I don't own a Civic (yet) but I'm thinking about buying one soon. I'm a little torn between whether to get the LX or EX trim. I know the EX adds a little more horsepower as well as 15" alloy wheels, ABS, and 6-speaker stereo. However, it also adds a moonroof, which I really would rather not have.
I guess I'm just wondering how much better the performance is with the EX. Is it really noticeable? I'd rather not spend the extra $1800 if I don't have to, but I will if it's that much more enjoyable. Being able to maintain 80mph on the interstate with the A/C on without downshifting is very important to me. Low-end performance is also important to me for driving around town and getting up to speed from stop lights and such.
I want my next car to be great on gas yet still be a bunch of fun to get around in. I plan on getting a manual shifter with whichever trim I go with, and I'll more likely get the coupe even though the practical side of me is still kinda reaching for the sedan.
How many of you have driven both? Any impressions?
EDIT: I am not modding it. I'm buying new because I want the warranty, so the last thing I'm going to do is void it. Otherwise, I'd just get a used one, which I will not do.
Last edited by MrDisco99 : 06-08-2003 at 06:25 PM.
But anyways, the only reason that I would choose th EX over the LX is the ABS and the color matched handles and mirrors.
I experienced first hand the differences of an EX and LX. A LX slammed on the brakes an slid into the back of me. If he would of had an EX then he probably would have been able to stop or steer out of the way.
Also, doesn't the EX come with a rear sway bar? That is good for handling turns.
Originally posted by FlyRiceRacer02 Screw the EX......get an Si!!!
But anyways, the only reason that I would choose th EX over the LX is the ABS and the color matched handles and mirrors.
I experienced first hand the differences of an EX and LX. A LX slammed on the brakes an slid into the back of me. If he would of had an EX then he probably would have been able to stop or steer out of the way.
Also, doesn't the EX come with a rear sway bar? That is good for handling turns.
I'm pretty sure they both come with the sway bar.
ABS is a nice selling point for the EX, but I've never driven a car that had it so if my next one doesn't it's no big loss.
I didn't like the fuel mileage numbers on the Si. I take a lot of long trips, so that's pretty important.
Originally posted by DaZeD EX no doubt about it, and whjy wouldnt u want a sunroof
I've had two cars with sun roofs and I swore I'd never get another. Having to contend with leaks and rusted tracks just seems more trouble than it's worth. I never use it anyway.
Well, I am very, very happy with my LX sedan, but every now and then, I kinda wish I had gotten an EX. I only bought the LX because the dealer had one red-tagged, (plus it was a stick and it was white, both requirements) and I got a really good deal.
I have not had any braking issues, but ABS would be nice - I wish they offered it as an option on the other trims. The 14" wheels are something of a drawback, I suppose, but I just got new rims and tires (say goodbye to the crap Firestones!), and the ride has improved dramatically. As for the sunroof, I can take it or leave it. However, there's nothing wrong with a little extra horsepower.
All in all, the LX is plenty loaded for me, and I'm glad I got it; just think about what you want/need out of your car, then shop around.
Originally posted by FlyRiceRacer02 Screw the EX......get an Si!!!
But anyways, the only reason that I would choose th EX over the LX is the ABS and the color matched handles and mirrors.
I experienced first hand the differences of an EX and LX. A LX slammed on the brakes an slid into the back of me. If he would of had an EX then he probably would have been able to stop or steer out of the way.
Also, doesn't the EX come with a rear sway bar? That is good for handling turns.
haha i remember that one!!! that sucked and yes they come with sway bar in the rear i believe also.
I dunno, maybe it's different here in Canada, but I have an LX and it has ABS brakes. I know the EX is the Canadian Si coupe, so I think that, for you, the LX and the EX should have ABS. As for which one to choose, I went with my LX sedan for two reasons.
1. ABS. I had two cars before my civic with ABS. With the winters here in Canada, I wouldn't drive on the snow and ice without it again.
2. Power windows, power locks, and remote entry. I drive my wife and her mom everywhere. I hate having to walk around and unlock the doors for them, I much prefer just pushing a button and letting them in.
I drove the Honda Civic sedan, and the Acura EL 1.7 (here in Canada it has the V-TEC engine) and I didn't notice any difference in the performance of the motor. However, if you plan on doing any mods to the motor, a few members here have the APEXi V-AFC controller, and from what I've read, it makes a difference on the V-TEC engagement. But then again, I drove the auto versions of both cars. Maybe that makes a difference in driving feel, since you said you'll be getting a stick.
Yeah, that too. I know the EX weighs more, so I'm wondering if the extra power just makes up for it or if it actually makes more of a difference.
Sunroof and other extras add 80 lbs... the 12 extra HP is more than enough to counter act it. The Power to weight ratio of the EX is better than the LX/DX, but it also has slightly taller gearing... so it's basically a wash.
Quote:
ABS is a nice selling point for the EX, but I've never driven a car that had it so if my next one doesn't it's no big loss.
I thought this too... and then they saved me and my car. Some ass hole pulled out in front of me, and they kicked in... the car came to a totally controlled stop and probably turned a pretty ugly accident into a fender tap. ABS will stop you faster under panic conditions than non ABS, and you don't want to be skidding... thats not good. I say to get the EX, if for nothing else... the ABS system.
I own an LX and test drove the EX, to tell you the truth put the extra 1800 dollars into a full exhaust system, an intake, and new rims. You will end up spening the same amount, and gaining more performance. I can do 110mph on the express way with the air cond on!
7th gen LX vs. EX? 
