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I just got a very very low mileage stock (10k) 2005 LX SE. The issue is that the brakes are very touchy when you first start applying the brakes. It makes modulation difficult, particularly in snow.

Are they all like this? I would prefer a firmer pedal that is easier to modulate. Do I have any choices? Might there be something wrong with the brakes now? The car has had a very easy life so abuse is not an issue. Not being driven is obvious given the mileage.

 
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Definition of 'touchy' varies widely, and usually depends on what your last ride felt like. The likes of which I couldnt imagine.
That being said, if it was enough to make the car feel unsafe I would drain and inspect the brake system. Maybe theres some sort of gunk clogging things up. I rebuilt the breaks on my MC and there was this gooey, yellowish substance sticking things up.

 
Rep Power: 285

I'm not sure what the OP means by touchy, but if they want firmer more responsive braking then I'd suggest they need to have their brake fluid changed.

 
Rep Power: 367

well, low mileage for the age - possibility of some stuff starting to deposit on the system, so disassembling and inspecting and changing fluids sounds right. Do you change fluids at least every 2 years?

Man, when i read about previous car, reminds me when i went from a beetle to a vacuum assisted car the first time (talk about twitch braking - was just a matter of adjusting driving).
Try to do a left foot braking to understand the feeling - no modulation at all on your legs)

 
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I am comparing this car to my 2007 Odyssey and gf S40. Harder braking applications seem fine with the civic, it is the initial grab with a light application of the brakes which is the problem. The brake pedal almost feels "sticky" initially which makes modulation in the snow difficult and grabby when dry outside. To my knowledge, nothing has been done to this car other than a couple of oil changes. Florida car now in Wisconsin.

Sounds like changing the brake fluid would be first on the list to do.

 
Rep Power: 285

If nothing other than oil changes have been done, your also due for a change on all your other fluids.

If you change your brake fluid and the brakes continue to stick a bit then you might need to rebuild our calipers, thats a fairly simple and inexpensive job.

 
Rep Power: 353

to the OP:

thats due to the flexing and expansion of the line. what you need is stainless steal brake lines. it will create a linear feel..and not such a rush of braking (like the stock lines)

ive had SS lines for about 3 years now and this past summer, i drove a friends car to LA (bout 50mils) and my passengers were feeling sick because i "didnt know how to brake."

(but because its so un-linear and wack. no feel at all)

 
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Ok, recommendations?