out of the 7 speakers. The aux input and MP3 playback make it that much better. The radio reads Artist/Title tags without any problem.
Dislikes: I’m still not a huge fan of the dash design. I don’t like having different focal points – but everyday this becomes less bothersome. I don’t like the turn signal – it’s too loud. The all-season’s are noisy. I’ll definitely get a nice set of tires as soon as I can wear these out. If you have the option to get the summer tires – do so. Of course I live in SoCal, so I don’t know anything about driving in snow/rain/etc.
The verdict – the car is a nice blend of a real sports car and a daily driven EX. You definitely feel like you’re in a Civic, and you won’t mistake it for a TL, but the car feels rock solid and handles itself nicely on the road. You do NOT feel like you’re in a little tin can. I see people drive by in their M3’s and 350Z’s, looking at me like I’m driving a kid’s car. It just makes me laugh, because I only spent $20k for a car that is fun, reliable for YEARS to come, and fun. Did I mention the car is FUN? What other car would have provided me the fun I have in this car with the ergonomics, quality, reliability, and looks for $19,990? None I can think of.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 169
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From: SAY WAT, CA, USA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (SiMeFly)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiMeFly »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I see people drive by in their M3’s and 350Z’s, looking at me like I’m driving a kid’s car. It just makes me laugh, because I only spent $20k for a car that is fun, reliable for YEARS to come, and fun. Did I mention the car is FUN? What other car would have provided me the fun I have in this car with the ergonomics, quality, reliability, and looks for $19,990? None I can think of.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: rio linda, ca, sacramento
Re: (SlowEPfastDriver)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by l337hxr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yes mother. jesus christ did you watch bambie a few too many times. Or are you just looking for a reason to be upset.
Modified by nick95673 at 6:55 AM 12/16/2005
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yes mother. jesus christ did you watch bambie a few too many times. Or are you just looking for a reason to be upset.
Modified by nick95673 at 6:55 AM 12/16/2005
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Omotesando, Nihon
Re: (M1K3)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by M1K3 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">PICS!!</TD></TR></TABLE>
please!!
please!!
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 136
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From: Lancaster, Pa, USA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (SiMeFly)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiMeFly »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The verdict – the car is a nice blend of a real sports car </TD></TR></TABLE>
lol.
The verdict – the car is a nice blend of a real sports car </TD></TR></TABLE>
lol.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8
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From: Orange County, CA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (l337hxr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by l337hxr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?</TD></TR></TABLE>
umm...
No... because I have no negative feelings for the guy in the $5k Kia. To each his own. I wasn't dissing an M3, just the attitude I've gotten from a few people that need to stress how much nicer their car is - I just don't care for that.
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?</TD></TR></TABLE>
umm...
No... because I have no negative feelings for the guy in the $5k Kia. To each his own. I wasn't dissing an M3, just the attitude I've gotten from a few people that need to stress how much nicer their car is - I just don't care for that.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8
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From: Orange County, CA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (IlladelphSi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IlladelphSi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">lol.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You didn't finish the sentence -- blend of a sports car and a regular Civic. In other words, it's no Evo, but it's fun.
You didn't finish the sentence -- blend of a sports car and a regular Civic. In other words, it's no Evo, but it's fun.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 1
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (SiMeFly)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiMeFly »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You didn't finish the sentence -- blend of a sports car and a regular Civic. In other words, it's no Evo, but it's fun.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea I noticed that too.... taking things out of context lol....
also, I know its been asked but do ya have any pics of it?
Yea I noticed that too.... taking things out of context lol....
also, I know its been asked but do ya have any pics of it?
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8
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From: Orange County, CA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (Slow EJ8)
I'll post what I have in the cosmetic forum....
wait.. nevermind... no trial users allowed there...
links:
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...3.jpg
wait.. nevermind... no trial users allowed there...
links:
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...3.jpg
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New York City, New York, USA
Excellent review, I'll be purchasing one soon as well. Im just concerned about the K20z3.
Does anybody have any real info about this motor. I.e when it was in R&D and its history through production.
Thanks for your time in the review again, It helped me alot.
Does anybody have any real info about this motor. I.e when it was in R&D and its history through production.
Thanks for your time in the review again, It helped me alot.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 1
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (SiMeFly)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiMeFly »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">links:
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...3.jpg </TD></TR></TABLE>
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/alb...3.jpg </TD></TR></TABLE>
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 188
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From: lil place i like to call..., PA, US
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (l337hxr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by l337hxr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
wow....what a hater.....
Thats a great write up man, im deff excited to drive one. Thanks for all the info!
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
then what is your defense? "so? my car's better"
yea...but the ppl in M3's and beamers are saying the same thing... the people in IS350's are also saying the same thing..
nice car tho, but fix ur ego... ur car ain't the ****...so dunt diss more expensive cars than you..cuz the same ppl who own less expensive cars can diss you back....and most likely smoke you with a k24 eg hatch or some ****... get my drift?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
wow....what a hater.....
Thats a great write up man, im deff excited to drive one. Thanks for all the info!
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 0
From: so cal, USA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (l337hxr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by l337hxr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
</TD></TR></TABLE>
the amount of money a person has does not correlate with the car they drive.
to the OP: nice writeup. you should go test drive a rsx type-s and see if you see a difference.
yea...well the same goes for the poorer people who drive 5 thousand dollar cars and are laughing at you when they see you...cuz the same honda civic can go 300K miles yet they only paid 1/4 of what you paid
</TD></TR></TABLE>
the amount of money a person has does not correlate with the car they drive.
to the OP: nice writeup.
you should go test drive a rsx type-s and see if you see a difference.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, Pa, USA
Re: 200mi later... First Impressions of my 2006 Si (SiMeFly)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiMeFly »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You didn't finish the sentence -- blend of a sports car and a regular Civic. In other words, it's no Evo, but it's fun.</TD></TR></TABLE>
it's very fun, i testdrove one back in october and I loved it, but it is in no way anywhere close to a "sportscar" with 200hp...nevermind the fact that it puts its power to the wrong wheels.
it's very fun, i testdrove one back in october and I loved it, but it is in no way anywhere close to a "sportscar" with 200hp...nevermind the fact that it puts its power to the wrong wheels.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 217
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Do me a favor and bring it out to the next SoCal autocross will ya?
http://www.solo2.com
Next event in January 15th. You'll get a LOT of attention, I guarantee it.
http://www.solo2.com
Next event in January 15th. You'll get a LOT of attention, I guarantee it.
gawd that color is AWESOME!!!!!!
nice write up!!!
i wish i could have gotten the Si... but i got the EX... so while not as fast, i'm kick *** in gas (i can always swap later down the road, i'm sure the k20 swaps right in with no problems lol)
congrats on ur pick up
EDIT: and for handling, well i konw you said it's not the best, but let me tell you what i feel, i have the EX, so the suspension is slightly less than that of the Si, but damn this **** handles pretty damn ****** good for being completely stock.. the turns i take in this stock, i would have never taken in my 2000 Si stock... i dumped my Si then i took turns crazy... my FG1 wont take turns like my Si lowered, but once i lower my FG i have a feeling it would out handle the EM1 ... IMHO
any word on the HFP suspension kit? specs n ****?
nice write up!!!
i wish i could have gotten the Si... but i got the EX... so while not as fast, i'm kick *** in gas
(i can always swap later down the road, i'm sure the k20 swaps right in with no problems lol)congrats on ur pick up
EDIT: and for handling, well i konw you said it's not the best, but let me tell you what i feel, i have the EX, so the suspension is slightly less than that of the Si, but damn this **** handles pretty damn ****** good for being completely stock.. the turns i take in this stock, i would have never taken in my 2000 Si stock... i dumped my Si then i took turns crazy... my FG1 wont take turns like my Si lowered, but once i lower my FG i have a feeling it would out handle the EM1 ... IMHO
any word on the HFP suspension kit? specs n ****?
