I was wondering if Civics have much less thermal insulation between the cabin and the firewall.

It seemed odd that at midnight at 75 degrees F with fresh air turned on full blast (left A/C off)
that my car still felt a lot warmer than when I took a break from driving, to step outside.

Today it was in the mid 40's F and raining on a 2 hour highway drive,
and I think I noticed "heat accumulation" around my console extending back to where the parking brake is,
and I think I found it with my hand on the passenger side as well.

This heat accumulation that I'm talking about is subtle, but it's like the whole console is heated, from the parking brake forward.
It basically feels like I've left the cabin-heat somewhere around the middle, (or about 30 F warmer than cabin temp)
even when I've left the dial to fresh air without cabin heat.

I'm assuming this is a part of the design of a Honda Civic,
but I'm curious if there are easy ways to add insulation to keep engine heat out.

 

The exhaust is directly under our center consoles. The console on my 92 also got decently warm as does my 2010. I noticed this most with the shifter. You could try Products like Dynomat or hush mat which is used in car audio and general insulation/ sound deadening. This may require quite a bit of work to get under the carpet though. I can't really say what would be involved as I have never taken out my center console.

 

I notice alot of heat accumulation when I have my Heat on in the car. I reach down into the cupholder and its like 100 degrees in there...good or a coffee, not for a slurpee

 

Same here too , on my 09 si , other than the center console , the ignition key gets scorching hot when the car has been left out in the sun i was thinking of putting insulation tape where the exh meets the cabin to help the heatshield already there but havent had the time !

 

I wish I could be of more help. I saw a thread about this issue a few months back. There was also a solution. If I recall correctly, there was a person who brought their car to Honda and had them fix it. It wasn't a very difficult fix, but nonetheless, I don't remember the process of how they trouble shot it.

 

About my console feeling warm/hot, I was checking the sides of the console, near the top. It's probably not that noticeable in the middle like where the cupholders are.

 

there is a part under the center console, that has a 45 degree bend that came off, i have read before. I am searching for it...

 

You gave me an idea...

How about instead of insulating the console (interior),
insulate either the exhaust itself, or install a heat shield under the floor and above the exhaust.

I will have to look into if it will affect my factory warranty.
If not, an insulated exhaust should improve engine operation (if any effect)
with the only potential effect is higher EGT's wearing out the cats.
(but maybe higher EGT's would be better for the cats)

Will keep you all informed as to what I do.