7th gen LX vs. EX?
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7th gen LX vs. EX? Hi all... new member, first post...
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.
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; Jun 8, 2003 at 05:25 PM.
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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.
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.
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Rep Power: 0 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.
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.
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.
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Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by DaZeD
EX no doubt about it, and whjy wouldnt u want a sunroof
EX no doubt about it, and whjy wouldnt u want a sunroof
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Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by MrFresh
Some people dont want the sunroof because of the extra weight, but i say screw that I love my EX and the sunroof.
Some people dont want the sunroof because of the extra weight, but i say screw that I love my EX and the sunroof.
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Rep Power: 0 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.
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.
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Rep Power: 373 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.
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.
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Rep Power: 0 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.
Ehh, anyways, that's my $.02
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.
Ehh, anyways, that's my $.02
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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.
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 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!
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Rep Power: 0 Thanks for the mod suggestions, but I won't be doing any. My main reason for buying new is for the warranty, so modding it would defeat the purpose.
No, I won't buy a used car. I'm done with that.
No, I won't buy a used car. I'm done with that.
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Rep Power: 0 I would say to go with the EX if money is not a huge issue. I bought an LX because it is adequately equipped, and to go to the EX price range seemed to be getting pricey for an entry level car, but now I wish I got the EX for a variety of reasons. The moonroof is not necessary but adds a nice accent to the car. I have never driven an EX and I don't know if the VTEC engine adds much to the car but at least you would have the knowledge of having the more advanced engine. There is also the 15 inch wheels vs. the 14 inch on the DX/LX. The ABS feature is desirable, although I have had no problems with the standard brakes. The color keyed door handles will not be a factor since the LX went to color keyed door handles with the 2002. I do not think the door handle color issue is that important, since I saw a Saab 92 recently with black side moulding, but if you can get em, why not. I believe the EX also has remote entry, which would be a convenience, especially when locking the car.
I was a first time Honda buyer when I bought my 01 LX, so I didn't think the EX was worth the extra money, since why would you load up an economy car, when you could get a better car for less.
I think the reason is that the base Civic is a reasonably well built car, at least that is the perception, and it has a good reputation for reliability. So when you add all the options on, you are actually bringing the car close to the Acura level.
Also, the options do help at trade in time.
So, if you have your mind made up on buying a Civic, I would go for the EX. You may regret it later if you buy the LX.
I was a first time Honda buyer when I bought my 01 LX, so I didn't think the EX was worth the extra money, since why would you load up an economy car, when you could get a better car for less.
I think the reason is that the base Civic is a reasonably well built car, at least that is the perception, and it has a good reputation for reliability. So when you add all the options on, you are actually bringing the car close to the Acura level.
Also, the options do help at trade in time.
So, if you have your mind made up on buying a Civic, I would go for the EX. You may regret it later if you buy the LX.
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Rep Power: 0 Get a EX IMO. And you must of had bad luck w/the Moonroof w/you other two cars, because both my Civic and my old car had Moonroofs and I never, NEVER had any problems w/leaking or rusting of any type.
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Rep Power: 302 If you don't want the sunroof, buy an LX model and put an EX engine into and you still have money to mod and maybe get rims 
EX engine is only like 800 if I am correct, but I dunno.
Anywho I bought an LX and I am more than happy with it, and my LX came with ABS, if I remember correctly.
With just an exhaust I was dead even with a stock EX, so that is just incase you are thinking of modding it out.
RiceRocketeer
EX engine is only like 800 if I am correct, but I dunno.
Anywho I bought an LX and I am more than happy with it, and my LX came with ABS, if I remember correctly.
With just an exhaust I was dead even with a stock EX, so that is just incase you are thinking of modding it out.
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LX | Starting at $15,010.00
The Civic LX Coupe continues to be the most popular model in the lineup due to its amenity-rich packaging. Adding to the DX Coupe, you get power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning with an air-filtration system, cruise control, a front-passenger walk-in seat with memory and an AM/FM/cassette audio system.
EX | Starting at $16,810.00
Every family needs an overachiever, and the EX Coupe is the Civic's top standout. With a high-performance 1.7-liter, 127-hp VTEC® engine and 15-inch wheels and tires, the Civic EX Coupe is near the top of its class. Take the LX and add to that a power moonroof with tilt feature, an AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a driver's seat with manual seat height adjustment, and there's no doubt the Civic EX goes above and beyond the call of duty.
If you're getting an 03, then the EX also comes with the 99-00 SI rims...plus VTEC, though it's not really a huge thing since they're both SOHC...EX is 127 hp 114 torque while LS is 115 hp 110 torque...an EX weighs 2553 lb while LX weighs 2465 lb so that's not even 100 lb...i guess if u were to race then 100 lb does make a difference but if u just wanna drive it then it's whatevers...
i own an 03 ex and i got no regrets with choosing it over the lx...but thats if we're only talkin bout 7th gens...if we were talkin bout other cars or other generation civics, then that's a whole other story...
LX | Starting at $15,010.00
The Civic LX Coupe continues to be the most popular model in the lineup due to its amenity-rich packaging. Adding to the DX Coupe, you get power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning with an air-filtration system, cruise control, a front-passenger walk-in seat with memory and an AM/FM/cassette audio system.
EX | Starting at $16,810.00
Every family needs an overachiever, and the EX Coupe is the Civic's top standout. With a high-performance 1.7-liter, 127-hp VTEC® engine and 15-inch wheels and tires, the Civic EX Coupe is near the top of its class. Take the LX and add to that a power moonroof with tilt feature, an AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a driver's seat with manual seat height adjustment, and there's no doubt the Civic EX goes above and beyond the call of duty.
If you're getting an 03, then the EX also comes with the 99-00 SI rims...plus VTEC, though it's not really a huge thing since they're both SOHC...EX is 127 hp 114 torque while LS is 115 hp 110 torque...an EX weighs 2553 lb while LX weighs 2465 lb so that's not even 100 lb...i guess if u were to race then 100 lb does make a difference but if u just wanna drive it then it's whatevers...
i own an 03 ex and i got no regrets with choosing it over the lx...but thats if we're only talkin bout 7th gens...if we were talkin bout other cars or other generation civics, then that's a whole other story...
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Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by RiceRocketeer
If you don't want the sunroof, buy an LX model and put an EX engine into and you still have money to mod and maybe get rims
EX engine is only like 800 if I am correct, but I dunno.
Anywho I bought an LX and I am more than happy with it, and my LX came with ABS, if I remember correctly.
With just an exhaust I was dead even with a stock EX, so that is just incase you are thinking of modding it out.
If you don't want the sunroof, buy an LX model and put an EX engine into and you still have money to mod and maybe get rims
EX engine is only like 800 if I am correct, but I dunno.
Anywho I bought an LX and I am more than happy with it, and my LX came with ABS, if I remember correctly.
With just an exhaust I was dead even with a stock EX, so that is just incase you are thinking of modding it out.
Last edited by MrDisco99; Jun 8, 2003 at 12:23 AM.
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Rep Power: 0 Well, I wanted a new car. Walked into the dealership, walked around a parking lot a bit and saw my 2 choices. One was 03 EX, the other one...02 NSX. $ 16,200 vs. $89,000 ...guess what i got ? 
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Rep Power: 0 Mr. Disco is one of those boring civic owners. JK, maybe a smarter civic owner, I don't know how many of my mods i dont regret doing now that i'm selling my car.
Anyhow. Despite the slight difference in fuel economy i would still say get an Si. esp if your not modding it. The Si was assembled in England and has much better fit and finish to it. My EX (Si cuz it's a canadian car) has tons of rattles, and i'm really not impressed with the quality in general. It actually has a bit of torque (a bit), and it's only going to cost you an extra couple bucks on a long trip. definatly not going to kill you. 2.0 vs 1.7, how big a difference can there be in mileage?
Anyhow. Despite the slight difference in fuel economy i would still say get an Si. esp if your not modding it. The Si was assembled in England and has much better fit and finish to it. My EX (Si cuz it's a canadian car) has tons of rattles, and i'm really not impressed with the quality in general. It actually has a bit of torque (a bit), and it's only going to cost you an extra couple bucks on a long trip. definatly not going to kill you. 2.0 vs 1.7, how big a difference can there be in mileage?
Last edited by NitehawkVTEC; Jun 8, 2003 at 12:49 AM.
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Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by NitehawkVTEC
Mr. Disco is one of those boring civic owners. JK, maybe a smarter civic owner, I don't know how many of my mods i dont regret doing now that i'm selling my car.
Mr. Disco is one of those boring civic owners. JK, maybe a smarter civic owner, I don't know how many of my mods i dont regret doing now that i'm selling my car.
I don't think I'd get an Si. I personally think that new hatchback design is ugly. I'm also not a big fan of the whole badged up ricer look and the Si hints toward that a little too much for my liking. I like the non-Si coupe body style a lot better. I think it looks really classy.
Go ahead, call me an old man. I guess everyone has different reasons for liking Civics. I think that's what makes it such a great car, though. It fits so many different roles nicely.
Thanks for the tip on the struts. How did you bust yours? I'll have to research that a little further.
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Rep Power: 0 well according to another member on the board they have revised the strut design. But i had mine changed at about 60k miles. That's the reason i retracted the strut statement. I hope that this info was true. We'll see if i go through another set. Actually i would suggest talking to mohawkboom. I think he may have gone through 2 sets of struts. personally i'm selling my car before i find out.
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Rep Power: 0 I think that everyone is seeming to forget that both the EX and LX have been dynoed to around 100 - 110, that isn't much of a difference, it seems to me that everyone agrees that neither are really faster and if they were to race it would be a drivers race all the way. ABS, is a nice feature on paper. Yes, you won't lock your brakes in a panic stop but you will also not stop any faster, with a rare exception of totally hydroplaning. If you have the money for an ex... get an SI. Either way the ratings for fuel economy aren't accurate (I have an LX and get ~30 MPG) if it is freeway driving you will MAYBE get 5 more MPG with an EX or LX than an SI.
Just get the Ex...with a little bit more money you can get the highest trim (excluding Si, type R, whatever). You don't want to regret it later on in life and wished that you should have gotten the Ex. And plus...EX ROCKS! 
