Test drove the 2006 Si today
Thread Starter
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Rep Power: 0 
Test drove the 2006 Si today
I know they are hard to find in the Chicagoland area, but finally my local dealer got one. I had talked to the salesperson while getting my oil changed a few weeks back, so he was aware that I was looking to see and drive a new Si. He called when it came in, and I went in today to check it out in person.
My first experience was sitting down in the drivers seat. It has a great deal of side support and lower back support. I liked the feeling of the new seats a lot compared to my more 'flat' 2003 EX seats. For about 5 minutes, I sat in the car and played with the radio and Navigation features before driving. The audio was okay, but not very great compared to my aftermarket JL setup.. I guess I am just spoiled when it comes to audio.
Forget the audio and enjoy the engine sound, use the nav to get to where you're goin!
The Nav and steering wheel controls are really nice!!!! The screen has good contrast, and the features are all there with easy to use buttons and controls. So far I was very fond of the seating, and Navigation, while only partially satisfied with the "premium audio" (I'd probably replace the audio if I bought the Si).
Driving: Turn the radio off, enjoy the mild exhaust note. Just bordering on a sporty note, it keeps quiet for the most part. Keep the radio off, and the RPM's up and you'll hear a smooth, refined hum I was glad that it was not a factory fart-pipe setup, but rather a nice, quiet, 'grown-up' note.
I did get to romp on it a bit, and fly through a few gears. Since the power and handling are the main points that would sell the car for me, the salesman had no problem with it. I went in expecting this car to be a little bit like the SRT-4 in power, but I shouldn't have... larger displacement and boost is nothing like the high reving small 2.0L NA K series. (the SRT test drive is another story.. Kick-*** power and torque ALL OVER the rev range, but not much in the way of interior / quality! LOL - Kind of opposite of the Si). I wish I could have the Si with the turbo and larger displacement from the SRT, whoowee that would be nice. (okay, back on topic...)
When applying heavy throttle, you will notice how smooth the power band is. There isn't any peaks or jitters anywhere until 6,000 RPM... it's basically LOW on power, but very flat & silky smooth up to 6k... at 6K there is a very noticeable boost in power which stays solid and uniform until redline. Sadly, the boost in power isn't enough to get my blood pumping or pour any excitment into my body. Additionally, I am also not a big fan of having to run the little motor up to 6 grand just to get some power. It seems like the Si's out there will be living some hard lives, based on how you have to drive em to get any snort out of the K series.
Gearbox: It's very smooth and quick! Extremely small, short throw shifter, but also short ratio gears. Sixth gear on the highway RPM's higher than my 03 EX... I was shocked by this one. The Si has more power and torque, so I completely expected an equal or taller top gear. I suppose the lower gearing accounts for the K's high RPM capability, compared to my lower reving D series. I didn't spend much time with it on the highway, but I'd imagine I would enjoy a taller top gear (for 80mph cruising while barely sipping gas). Other than that very minor (non-issue) the driveline was very pleasing.
Final thoughts:
I guess that I walked into the deal, expecting more of a sports car when the Si is still just a Civic. Maybe all the hype blinded me for just long enough to forget that it's still basically an economy car. I went in with high hopes, some were met, and some were not. (I honestly think the G35 has spoiled me and my opinions on all other cars)
I decided while driving it... If I had wrecked my car, or someone stole it.. would I order a new Si? = Very likely, it would be at the top of my list at this point in my life. I liked the car better than my EX, I really liked the built in Nav. and it's affordable with my current budget. For the money, I think it's a good buy.
Now, would I trade in my well maintained, very, very clean 03 EX to get a new Si after driving one.. I think I probably would not. The Si, is nicer, but it's just not THAT fantastic to hand over my clean 03 for probably less than what I think it's worth and have a new car payment.
I did ask to get my car appraised, and I did ask for the numbers on the new car, delivery time etc. I was pretty sure I was not going to trade in my car by this time, but I respected the salesperson (for once I got a nice salesman) and I wasn't going to just walk out without knowing the dollars to the deal just incase I decided to go trade in, or sell my car private party and order the Si.
What it ended up coming to, was that I couldn't get a valid appraisal because the new car would take 2-6 months to come in, and by that time my 03's value would have changed. They offered to take a deposit and order me a new car (ofcourse they offer this!) but without knowing exactly what I would get for my car, I wouldn't even consider ordering a new vehicle, even if I was in love with it. Ideally, (if I were to buy) I'd like to find out what the dealer would give me, factor in the tax break, then try to sell my car private party for a gain on what I could get for the trade in.
I had to walk away without any good numbers, no new information and the experience of a fun test drive.... with a hand shake and a polite thank you and praise to the salesman for treating me the way I wanted to be treated, I walked out with a smile on my face.
I don't think things could have gone much better. I got to drive the car, find it's strong points and it's weakness, as well as make my silly lust for the new Si fade away. Maybe with patience, and a little more saving I will eventually be able to graduate to a G35... now that's a ride that has it all!
My first experience was sitting down in the drivers seat. It has a great deal of side support and lower back support. I liked the feeling of the new seats a lot compared to my more 'flat' 2003 EX seats. For about 5 minutes, I sat in the car and played with the radio and Navigation features before driving. The audio was okay, but not very great compared to my aftermarket JL setup.. I guess I am just spoiled when it comes to audio.
Forget the audio and enjoy the engine sound, use the nav to get to where you're goin!
The Nav and steering wheel controls are really nice!!!! The screen has good contrast, and the features are all there with easy to use buttons and controls. So far I was very fond of the seating, and Navigation, while only partially satisfied with the "premium audio" (I'd probably replace the audio if I bought the Si).
Driving: Turn the radio off, enjoy the mild exhaust note. Just bordering on a sporty note, it keeps quiet for the most part. Keep the radio off, and the RPM's up and you'll hear a smooth, refined hum I was glad that it was not a factory fart-pipe setup, but rather a nice, quiet, 'grown-up' note.
I did get to romp on it a bit, and fly through a few gears. Since the power and handling are the main points that would sell the car for me, the salesman had no problem with it. I went in expecting this car to be a little bit like the SRT-4 in power, but I shouldn't have... larger displacement and boost is nothing like the high reving small 2.0L NA K series. (the SRT test drive is another story.. Kick-*** power and torque ALL OVER the rev range, but not much in the way of interior / quality! LOL - Kind of opposite of the Si). I wish I could have the Si with the turbo and larger displacement from the SRT, whoowee that would be nice. (okay, back on topic...)
When applying heavy throttle, you will notice how smooth the power band is. There isn't any peaks or jitters anywhere until 6,000 RPM... it's basically LOW on power, but very flat & silky smooth up to 6k... at 6K there is a very noticeable boost in power which stays solid and uniform until redline. Sadly, the boost in power isn't enough to get my blood pumping or pour any excitment into my body. Additionally, I am also not a big fan of having to run the little motor up to 6 grand just to get some power. It seems like the Si's out there will be living some hard lives, based on how you have to drive em to get any snort out of the K series.
Gearbox: It's very smooth and quick! Extremely small, short throw shifter, but also short ratio gears. Sixth gear on the highway RPM's higher than my 03 EX... I was shocked by this one. The Si has more power and torque, so I completely expected an equal or taller top gear. I suppose the lower gearing accounts for the K's high RPM capability, compared to my lower reving D series. I didn't spend much time with it on the highway, but I'd imagine I would enjoy a taller top gear (for 80mph cruising while barely sipping gas). Other than that very minor (non-issue) the driveline was very pleasing.
Final thoughts:
I guess that I walked into the deal, expecting more of a sports car when the Si is still just a Civic. Maybe all the hype blinded me for just long enough to forget that it's still basically an economy car. I went in with high hopes, some were met, and some were not. (I honestly think the G35 has spoiled me and my opinions on all other cars)
I decided while driving it... If I had wrecked my car, or someone stole it.. would I order a new Si? = Very likely, it would be at the top of my list at this point in my life. I liked the car better than my EX, I really liked the built in Nav. and it's affordable with my current budget. For the money, I think it's a good buy.
Now, would I trade in my well maintained, very, very clean 03 EX to get a new Si after driving one.. I think I probably would not. The Si, is nicer, but it's just not THAT fantastic to hand over my clean 03 for probably less than what I think it's worth and have a new car payment.
I did ask to get my car appraised, and I did ask for the numbers on the new car, delivery time etc. I was pretty sure I was not going to trade in my car by this time, but I respected the salesperson (for once I got a nice salesman) and I wasn't going to just walk out without knowing the dollars to the deal just incase I decided to go trade in, or sell my car private party and order the Si.
What it ended up coming to, was that I couldn't get a valid appraisal because the new car would take 2-6 months to come in, and by that time my 03's value would have changed. They offered to take a deposit and order me a new car (ofcourse they offer this!) but without knowing exactly what I would get for my car, I wouldn't even consider ordering a new vehicle, even if I was in love with it. Ideally, (if I were to buy) I'd like to find out what the dealer would give me, factor in the tax break, then try to sell my car private party for a gain on what I could get for the trade in.
I had to walk away without any good numbers, no new information and the experience of a fun test drive.... with a hand shake and a polite thank you and praise to the salesman for treating me the way I wanted to be treated, I walked out with a smile on my face.
I don't think things could have gone much better. I got to drive the car, find it's strong points and it's weakness, as well as make my silly lust for the new Si fade away. Maybe with patience, and a little more saving I will eventually be able to graduate to a G35... now that's a ride that has it all!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, Maryland, US
Rep Power: 305 Nice writeup...unless Honda's future Si's look a bit more mature, my next ride should not be another civic in my opinion, SI or not. I feel essentially the same way. I will toy around with my civic and when times comes, get a real sports car (prob luxury if possible). Not to say that the SI is not a sports car...to all the Si fanboys. Unfortunately to me, its got that boy racer look.
Last edited by doctor; Aug 15, 2006 at 11:46 PM.
yup... i agree with doc...
I've test driven then si as well... did not feel the interior. Engine sound was definately nice! And yes its pretty fast. Considered it but I don't want to drive another civic again.
i love my civic, but i've grown out of it now. This is my last civic, maybe even my last honda (had an EG and EK before).
I want to take a step up and go for something better...
Glad to see some unbias comments on 7thgen... hardly found that in the past.
I've test driven then si as well... did not feel the interior. Engine sound was definately nice! And yes its pretty fast. Considered it but I don't want to drive another civic again.
i love my civic, but i've grown out of it now. This is my last civic, maybe even my last honda (had an EG and EK before).
I want to take a step up and go for something better...
Glad to see some unbias comments on 7thgen... hardly found that in the past.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Rep Power: 0
Originally Posted by dalaw
hows the ride quality of the 8thgen? Is it improved over the 7thgen?
i agree, nice review.
I think many people (myself included) dream of a civic that is an out-of-the-box race car. sorta how the sti evolved from the regular subaru impreza. I'm just not sure that will happen. it's been said time and time again, it's a civic.
I think many people (myself included) dream of a civic that is an out-of-the-box race car. sorta how the sti evolved from the regular subaru impreza. I'm just not sure that will happen. it's been said time and time again, it's a civic.
very nice write up... 
Registered!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 0
From: St. Pete Beach, FL, Florida, US
Rep Power: 0 Nice little write up. 
I thought the new Si handled very well, it has a nice ride but will stick nicely through hard corners without much body roll. . I had a 02 EX, then bought a 03 EP3, I think the new Si handles a bit better than my EP3, but that's probably due to bigger tires.
I didn't care for the digital speedo, but I loved the navagation system and the seats were the same seats that I have in my EP3 but with a "Si" emblem, (and I love the seats, they're great on long trips).
I thought the new Si handled very well, it has a nice ride but will stick nicely through hard corners without much body roll. . I had a 02 EX, then bought a 03 EP3, I think the new Si handles a bit better than my EP3, but that's probably due to bigger tires.
I didn't care for the digital speedo, but I loved the navagation system and the seats were the same seats that I have in my EP3 but with a "Si" emblem, (and I love the seats, they're great on long trips).
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
dooner24
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
1
Apr 14, 2015 07:51 PM
