If you're over 40, you'll recognize the Honda Civic SI as the living incarnation of the Mattel Hot Wheels racers rolling down those orange plastic tracks from your childhood—if you're under 40, go ask your Dad and watch the ear-to-ear grin break out across his face! The Civic SI seems to have the "Go Speed Racer" theme song playing in the back of your mind no matter how old you are-- even for people who never watched the cartoon. Some cars are just plain fun—this is one of them!
The Civic Si is a true performance vehicle hiding out inside a value-conscious Honda. Plan on experiencing true driving pleasure—especially if you're strapped inside the 2-liter, 197 horsepower engine version that became available in 2002. Recent models since 2009 have stretched the youthful exuberance of the SI even further—There's an intuitive voice-command system for hands-free navigating, an iPod/USB drive for the sound system, and a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone system to keep you using your gadgets—but safely (gratuitous Inspector Gadget reference skipped here!).
The Civic Si's audio system is good—no surprise given the sales demographic. A subwoofer adds bass to the 350 watts of amplification pouring out of a six-speaker system—loud and proud (but about right, since you're probably not listening to books on tape much).
Comfort and a plush interior aren't why you're looking for the Civic SI, especially a used one. Over rough roads you're going to feel it in your bones and you'll want to avoid the larger potholes on your route to school, work, the clubs, or the store (yeah, occasionally you're going to need to shop for groceries). The 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway rating might fool you into thinking you're getting a gas miser—your mileage will likely vary downward since this car practically begs you to rev the engine.
Did we mention fun? Yes? Well, mention it again because this car is all about having a good time. Shopping for a used car can be dull at times, but if you're shopping for a Honda Civic SI dull won't spend a lot of time lingering in your vocabulary. As you press forward with your quest for driving excitement, look here to find a grown up racer for sale in your area.
