2002 Honda Civic Si

Excellent directional control and driver feedback comes via an electrical power steering (EPS) booster on the standard rack-and-pinion hardware. This is the first U.S. Civic to get this slick EPS setup, which helps lower parasitic losses normally sustained when using a conventional pump, abetting both performance and fuel efficiency. In addition, the steering box uses a variable ratio that provides a quicker, more precise on-center feel while allowing for lower effort as the lock angle is increased. Stopping chores are most capably handled by healthy 10.4-inch/front and 10.2-inch/rear disc brakes fitted with ABS plus electronic brake-distribution circuitry that individually matches decelerative force with available grip for each wheel.


Further contributing to the new Si's crisp, consistent handling—as well as enhancing overall passenger safety—is an exceptionally stout unibody. Using computer-assisted design technology, Honda engineers managed to trim 44 pounds out of the basic shell weight while building in 95 percent more torsional rigidity and 22 percent more bending stiffness than the last Si hatchback. Precision assembly techniques pioneered with the coupe and sedan also yielded benefits in this variation on the Civic theme, producing markedly tighter body panel gaps that help clean up the car's aero profile and cut wind noise at freeway speeds.

A tilt steering column, dead pedal and leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel make it easy to find and maintain an ideal driving position.

What looks good on paper is nothing short of wonderful on the road. The tauter suspension tuning clearly is happiest on smooth pavement, but there's sufficient compliance in this setup to negotiate less-than-ideal surfaces without major bump-steer problems. Body roll is minimal and the Si tracks cleanly and drifts predictably. When shove finally does come to push in tighter corners, a touch of trailing throttle will slip the Si's tail around predictably to set up a suitably quick exit move.


Inside, this high-strung Honda looks and feels every bit the proper pocket-rocket. Smartly shaped and tastefully upholstered cloth sport buckets do an admirable job of matching comfort with support while a tilt steering column, dead pedal and leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel make it easy to find and maintain an ideal driving position. One additional detail touch of note is a matte-black textured surface on the top of the dash that effectively kills annoying reflections in the windshield.


The Si's rear bench seat is scaled to handle a pair of average adults in reasonable comfort on shorter hauls. When hauling cargo takes precedence to hauling people, a standard 60/40 split/folding back allows capacity of the storage bay to be increased from 15.7 cubic feet to 35.7, and creates a flat-floor mini cave in the process. While born to run, the Si packs its performance punch in a decidedly velvet glove. Key standard features include air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, power moonroof, remote keyless entry, cruise control, anti-theft system, power windows/locks/mirrors, and intermittent front/rear washer/wipers. In fact, the only way to bump an Si's $19,460 base price—which includes $460 in destination fees—is to get one like our tester, with front-side airbags that add another $250 to bottom line.