In '85, the sleepy commuter got a dose of caffeine with a peppy Si model, and the response from young buyers looking for an inexpensive and spirited driving experience was immediate.
In '99, the time is again ripe for an Si model, and Honda has answered the cracking voices of young drivers across the country with a new, improved Civic Si coupe.
This time, however, the Si is cleaner running while achieving the once magical engine output milestone of just over 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, or if you prefer, just over 1 horsepower per cubic inch.
Honda pioneered variable valve timing with its VTEC engines, and this Civic del Sol-derived 1.6-liter engine is endowed with the same split personality we've come to expect.
Piloted by a "normal" driver, the Si's engine behaves much the same as that of any other Civic. But when you push the revs beyond the 6000-rpm range, the commuter car transforms into a tenacious little street fighter.
Honda also went to work on marginally improving the handling of the Si with progressively valved shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars, shock tower brace, and standard 15-inch aluminum wheels.
It's a byproduct of good engineering efficiency -- a light but strong chassis and small, light, fuel-efficient engines.
Among the current offerings, even the base-model Civic DX hatchback I tested back in 1996 had entertaining handling and energetic performance -- and that from a car with (allegedly) an econobox commute-module specification and automatic transmission.
It topped Civic lineup between 1986 and 1995, and made a large number of young, young-at- heart, or young-in-wallet enthusiasts very, very happy with great performance and handling at a reasonable price.
Its twincam VTEC four-cylinder engine makes 160 horsepower from 1.6-liters, a specific power output once reached only by expensive, finicky, unreliable pure racing engines.
The Si is way too much fun to be mere "transportation." It's more like a land-bound equivalent of a private sport airplane -- well-engineered, lightweight, and with excellent power and handling ability.
Close examination shows a deeper, more vertical front "air dam" bumper fascia , side sills, and "DOHC VTEC" stickers on the sides that look left over from the 'Eighties.
COMFORT: Inside, the Si is as plain, honest, and functional as any Civic. No fancy graphics, no acres of faux carbon fiber, just quality synthetics and excellent fit and finish.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt-and-slide power moonroof, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Leather trim on the tilt-adjustable steering wheel and shift knob makes them easier to grasp, and they are placed correctly for spirited driving.
SAFETY: The 1999 Honda Civic Si has a strong, rigid chassis with front and rear crush zones and side-impact door beams, dual front airbags, and three-point safety harnesses for all outboard positions.
Despite 195/55 VR15 Michelins, stiffer springs and shock absorbers, and larger anti-roll bars, the Si's ride quality is supple and comfortable enough for everyday use on any road surface.
The Si grips the road tenaciously for street use right out of the box; plenty of aftermarket parts should be available for anyone who wants even more cornering ability.
PERFORMANCE: The Si's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is different from the 1.6-liter fours in other Civics. It's a high-revving short-stroke, dual overhead cam screamer with an 8000 rpm redline.
But, thanks to the VTEC variable valve timing and lift system, it has decent low-rpm torque and makes useable power from 3000 rpm all the way to redline, so it's no problem to drive even in heavy traffic.
As with the first-generation Integra VTEC engine, the shift from low-speed to high-speed cams can be felt at 5500 rpm.
It's the modern, high-tech equivalent of opening the secondaries in a four-barrel carburetor, and the surge of power and CART Champ Car sound are what gives the Si its character.
Check This Out! Red 1999 Honda Civic Si 230 WHP NA (HD) - Click here for the funniest movie of the week
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