Rep Power: 511

It's gonna be a bit different from generation to generation as far as MPG and whatnot, but typically

DX < LX < EX < Si

Whenever they add another letter after the "main" trim model letters (e.g. LX vs LXI), it's typically just added features. For example, in the 10th gen civics (2016+), the difference between the EX and EX-L is basically a leather interior, otherwise, performance-wise, an identical car.

In the 6th and 7thgens (96-00 and 01-05, respectively), and someone correct me if there's more to it, the DX and LX have identical performance, the LX just having more features than the DX. In the 7thgen (01-05), the LX had power windows, option for A/C (I think), and some other extra features. As far as engine performance of the 7thgen, the LX and DX both came equipped with a 115HP 1.7L non-vtec engine (D17A1), whereas the EX came with a 127HP 1.7L VTEC engine, and it came with a sportier transmission gear ratio.

In the 8th and 9th generations (06-11 and 12-15, respectively), the DX, LX, and EX all started coming out with the same engine, just different features available (sound systems, moon roof, rims, etc)

Si models (pretty much across the board) came with a much more powerful engine, and maybe some sportier features:

• 6th gen Si (99-00) came with the 160HP 1.6L DOHC VTEC B16A2 (vs SOHC 1.6L D16 series)
• 7th gen Si (02-05) came with the 160HP 2.0L DOHC iVTEC K20A3 (vs SOHC 1.7L D17 series)
• 8th gen Si (06-11) came with the 197HP 2.0L DOHC iVTEC K20Z3 (vs SOHC 1.8L R18 series)
• 9th gen Si (12-15) came with the 201HP 2.4L DOHC iVTEC K24Z7 (vs. SOHC 2.0L R20 series)
• 10th gen Si (16+) comes with the same 1.5L turbo L15 like the other turbo model Civics, but a different turbo assembly with boost pressure at 20.3PSI making 205HP (vs non-Si turbo engines at 16.5psi making 174 or 180hp. There's also a non-turbo 2.0L DOHC iVTEC K20Z3 in the EX/LX trims making 158hp)

As far as fuel economy goes, for the most part, the more power the engine makes, the less the fuel economy. Exception is made in the 10th gen, where the non-Si 1.5L turbo making 174/180hp has similar fuel economy to that of the much less powerful D17 engine making 127HP.

 
Rep Power: 0

What about the other names?
Like Sisley, Touring, and some are called Sport or SE on some of the newer models.

I cant seem to find out what Sisley model is but I see them around.

Do any of the abbreviations have anything to do with if its automatic or manual?

 
Rep Power: 511

Abbreviations have nothing to do with AT or MT.

And, as for your first question, for the most part, they're "modifications" on other trim levels with extra goodies.
In the 10th gens, they kinda fall between trim levels, and the extras basically make them their own trim levels. I've listed the "order" from lowest to highest trim for the 10thgen hatches (since I drive one and I'm most familiar with them), along with whatever extra features (I'm probably gonna miss a lot of them, too):

• LX: 1.5L turbo (hatch - 16.5psi boost max, likely see 12psi boost max in every day driving) rated at 174bhp or 2.0L non-turbo (coupe/sedan) rated at 158bhp, non-touch radio, simple gauge cluster. 17" rims stock. Available in CVT or MT
  • In 2019, the Honda Sensing package became standard equipment for all trim levels.
• Sport: LX model (hatch only) with slightly different tune (more advanced knock sensor) and exhaust (center mounted exhaust tips). Also comes with a lip kit from the factory and 18" rims ("smoked" Si rims), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather-wrapped shift ****. Available in CVT with paddle shifters or MT for (hatchback models only). Due to the knock sensor, the use of premium fuel is recommended to get the rated 180bhp out of the engine. Using regular will keep you at the LX's 174bhp, and yes, there is a definite difference in performance.
  • In 2019, they introduced coupe/sedan sport trims, available only in the non-turbo 2.0L, CVT with paddle shifters only. It's essentially an LX with a couple of fancy bells added, like a mini-HDMI center mounted exhaust (similar, but smaller than the Si exhaust), the touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and 18" rims.
  • Also in 2019 for hatchback models, the touchscreen infotainment system replaced the non-touchscreen head unit. This newer head unit also included physical volume *****, absent on 2016-2018 model year touchscreen system.
• EX: Fancy touchscreen infotainment system, better audio system than LX and Sport trims, pushbutton start, smart entry system, but the engine is the same "base" tune as the LX. Also comes with 17" rims and a moonroof. Available in CVT only.
  • Hatchback models and 2019+ coupe/sedan come in 1.5L turbo only, while 2016-2018 coupe/sedan comes with the 2.0L non-turbo.
• EX-T: Available in 2016-2018 coupe/sedan only, this is an EX trim with the 1.5L turbo engine.
• EX-L: Same stuff as the EX/EX-T, but with leather upholstery.
• Sport Touring: Take all the fancy infotainment, display, smart entry, etc. stuff from the EX, stuff in in a CVT-only Sport, add in some LED headlights, and you get the Sport Touring trim. Same 18" rims, and again, only available in CVT for 2016-2018 MY cars, and in 2019, and MT variant became standard (CVT as an option).
• Si: Same engine as the lower trim models, with extra goodies, sans LED headlights. beefier rods, digital MAF sensor with a larger MAF housing, and, while technically the same turbo as the lower trim models, has a different exhaust wheel that causes it to produce more boost (20.3psi from the lower trims' 16.5psi), and thus, be rated for 205bhp. Also comes with a sport mode button which improves throttle response and activates the active dampering system in the suspension. The Si also comes with an 18mm rear sway bar (16.5mm in lower trims) and an LSD transmission from the factory. Also fancier front seats. Comes in coupe/sedan only, and only in MT. The exhaust is also different than the other trims, and has an "HDMI" shape to the center mounted exhaust tip. The muffler setup is a more free-flowing design than the Sport/Sport Touring center mounted exhaust. The steering wheel also has red threading as opposed to lower trims' leather wheels with grey.
• Type R: Oh my goodness, it's in a league of its own. If you don't know, look it up. Don't forget a bib because I know I drooled. lol. An actual answer, however...
  • The 10thgen Type R comes with a 2.0L K20C1 engine rated at 306BHP with a larger turbo rated at 22.8psi boost, 6-speed LSD transmission only. Available only in the hatchback
  • Intercooler on the CTR is much larger than the L15's intercooler, and is not a direct swap to lower trims.
  • Transmission is different due to different engine it's being mated up with, but people have retrofitted the Si starter ring from a dual mass flywheel to a CTR's single mass flywheel (saves about 15 lbs in the flywheel, from my understanding). The CTR also has a heavier clutch in comparison the the L15's, as well as a different shifter assembly (swappable into lower trims for more precise shifter feel and decrease in throw)
  • Suspension is vastly different than that of the lower trims. Sportier and beefier. Also set up with zero scrub radius from the factory, which translates into zero torque steer.
    • There are a few swappable parts to lower trims. The factory 21mm rear sway bar is a direct fit to lower trims without swapping endlinks (but the CTR metal endlinks are direct replacements for the lower trims' plastic, as are the Accord's endlinks), and for most models, there is a $20 chassis support brace (just forward of center on the car) that is a direct bolt in. There are a few models that have these holes, but are not threaded, but it seems kinda random as to which non-hatch models have threaded holes and which don't.
  • Factory brembos, bc why tf not
  • Come stock with 20s from the factory. 20x8.5's wrapped in 245/30-20 tires. Lug pattern is also 5x120 (compared to the 5x114.3 for lower trims)
  • Wide body fenders, carbon fiber pattern lip kit, lightweight aluminum hood with hood scoop (vs non-scoop steel hood), aggressive bumpers with vents, aggressive rear lower spoiler, and the lower trim levels' upper spoiler replaced with winglets and vortex generators. Front grille also allows for increased airflow.
  • Exhaust system is larger than lower trims, and also has a 3-tipped exhaust, one of the tips has a pressure-activated valve that opens during high exhaust flow conditions.
  • Interior is super fancy with reclining racing seats, flat bottom two-tone steering wheel (alcantara wheel replaced the leather in 2020), but you do give up the rear center seat. The steering wheel is also a direct fit to lower trims. My understanding, the front seats will swap into lower hatch trims with no issue, too

Now, the things I listed above are for USDM models. I know up in Canada land, the Sport model has a bunch more goodies than the US Sport model that kinda makes me jealous, but oh well, it happens. In Australia, they get an HDMI input to the infotainment system. EUDM gets a sportline trim with different styling and side covers for the voids in the engine bay (I got some $60 on Amazon and they've been great)

In the 7thgens (again, another generation with which I'm familiar), they had the VP and SE trims. My understanding, they were LX and EX (respectively) trims with some other fancy pants stuff added to them.

And I've never, ever heard of the Sisley model. My best guess (and backed up with a google search), your local honda dealer (Sisley Honda in Thornhill) has a metal looking dealer logo badge they stick on all the cars they sell.

 
Rep Power: 221

Sisley is a dealership not a model.....

 
Rep Power: 221

I have an SE (Special Edition) and it sure as hell isn't fancy. Base engine with an automatic, power locks, and A/C. That's it.

 
Rep Power: 0

i have just gotten my 2004 civic SE and trying to figure out if it is comparable to a DX or EX as no where for parts has a SE option

 
Rep Power: 221

Most parts will be dx

 
Rep Power: 366

LX/DX have the D17A1, EX have the D17A2, there are differences

 
Rep Power: 0

My recommendation would be to buy the base model and then just add the features you want. Unless you want a sunroof or push button ignition because you can't get those added on afterward from what I understand. I worked in the automotive industry for about six years and what I'd frequently see is that people would buy the trim level that already came with the features they wanted. This would cost them more because they'd also be paying for features they don't want/didn't care about. If you want leather, don't buy the trim that already has leather. Buy the lower trim levels and just add leather from a company like Katzkin. It will literally save you thousands of dollars. Plus, that way you can customize it to yourself because you have more options to choose from. Here's a link to the Katzkin Civic page so you can see what I mean: https://katzkin.com/what-do-you-driv...leather-seats/