I'm typically a VW guy, but lately I have grown to appreciate the new SI.

So I took this bad boy out for a spin at my local Honda dealership yesterday and all I have to say is

The damn thing handles incredible! The power up top is very good, and the car is so fun to drive!

A couple of things I liked about it was:

The sound - VTEC sounds incredible
The transmission - So smooth and where it is mounted
The styling - Pretty clean and simple
The power - Though it's not as torquey as most VW's i've driven, it makes up for it with it's top end and the VTEC.
The LSD! - This IMO is one of the best features on the car. It's great for roadtracks and will help out with the annoying fwd wheelspin later when you start pushing more power with FI or whatnot.
The seats - Very comfy and sport, just enough bolster

The onlything I didn't really like was the digital speedo and the interior is kinda startreky, but the pro's of the car overshadow this.

Overall i'm very impressed and seriously considering buying one soon.

You guys are lucky

 

Yea, I did the same thing but, I bought a LX Even it's a non Si I was still took back with the handling of the honda. So I traded my 2000 GTI VR6 in for the honda and never looked back.

 

I see your from Brampton. I am as well

Which dealership did you do the test drive @???

 

Nice job on the test drive.

The civic si is a great well balanced car...
I looked at the new GTI when shopping for my Si & even a 337 when I was picking up my 2002 civic si.

For the money you can't really beat the honda.

The VW was alot higher on the 337 and the 07 GTI & i couldnt justify the price for the compact sports car etc.

Great cars but bang for the buck kept me in my honda/acura's

Glad to have you aboard even if you stay with VW since you seem level headed & can field some Dub questions.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Zesti1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I see your from Brampton. I am as well

Which dealership did you do the test drive @???</TD></TR></TABLE>

Classic Honda or w/e on Van Kirk (near where I work).

Driving by everyday and seeing them, just attracted me to them.

I will prob be a VW guy always, but it won't hurt having an SI in the driveway too.
Honestly though, for that price range, what other cars are out there that are interesting enough as the GTi and SI?

BTW, Have you guys ever seen two cars so evenly matched? I give the nod to the SI though, no Turbo and and it still gets the job done.

I hope to stick around an learn more about Hondas. Starting to really appreciate them,

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .:Rabid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Honestly though, for that price range, what other cars are out there that are interesting enough as the GTi and SI?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

None that I can really think of... maybe the MS3 but even then I'd MUCH rather have a Vdub or Honda over the mazda

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TRE_ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

None that I can really think of... maybe the MS3 but even then I'd MUCH rather have a Vdub or Honda over the mazda </TD></TR></TABLE>

...Why? Mazda cars are built pretty well. When I was younger, both my brother and sister owned mazdas (one a 626, and the other a galant), and both ran to 200k+ with minimal problems.

The only thing that turns me away from the MS3 is the ECU limiting the boost/torque, which is ok in lower gears, but it gets stuck in 3+ gears sometimes and never gives you the full boost back, even when it wont' cause any problems at higher gears.

Edit- Just wanted to add.. If you look at lists of the projected most unreliable cars.. VW consistently tops those lists.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elohel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...Why? Mazda cars are built pretty well. When I was younger, both my brother and sister owned mazdas (one a 626, and the other a galant), and both ran to 200k+ with minimal problems.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

a Galant is not a mazda.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elohel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Edit- Just wanted to add.. If you look at lists of the projected most unreliable cars.. VW consistently tops those lists.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Correct. That's why I personally would never consider VW/audi, even though they do make some cool stuff.

Mitsubishi = Galant

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elohel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Edit- Just wanted to add.. If you look at lists of the projected most unreliable cars.. VW consistently tops those lists.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not to get too off topic or start a fight or anything but the current MKV VW's have already been in Europe for 4 years. There have not been any recalls or major reliability issues like the MKIV had with the coilpacks and window regulators. It's only a new model here. And if i'm not mistaken the GTi and Rabbit both won car of the year for their respected price ranges. I believe VW has done a lot to change from their coilpack and window regulator days. For starters, the Rabbit and GTi aren't made in Mexico, Germany now.

The MKIV sucked.

Honda on the otherhand is known for the reliability. But there's also something else you have to look at. Is the most unreliable car today anywhere near as bad as a car from the early 90's? The margin of difference is so little now. A bad car today could be the difference between a car with noisey brakes and a car that doesn't have noisey brakes.

I'm not being a fanboy to be honest, just trying to point out that the whole notion of VW falling apart and blowing up one by one on the road is kinda exadurated. Just like FORD's are POS right? I don't think so. Things have changed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .:Rabid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Just like FORD's are POS right? I don't think so. Things have changed.</TD></TR></TABLE>


I agreed with everything you said up to this point..
talk that crazy talk again and your banned!

hahha

 

FORD...THEY CIRCLED THE PROBLEM

 

Its true, you can't buy a "bad" car nowadays--but in 1980 to 1990 there were plenty of poorly designed, unreliable cars. I think if you limit yourself to one manufacturer weather its a brand new car or you are building an old project car--you tend to miss out on alot of good stuff and interesting designs.

I happen to own an EF as my "fun" car, but I also really dig so many other cars--My next serious project will most likely be a Fox body Mustang "trunk" car.

Also--there are alot of European and Austailian Fords and GM (Opel and Holden) cars that are really neat and alot cooler than what we get here.

 

The new GTI is nice, but the last VW I drove as I was using the power window the whole frame/glass fell into the door. Not a big deal but it's hard to get past that percieved quality. Maybe I'll wait a couple years before Vee dubs are on my list.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elohel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

...Why? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Personal preference I suppose? ... I never said anything about mazda's being shitty cars i just said that I would rather have a VW/Honda. Overall I prefer the driving experience/feel in a honda/vdub over a mazda anyday.

 

I agree that all cars today are pretty well made. But theres nothing that comes close to how well Toyota and Honda's are made. I also think american cars today,Ford,GM,Dodge etc are not bad...in fact better then before,but,with the help of other manufactures. Benz helps Chrysler,Mitsbishi teamed up with Dodge in the 90's, and even Saturn (owned by GM) has lots of Japanese people behind it aswell.

The thing is American companies will only improve with the help and ideas from Europe and Japan. But to be honest,Japan will always be ahead for making the best sporty cars there is and cars that will out last any of its competition.

But back on subject, I own a 2005 EP and I love it but man these new Si's are sick. Only thing is,they seem a bit of a girls car and there not rare. I went to Best Buy few days ago and parked next to 2 black FG Si's and smiled. Cuz man my little White EP looked stood out between those 2.

But if you already have a car,get a S2000.. its a bit more rare and performs better.

just my opinion.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cnyej1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

a Galant is not a mazda. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Whoopsie

Now I'm just embarrassed.


Besides that though.. cars can still be built badly. If you don't believe me, go buy a 2002ish Dodge Neon. I think that's current enough.

But I don't just mean reliability in the end. There's also a question of quality. We went looking at focus's for our nephew.. wow. They were 16k WITH ford's 2k instant saving thingy going on at the time, and what a piece of junk they were.

 

Don't worry. We all knew you ACTUALLY meant Mazda Gallardo

 

can you post some pics of your dub??

I have a MKV 2.0t and I must agree; LSD would have helped this car A LOT

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Type X &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agreed with everything you said up to this point..
talk that crazy talk again and your banned!

hahha </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is some funny ****! Couldn't agree more

 

One thing I really like about VWs are their VDUB commercials.

 

I haven't spent enough time in a Honda to know how well it's built. I know the motor for sure is built excellently, but when I say VW is quality I'm talking about the Interior's and the lil details that make it a VW, like the vw emblems in the headlights, or pressing the VW emblem on the hatch to open it...The car doesn't make rattle noises and it feels solid. I drove a WRX STi the otherday and the thing was fast as hell, but it felt so cheap and it rattles and bounced everywhere.

I currently manufacture OEM suspension components for the SI and S2000 and Acura RDX or w/e and I can tell you how well built it is. On the otherhand we also make OEM suspension for GM/Ford/Chrysler and they don't pay up to ensure better quality, their tolerences on their parts are way looser then Honda's.

 

yeah Honda's...are just made so well,same with Toyota.

how about the 4 DR Si huh..huh!? those are sweet as fack.

 

There is no way this car looks like a girls car or etc and yes there are rare 2 see i live in ny in weschester which is huge and there are plenty of honda dealers and i don't see more then 1 a day on average. I am glad i dont but love when we get together for meets and i am all over the place yonkers,new ro,bronx,white plains you name it they are def rare 2 see.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .:Rabid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I drove a WRX STi the otherday and the thing was fast as hell, but it felt so cheap and it rattles and bounced everywhere. </TD></TR></TABLE>

It may have felt cheap, but it still has greater torsional rigidity in an 7 year old chassis than the 4 year old MKV Golf/Jetta. Consumer Reports rates the Impreza as a first tier recommended vehicle. VW doesn't have a single car/SUV that even rates as a second tier recommended vehicle. I don't mean to hate, but VW doesn't make a reliable car. They have good interiors, and generally decent performance, but they generally rank in the bottom 1/3 of reliability among all car manufacturers and are always among the most expensive in their class. All my friends are dubbers, and even they rag on VW's reliability constantly, but there is something to that "European Engineering" that they have. I think it may have to do with the high ego emissions (which VW laughingly claims they don't have) that come with owning a European car.

Jon

PS: I drove an '05 STi for 40,000 miles and had a total of 0 problems with it, even though it was made "cheaply". If I wasn't getting married and going back to school, I would still have it instead of the pathetic mommy mobile I drive now.