One of the best car reviewers I’ve seen, straight to the point and shows a broad yet specific list of what the car offers. Also super relaxing voice, great for late night videos. Have you tried TH-cam shorts where you can also spread your videos to a wider audience? Car reviews are great on shorts since it packs a bunch of info in a 60 second video. Keep it up man I’ll be looking out for your videos 💪🏼
Wow, thank you! That means a lot! I haven't tried shorts for reviews yet. I've trimmed some of my intros and exhaust clips in order to try to drive traffic to the full videos, but no actual quick reviews. That's a good idea. I'll have to try it out! Thanks!
I have one. I agree the engine is definitely the weak point, but it also gets awesome fuel economy, which right now makes me feel pretty good. I also average around 33mpg on mine driving it the way I want to. I have the Sonic grey and everyone who sees the car loves the looks and are impressed with the interior quality. The driving aids also work really well, making long highway trips easy.
Nice! Congrats on the car! Glad you're loving it! Honestly, I don't see the engine as a weak point. I do think it looks weak on the stat sheet, but I don't mind the low power and I think the power delivery is good.
@@GearboxCarReviews Thanks. Yeah, the engine is not bad it’s just noticeably down on power compared to the 2.0 liter turbo engines in the GTI and the Focus ST I used to own. I miss the extra shove. It just has to be revved out compared to those cars. Those cars also don’t get the fuel economy that the Si does so it’s all a trade-off.
@@andrewb325 Yeah, it is down, but I feel like it's more consistent through the power band. Plus I like being able to rev it out a bit more. And of course the fuel economy, as you mentioned. I'd take the SI over the GTI and the Focus ST even without the extra power and features.
I have a 2023 Kia Forte GT manual right now. I would 100% gotten the new SI because I was coming from a 2020 SI. I would’ve payed double monthly for what I was paying for the 2020. The Forte GT is very nice don’t get me wrong, but after a tune and a resonator delete did I really love this thing.
Got my 2010 Mazda RX-8 Gran Touring wrecked 2 years ago and I ended up getting a 2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe...I used to hate on FWD cars but the Si changed my mind...it handles and drives great, there is understeer since its front wheel drive, but not a lot and suprised how great suspension is tuned stock. Im not liking the 10th gen and the 11th because of turbo lag...id prefer the power delivery of the 9th gen
Oh man, that's a rough way to lose a car. I haven't driven any rotaries at this point, but I've heard great things about the driving experience. Yeah, I love the 9th gen. It feels so connected and the high-revving NA motor (even if it isn't as high as the 8th gen) is a blast to wring out. I was pretty disappointed when I got out of a 9th gen and into a 10th. Maybe I'm just used to turbo 4s at this point, but I don't remember much lag in the 11th and I still think it's a great car. Given the choice between the 2, I'd probably lean 9th, but would be super happy with an 11th.
Thanks man! I've been trying to kick things up a notch. Yeah, these things are a blast in the corners! I had a lot of fun going up and down the twisty roads behind my house.
btw any chance you’d be able to review the new GLI sometime? Now that you’ve reviewed the Si and GTI and love to get your opinion on it and how it compares
All the competition in this segment is high on my list, including the GLI. I've been having trouble tracking one down, though. From what I remember of last year's model, slightly worse handling than the GTI (but still great), maybe a bit softer, and had some creature comforts that the GTI was missing (but now the mk8 has). Nicer interior than the SI and more options and features, especially since it's Autobahn only now. Generally, I'd say if you're more into the creature comforts like heated and cooled seats and leather, and you want a sedan, maybe lots of road trips and highway with the occasional back road, I'd take the GLI over the SI. But if you want something a little more connected and spend more time on back roads or autoX, then the SI is better in my opinion. Hopefully I'll find one soon for a video though.
@@GearboxCarReviews Awesome, thank very much you for giving your insight. I think I’d love the Si but these markups are insane - at least the VW dealerships near me aren’t doing markups. The GLI seems like a good bet, I’m trying to find one myself to try it out soon lol. On a side note, I don’t know any other reviewers that reply so quickly and so thoroughly to comments. This is clearly a labor of love for you. Thank you for all you do.
@@NashKetchum definitely worth checking out if you can! I really don't understand why Honda dealers are pricing themselves into competition with other cars that should cost more, but I guess they're still selling anyway unfortunately. An Elantra N is worth checking out too if you can find one. It's a good middle ground between the SI and GLI in terms of features and comfort and the manual is somewhere between those other two as well in terms of feel. More power and a little more rowdy in terms of looks, sound, and how it drives. Hopefully getting one of those in the next few weeks, but I know the styling isn't for everyone. Yeah, I'm happy to share the knowledge and experiences! Otherwise, what's the point of all this? I know what it's like to drive a car you hate every day, and it sucks. So I started test driving everything I could when I needed a new car and on top of getting hooked on finding new driving experiences, I figured it'd be cool to help point other people in the right direction when there are cars they maybe can't test for themselves. And now finding cars to test drive for yourself is harder than ever. But when somebody tells me "I checked out car X that you recommended, and I loved it!" That's pretty cool :)
@@NashKetchum yeah I'm excited about that one! I drove it quickly a couple of weeks ago, but fingers crossed I should be able to make a video with it soon.
I love mine. Its very fun on windy roads. I get compliments on how good it looks all the time. The only downside is its low power. It has enough to mess around but it leaves me wanting a little more. Thats why i just purchased a tuner along with a tune. This has been the car ive enjoyed the most.
That's fair. I know a lot of people out there want more power, so it's great that there will always be an aftermarket for Civic SIs. I kind of like the lower powered stuff for daily driving. I get myself into trouble otherwise, ha. Glad you're enjoying it otherwise though! Hope the tune takes it to the next level for you!
I've been shopping for an Si to replace my '17 M240i xDrive (turns out power and fat do not equal fun), and the dealer markups are incredibly frustrating. After calling at least a dozen, the lowest markup was $6k, most at about $10k, and today I was quoted $18k. Hopefully people will start noticing that the top-tier 2023 Integra can be had for the same price that the dealers are asking for the Si.
Yeah, the markups are beyond frustrating. They're putting themselves into competition with things they should be under-cutting and denying enthusiasts affordable cars. Are you thinking of going with the Integra instead? Seems like a solid car. Some nice creature comforts and a good manual. Can't imagine it's faster than an M240i though. For 35k I'd probably look at Elantra Ns and maybe GLIs if I wanted a little more comfort. Not that a GLI is much faster than an SI though.
@@GearboxCarReviews I would go for an Integra, if the seat choices were better. The only ones I've seen were blinding bright red, or dirt magnet white. To get black, you have to have a black exterior. Plus they're made of a suede like material, which another youtuber said retained heat. I live in inland soCal, so that's a no-go. Even though the Si seats are red, it's way more subdued than the Acura. I miss my old, slow, light cars, which were all more fun to drive than the M240, so the big step down in power doesn't bother me. I'd also like to teach my kids to drive stick in a fun car that won't get them into too much trouble. Fingers crossed, it will turn at least one of them into an enthusiast.
Are you sure about that? The configurator is showing black available on every exterior color. I can see that with the suede holding heat. Yeah, the red in the SI is nice. It's definitely not super bright in-your-face red ha. Plus the cloth helps with the heat loss I think. It's so frustrating. I hope you can find one for sticker. If you want slow and fun, there's always the Corolla. I don't love the clutch, but it's fun to wring it a bit. Or a Forte GT if you can find one in stick. The stock shifter is rough, but that's an easy fix. It's definitely not on par with an SI, but they're decent cars. GTI, Elantra N, WRX, all decent options. Definitely get wanting something to teach your kids on without getting them into trouble ha. You could always find an old Matrix/Vibe or a Fit or an old SI or Fiesta or something when they're ready to learn too though.
Great review my man. I just bought one in blue and expecting delivery in 5 days. Watching your video has me even more excited. I completely agree with your 2 cents at the end. I really wish dealers wouldn’t mark these things up like crazy. Super unfortunate. I ended up buying it for a significant increase and bit the bullet because it really is the perfect car for me and my lifestyle. One dealer had it at 38,500 and would not negotiate AT ALL. I was able to make a deal with another dealership for a lot less. Can’t wait to drive it hard once I break it in
Thanks! Much appreciated. And congrats! Honestly, if I didn't need a hatch, I'd snatch one up in a heartbeat. Yeah, it's so frustrating that they're keeping this car out of the hands of people that should be able to afford them, especially when we're coming to the end of ICE enthusiast cars. Glad you were able to make it work, and glad you didn't pay 38k! Enjoy!
I used to own an EM1 the best si ever made. I own this now and it's such a better driving experience with a really nice, comfortable solid interior. The only thing the EM1 has over this is a high revving NA engine.
Nice! Yeah, it's tough to beat the NA motors in the older Hondas. I'd love to see them bring back another high-revving NA motor, but I know they won't do it. Glad you're still loving your new one though!
Awesome review. For future reference I'd love to see how the backseat space looks with the front seats pushed back more for bigger folks like myself who are considering these cars but it's nice to see someone at least putting car seats in the car to show how well they fit!
Thanks! Sure, I can try to figure something out there. I can do a shot with the front seat set for me and another with it set a few clicks back or something. Appreciate the feedback!
Cross shopping focus st’s, these si’s and the 6mt 10th gen 2.0t accord, and gti’s. Any inputs on? Just worried the si won’t feel like enough power. I have a fbo 335i that just spun a rod and is going to be out of commission for a couple years. Just looking for something reliable that can stay as a dd for when I get older. Honestly leaning towards the accords for the extra power and comfort but I’m not sure
Honestly, I like having a little less power so I can wring it out a bit more without getting into too much trouble. Plus you can always tune it. But if you want something a little more comfortable, then yeah the Accord is going to be the most comfortable of your list. I didn't love the manual in the Accord, but probably just because Honda manuals are usually so good and compared to other Hondas it doesn't feel awesome. But it's an easy manual to just cruise around. Tough to find them though. Focus ST is good, but I feel like the GTI is the better choice if you're cross-shopping, just because it's more refined and you get an LSD. And I like the Fiesta ST over the Focus because it handles better, but if you're concerned about power, it makes sense to go with the Focus. I like the Elantra N a lot, but I know the styling isn't really for everyone. It's not quite as rough as the SI and it has more power. The manual's not as good as the SI, but it's still pretty good. Just depends on your priorities really. But in terms of comfort, reliability, manual, and power, the Accord is a solid option. Unless you can get up to a Type R. But those are going to stupid money at the moment.
@@GearboxCarReviews I really appreciate the input man, I plan to build the 335i on the side, so I think I'm going to go for the accord. I'm younger and the car will offer room to grow into, and Ill still have the 335i as a fun car once I can find an engine for it. I can get an almost new accord for 28-30 or a gti with 50k miles on it for 28k. I like the gti more but in terms of reliability (im leaving whatever car I get basically stock) it seems the accord will be better
Any time! Yeah, that sounds like a solid plan. Daily the Accord, sensible and comfortable, but still fun, and a project on the side. Hope you can find a clean one around. They're tough to nail down, but they're out there. Good luck, man!
I'm not a fan of the Si since I only like the K series engine, but kudos on describing the essence of the Si. If only it had an aluminum roof and K series engine and I'd be in love with it (at Si prices). If
Honda seems to be its own worst enemy in a lot of ways. I remember really hating the 10th gen at first partly because it didn't have a k series NA motor. Granted, I still don't love it for a few other reasons on top of that. And I didn't like the manual in the Accord and regular Civic, not because they were particularly bad against the competition, but because they were bad compared to other Honda manuals. The new Hondas are completely different cars than the past for sure, and new cars will never have the same kind of character as older ones unfortunately, but many of them are still fun in their own ways.
@@GearboxCarReviews True. But my current ride is a 10th Gen with a K-Series NA engine (K20C2). I track it and the engine (which has real vtec at 5800rpm) comes alive when mated to a manual transmission. I'd love to pit it against the 2022 Si, which probably would get better lap time for first 3 lap and then have to quit the field from overheating.
@@GearboxCarReviews The stock K-engine is plenty potent for casual track fun and much more bang for the buck to simply upgrade to type-R for better lap time. Not to say 10th 2700lb chassis would be ideal for a built K24 aftermarket engine. I’m surprise no one has done it…would make a serious combo.
I'm with you there. I prefer more of a sleeper look for my cars, but I can't argue with the way the Type R drives. Glad they brought some of those driving dynamics to this one.
For 27K is a great car. You just reflash the ECU with Ktuner or Hondata, and you'll have a fast and cheap car. Love mine so far and love it more than my 8th gen Si.
Yeah, there will always be a great aftermarket for these, which is definitely a big plus. Honestly, I feel like the stock power is good, but I know I'm not necessarily in the majority there. Glad you're loving yours! The fact that you like it over your 8th gen is a big statement!
@@GearboxCarReviews I'm not sure he realizes what makes K20/K24 engines what they are. There's no way in firery hell I would trade my 8th gen K20 for a DI turbo engine... Nope. They will always sound like vacuum cleaners in comparison. And don't say, 'but I can put an exhaust on it' ... That does NOTHING for induction sound. Even these cars with an intake, while do sound 'mildly' better, they will NEVER sound like a proper big cam N/A Honda engine that can rev out to 8.5K. NEVER. 20 years from now, these 1.5 engines will be nothing to speak of, but the K20/K24 series will still remain as one of Hondas best (if not the best) engine platforms that they ever created. And I'm sorry, that's something I am not willing to give up.
Yeah, I loved the K24 in the 9th gen. I still haven't been able to get my hands on an 8th gen yet, but I'm dying to. This one isn't the old VTEC, but it's great in its own way, and it's a huge improvement over the 10th gen. Plus I'm always happy to see anybody find a car they love to drive, whether it's a high-revving 8th gen or a turbo'd 11th gen or 78 hp Mirage.
I'm getting mine (Canadian version) no mark-up* in 2 months. I can't wait ! I'll wait for the tune (insurances) but I plan on PRL'ing the shit out of it 😆. I missed the 8th gen , i had a 9th and I own a 10th right now. Big fan.
I was in the market for a new Si during the summer of 22 but dealers were indeed marking them up $5-8 grand over MSRP. I opted for a 23 Forte GT manual and so glad I did. I actually disagree with you on the driving experience not being the same. It’s a nice handler in the corners and it feels a bit more torque-E than the Si especially in sport mode. You can also feel the weight in the steering get heavier, the suspension get more stiffer and its feisty to drive. You also get flat bottom steering wheel, vents and usb in the rear seats to name some things that arnt on the Si.
Nice! Glad you ended up with something you love! Yeah, the Forte GT is a great car. I love the heavy steering and it's peppy and it's got some good pops to it. I still prefer the steering, the suspension, the shifter, the composure in the corners of the SI over the Forte GT personally, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter what I prefer. As long as you have a car you love, that's all that really matters. Enjoy! Glad you love it!
Yeah, it definitely comes down to your personal situation and your preferences/needs. A lot of newer cars have super light clutches, so there's a lot of good stuff out there for you still! This one had a light clutch, I've got a Corolla Apex Edition right now with a really light clutch, the Mazda3 does too, MX-5 is coming next week and those have light clutches.
Great review and appreciate that commentary on the dealer mark ups. Even regular civics are being marked up 2-5k. Honda is letting dealers tarnish their reputation. Out of five dealers we called only one Honda dealer was not marking up regular civics but they were on the Si stating their allotment was so low. Glad there all all these choices in sporty compacts. The Integra should solve the creature comforts but wondering what those mark ups and final pricing will be.
Thanks! Yeah, it's just so frustrating hearing stories of people that want to buy them not being able to afford them after the markup. And the markups are putting these in competition with other cars that this should be able to undercut. Plus Honda even says they're targeting younger enthusiasts, which typically also means less disposable income. It's just unfortunate.
Honda isn’t to blame. They can’t tell their dealers what to charge as that’s against the law. This is simple supply and demand. I bought mine w a $3,500 markup. If I let it, that could hurt my ego but I sold a 5 model year old car for about $6k more than I would have expected it was worth so it nets out as a positive for me vs what a non inflationary, unconstrsined supply chain situation would have.
@@stms4411 very good point. And I can see markups on highly desirable vehicles to prevent immediate flipping. Just saw a post on someone selling an Integra they haven’t even received yet. Crazy.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive it is crazy. But I don’t think the dealers care one way or another about flipping (except that it fortifies their decision to mark up). They look at it simply as maximizing profit….and quite honestly, they need to make more per unit cause they have less units to sell. Either way, it’s uncomfortable to pay a premium but I’m fortunate to be in a position where a couple grand isn’t material either way for me. I last owned an Si in 1990 (89 model)…..so different, but glad to be back in the model. Fun trumps raw stats. And my weekend car is a 981 boxster s, so I just need to switch cars to know what im missing in ultimate acceleration when one car gets 60 2 seconds earlier than the other. It’s not as dramatic as one might think.
Thanks! SI all day. Cheaper, better steering feel by a mile, better manual, and it felt great in the corners. GTI if you want more comfort features and creature comfort type things (heated/cooled seats, better ride quality, optional hud, etc). The GTI still drives great, but the SI drives better and feels way more connected.
@@GearboxCarReviews one last question. Is the power adequate on the si? The only reservation I have on the si is the power difference between it and the Gti. Thanks!
That's one that's tough to tell for someone else, since it kind of depends on what you're coming from and how you drive, but for me it felt more than fine. I thought it was plenty for daily driving and the power delivery felt pretty consistent all the way through the power band. The torque curve is basically straight up and across vs the GTI, which has some dips, and real world numbers show the SI closer to 220ish hp. I wish I could drive them back to back to get a better comparison. EverydayDriver has a back to back comparison that might be worth a look: th-cam.com/video/5H5xmxmjPrE/w-d-xo.html Though I know they also hated on the infotainment a lot more than I thought it deserved.
Nicely done on the review. Glad to see you were won over by the real world driving vs getting unduly biased by a stat sheet. Honda has always been about continuous improvement and this 11th gen is for those who value the details. Critics will see less creature comforts and a 2k MSRP hike. But I see 5% increase per year in the two years since the last 10th gen. For that I got styling that’s way more to my liking, and improvements in the engine, steering, brakes, suspension, chassis, shifter and engine. Well worth it. That’s the only piece of info I’d offer….Honda sacrificed 5hp on the top end (which the butt dyno won’t detect) in exchange for a factory tune that makes real world availability of torque better from 1,800-5,000 rpm. Hondata claims a dyno of 222hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque (which is a cool admission by a company looking to sell you a product that will deliver gains. They could have suggested bigger gains by comparing with factory claims but were honest). I may be in the minority, but I find the power to be ample for spirited back road driving. More power isn’t a priority for me after 6 weeks of ownership.
Thanks! Yeah, the torque being available lower in the rev range makes way more of a difference than it may seem on paper, and I agree that 200hp (or 220 actual hp) is more than enough for daily driving and for back roads. Glad you're enjoying yours! Really solid car. One I would very seriously consider buying, even if I had to give up creature comforts I have in my car now.
Rev hang would have to be tuned out. Did you mean the rev match though? It's in the vehicle settings => driver's assist then scroll to the bottom. I believe I do have some footage if you want me to post a video.
Yeah, it can definitely be good for spirited driving. It would be nice to have the adaptive dampers to get a bit of a softer ride for the daily commute though.
Was car is definitely not worth it. You left out the fact that not only is as 1.5 l motors stressed for just a little bit of power it's also only a single cam.
Yeah, there aren't really too many raw machines left at this point. I think they did a solid job on the SI though. Tight, heavy steering, good power delivery, great gearbox. It's no 8th gen or even 9th gen, but it's a huge step back in the right direction after the 10th gen.
One of the best car reviewers I’ve seen, straight to the point and shows a broad yet specific list of what the car offers. Also super relaxing voice, great for late night videos. Have you tried TH-cam shorts where you can also spread your videos to a wider audience? Car reviews are great on shorts since it packs a bunch of info in a 60 second video. Keep it up man I’ll be looking out for your videos 💪🏼
Wow, thank you! That means a lot! I haven't tried shorts for reviews yet. I've trimmed some of my intros and exhaust clips in order to try to drive traffic to the full videos, but no actual quick reviews. That's a good idea. I'll have to try it out! Thanks!
I have one. I agree the engine is definitely the weak point, but it also gets awesome fuel economy, which right now makes me feel pretty good. I also average around 33mpg on mine driving it the way I want to. I have the Sonic grey and everyone who sees the car loves the looks and are impressed with the interior quality. The driving aids also work really well, making long highway trips easy.
Nice! Congrats on the car! Glad you're loving it! Honestly, I don't see the engine as a weak point. I do think it looks weak on the stat sheet, but I don't mind the low power and I think the power delivery is good.
@@GearboxCarReviews Thanks. Yeah, the engine is not bad it’s just noticeably down on power compared to the 2.0 liter turbo engines in the GTI and the Focus ST I used to own. I miss the extra shove. It just has to be revved out compared to those cars. Those cars also don’t get the fuel economy that the Si does so it’s all a trade-off.
@@andrewb325 Yeah, it is down, but I feel like it's more consistent through the power band. Plus I like being able to rev it out a bit more. And of course the fuel economy, as you mentioned. I'd take the SI over the GTI and the Focus ST even without the extra power and features.
these 1.5 turbo are not build with weak intrnal engine parts also air condition very weak due to small engine diusplacemnt
I was honestly surprised at how good the ac was
I have a 2023 Kia Forte GT manual right now. I would 100% gotten the new SI because I was coming from a 2020 SI. I would’ve payed double monthly for what I was paying for the 2020. The Forte GT is very nice don’t get me wrong, but after a tune and a resonator delete did I really love this thing.
Nice! The Forte GTs are fun cars. Awesome value for sure. But definitely not quite the same as an SI. Either way, hope you're enjoying the Forte!
Terrific review. Concise and informative, and I love your relaxed presentation style.
Thanks, much appreciated! Glad you liked it!
Got my 2010 Mazda RX-8 Gran Touring wrecked 2 years ago and I ended up getting a 2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe...I used to hate on FWD cars but the Si changed my mind...it handles and drives great, there is understeer since its front wheel drive, but not a lot and suprised how great suspension is tuned stock.
Im not liking the 10th gen and the 11th because of turbo lag...id prefer the power delivery of the 9th gen
Oh man, that's a rough way to lose a car. I haven't driven any rotaries at this point, but I've heard great things about the driving experience.
Yeah, I love the 9th gen. It feels so connected and the high-revving NA motor (even if it isn't as high as the 8th gen) is a blast to wring out. I was pretty disappointed when I got out of a 9th gen and into a 10th. Maybe I'm just used to turbo 4s at this point, but I don't remember much lag in the 11th and I still think it's a great car. Given the choice between the 2, I'd probably lean 9th, but would be super happy with an 11th.
That intro!!!!!! Brilliant job brother this is super impressive. Did you just say corners? That's kind of my bag!
Thanks man! I've been trying to kick things up a notch. Yeah, these things are a blast in the corners! I had a lot of fun going up and down the twisty roads behind my house.
@@GearboxCarReviews oooooooh now you're speaking my love language!
btw any chance you’d be able to review the new GLI sometime? Now that you’ve reviewed the Si and GTI and love to get your opinion on it and how it compares
All the competition in this segment is high on my list, including the GLI. I've been having trouble tracking one down, though. From what I remember of last year's model, slightly worse handling than the GTI (but still great), maybe a bit softer, and had some creature comforts that the GTI was missing (but now the mk8 has). Nicer interior than the SI and more options and features, especially since it's Autobahn only now. Generally, I'd say if you're more into the creature comforts like heated and cooled seats and leather, and you want a sedan, maybe lots of road trips and highway with the occasional back road, I'd take the GLI over the SI. But if you want something a little more connected and spend more time on back roads or autoX, then the SI is better in my opinion. Hopefully I'll find one soon for a video though.
@@GearboxCarReviews Awesome, thank very much you for giving your insight. I think I’d love the Si but these markups are insane - at least the VW dealerships near me aren’t doing markups. The GLI seems like a good bet, I’m trying to find one myself to try it out soon lol.
On a side note, I don’t know any other reviewers that reply so quickly and so thoroughly to comments. This is clearly a labor of love for you. Thank you for all you do.
@@NashKetchum definitely worth checking out if you can! I really don't understand why Honda dealers are pricing themselves into competition with other cars that should cost more, but I guess they're still selling anyway unfortunately. An Elantra N is worth checking out too if you can find one. It's a good middle ground between the SI and GLI in terms of features and comfort and the manual is somewhere between those other two as well in terms of feel. More power and a little more rowdy in terms of looks, sound, and how it drives. Hopefully getting one of those in the next few weeks, but I know the styling isn't for everyone.
Yeah, I'm happy to share the knowledge and experiences! Otherwise, what's the point of all this? I know what it's like to drive a car you hate every day, and it sucks. So I started test driving everything I could when I needed a new car and on top of getting hooked on finding new driving experiences, I figured it'd be cool to help point other people in the right direction when there are cars they maybe can't test for themselves. And now finding cars to test drive for yourself is harder than ever. But when somebody tells me "I checked out car X that you recommended, and I loved it!" That's pretty cool :)
@@GearboxCarReviews ooooo you found an N to review?? That’s great man, can’t wait to see it 😄
@@NashKetchum yeah I'm excited about that one! I drove it quickly a couple of weeks ago, but fingers crossed I should be able to make a video with it soon.
What do you think about the new Civic SI? Does it live up to your expectations? How do you feel it fares against the Elantra N, WRX, and GTI?
I love mine. Its very fun on windy roads. I get compliments on how good it looks all the time. The only downside is its low power. It has enough to mess around but it leaves me wanting a little more. Thats why i just purchased a tuner along with a tune. This has been the car ive enjoyed the most.
That's fair. I know a lot of people out there want more power, so it's great that there will always be an aftermarket for Civic SIs. I kind of like the lower powered stuff for daily driving. I get myself into trouble otherwise, ha. Glad you're enjoying it otherwise though! Hope the tune takes it to the next level for you!
I've been shopping for an Si to replace my '17 M240i xDrive (turns out power and fat do not equal fun), and the dealer markups are incredibly frustrating. After calling at least a dozen, the lowest markup was $6k, most at about $10k, and today I was quoted $18k. Hopefully people will start noticing that the top-tier 2023 Integra can be had for the same price that the dealers are asking for the Si.
Yeah, the markups are beyond frustrating. They're putting themselves into competition with things they should be under-cutting and denying enthusiasts affordable cars. Are you thinking of going with the Integra instead? Seems like a solid car. Some nice creature comforts and a good manual. Can't imagine it's faster than an M240i though. For 35k I'd probably look at Elantra Ns and maybe GLIs if I wanted a little more comfort. Not that a GLI is much faster than an SI though.
@@GearboxCarReviews I would go for an Integra, if the seat choices were better. The only ones I've seen were blinding bright red, or dirt magnet white. To get black, you have to have a black exterior. Plus they're made of a suede like material, which another youtuber said retained heat. I live in inland soCal, so that's a no-go. Even though the Si seats are red, it's way more subdued than the Acura.
I miss my old, slow, light cars, which were all more fun to drive than the M240, so the big step down in power doesn't bother me. I'd also like to teach my kids to drive stick in a fun car that won't get them into too much trouble. Fingers crossed, it will turn at least one of them into an enthusiast.
Are you sure about that? The configurator is showing black available on every exterior color. I can see that with the suede holding heat.
Yeah, the red in the SI is nice. It's definitely not super bright in-your-face red ha. Plus the cloth helps with the heat loss I think.
It's so frustrating. I hope you can find one for sticker. If you want slow and fun, there's always the Corolla. I don't love the clutch, but it's fun to wring it a bit. Or a Forte GT if you can find one in stick. The stock shifter is rough, but that's an easy fix. It's definitely not on par with an SI, but they're decent cars. GTI, Elantra N, WRX, all decent options.
Definitely get wanting something to teach your kids on without getting them into trouble ha. You could always find an old Matrix/Vibe or a Fit or an old SI or Fiesta or something when they're ready to learn too though.
Great review my man. I just bought one in blue and expecting delivery in 5 days. Watching your video has me even more excited. I completely agree with your 2 cents at the end. I really wish dealers wouldn’t mark these things up like crazy. Super unfortunate. I ended up buying it for a significant increase and bit the bullet because it really is the perfect car for me and my lifestyle. One dealer had it at 38,500 and would not negotiate AT ALL. I was able to make a deal with another dealership for a lot less. Can’t wait to drive it hard once I break it in
Thanks! Much appreciated. And congrats! Honestly, if I didn't need a hatch, I'd snatch one up in a heartbeat. Yeah, it's so frustrating that they're keeping this car out of the hands of people that should be able to afford them, especially when we're coming to the end of ICE enthusiast cars. Glad you were able to make it work, and glad you didn't pay 38k! Enjoy!
I used to own an EM1 the best si ever made. I own this now and it's such a better driving experience with a really nice, comfortable solid interior. The only thing the EM1 has over this is a high revving NA engine.
Nice! Yeah, it's tough to beat the NA motors in the older Hondas. I'd love to see them bring back another high-revving NA motor, but I know they won't do it. Glad you're still loving your new one though!
Awesome review. For future reference I'd love to see how the backseat space looks with the front seats pushed back more for bigger folks like myself who are considering these cars but it's nice to see someone at least putting car seats in the car to show how well they fit!
Thanks! Sure, I can try to figure something out there. I can do a shot with the front seat set for me and another with it set a few clicks back or something. Appreciate the feedback!
Cross shopping focus st’s, these si’s and the 6mt 10th gen 2.0t accord, and gti’s. Any inputs on? Just worried the si won’t feel like enough power. I have a fbo 335i that just spun a rod and is going to be out of commission for a couple years. Just looking for something reliable that can stay as a dd for when I get older. Honestly leaning towards the accords for the extra power and comfort but I’m not sure
Honestly, I like having a little less power so I can wring it out a bit more without getting into too much trouble. Plus you can always tune it. But if you want something a little more comfortable, then yeah the Accord is going to be the most comfortable of your list. I didn't love the manual in the Accord, but probably just because Honda manuals are usually so good and compared to other Hondas it doesn't feel awesome. But it's an easy manual to just cruise around. Tough to find them though. Focus ST is good, but I feel like the GTI is the better choice if you're cross-shopping, just because it's more refined and you get an LSD. And I like the Fiesta ST over the Focus because it handles better, but if you're concerned about power, it makes sense to go with the Focus. I like the Elantra N a lot, but I know the styling isn't really for everyone. It's not quite as rough as the SI and it has more power. The manual's not as good as the SI, but it's still pretty good. Just depends on your priorities really. But in terms of comfort, reliability, manual, and power, the Accord is a solid option. Unless you can get up to a Type R. But those are going to stupid money at the moment.
@@GearboxCarReviews I really appreciate the input man, I plan to build the 335i on the side, so I think I'm going to go for the accord. I'm younger and the car will offer room to grow into, and Ill still have the 335i as a fun car once I can find an engine for it. I can get an almost new accord for 28-30 or a gti with 50k miles on it for 28k. I like the gti more but in terms of reliability (im leaving whatever car I get basically stock) it seems the accord will be better
Any time! Yeah, that sounds like a solid plan. Daily the Accord, sensible and comfortable, but still fun, and a project on the side. Hope you can find a clean one around. They're tough to nail down, but they're out there. Good luck, man!
I'm not a fan of the Si since I only like the K series engine, but kudos on describing the essence of the Si. If only it had an aluminum roof and K series engine and I'd be in love with it (at Si prices). If
Honda seems to be its own worst enemy in a lot of ways. I remember really hating the 10th gen at first partly because it didn't have a k series NA motor. Granted, I still don't love it for a few other reasons on top of that. And I didn't like the manual in the Accord and regular Civic, not because they were particularly bad against the competition, but because they were bad compared to other Honda manuals. The new Hondas are completely different cars than the past for sure, and new cars will never have the same kind of character as older ones unfortunately, but many of them are still fun in their own ways.
@@GearboxCarReviews True. But my current ride is a 10th Gen with a K-Series NA engine (K20C2). I track it and the engine (which has real vtec at 5800rpm) comes alive when mated to a manual transmission. I'd love to pit it against the 2022 Si, which probably would get better lap time for first 3 lap and then have to quit the field from overheating.
Oh, interesting! I haven't really thought much about k swapping a newer SI. That's pretty cool! How tough of a project was that?
@@GearboxCarReviews The stock K-engine is plenty potent for casual track fun and much more bang for the buck to simply upgrade to type-R for better lap time. Not to say 10th 2700lb chassis would be ideal for a built K24 aftermarket engine. I’m surprise no one has done it…would make a serious combo.
yesssss! k all day!
I don't like big spoilers like the Type R. I like that standard look for all my cars...
I'm with you there. I prefer more of a sleeper look for my cars, but I can't argue with the way the Type R drives. Glad they brought some of those driving dynamics to this one.
For 27K is a great car. You just reflash the ECU with Ktuner or Hondata, and you'll have a fast and cheap car. Love mine so far and love it more than my 8th gen Si.
What effects does flashing the ecu have on insurance and warranty, those are my main worries
Yeah, there will always be a great aftermarket for these, which is definitely a big plus. Honestly, I feel like the stock power is good, but I know I'm not necessarily in the majority there. Glad you're loving yours! The fact that you like it over your 8th gen is a big statement!
@@GearboxCarReviews I'm not sure he realizes what makes K20/K24 engines what they are. There's no way in firery hell I would trade my 8th gen K20 for a DI turbo engine... Nope. They will always sound like vacuum cleaners in comparison. And don't say, 'but I can put an exhaust on it' ... That does NOTHING for induction sound. Even these cars with an intake, while do sound 'mildly' better, they will NEVER sound like a proper big cam N/A Honda engine that can rev out to 8.5K. NEVER. 20 years from now, these 1.5 engines will be nothing to speak of, but the K20/K24 series will still remain as one of Hondas best (if not the best) engine platforms that they ever created. And I'm sorry, that's something I am not willing to give up.
Yeah, I loved the K24 in the 9th gen. I still haven't been able to get my hands on an 8th gen yet, but I'm dying to. This one isn't the old VTEC, but it's great in its own way, and it's a huge improvement over the 10th gen. Plus I'm always happy to see anybody find a car they love to drive, whether it's a high-revving 8th gen or a turbo'd 11th gen or 78 hp Mirage.
I'm getting mine (Canadian version) no mark-up* in 2 months. I can't wait ! I'll wait for the tune (insurances) but I plan on PRL'ing the shit out of it 😆.
I missed the 8th gen , i had a 9th and I own a 10th right now. Big fan.
I was in the market for a new Si during the summer of 22 but dealers were indeed marking them up $5-8 grand over MSRP. I opted for a 23 Forte GT manual and so glad I did. I actually disagree with you on the driving experience not being the same. It’s a nice handler in the corners and it feels a bit more torque-E than the Si especially in sport mode. You can also feel the weight in the steering get heavier, the suspension get more stiffer and its feisty to drive. You also get flat bottom steering wheel, vents and usb in the rear seats to name some things that arnt on the Si.
Nice! Glad you ended up with something you love! Yeah, the Forte GT is a great car. I love the heavy steering and it's peppy and it's got some good pops to it. I still prefer the steering, the suspension, the shifter, the composure in the corners of the SI over the Forte GT personally, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter what I prefer. As long as you have a car you love, that's all that really matters. Enjoy! Glad you love it!
So I have developed parathesia so a light clutch is appealing to me
Yeah, it definitely comes down to your personal situation and your preferences/needs. A lot of newer cars have super light clutches, so there's a lot of good stuff out there for you still! This one had a light clutch, I've got a Corolla Apex Edition right now with a really light clutch, the Mazda3 does too, MX-5 is coming next week and those have light clutches.
Yeah me too. I have a soccer injury and it’s there’s often traffic where I live. Light clutches make it easier.
Great review and appreciate that commentary on the dealer mark ups. Even regular civics are being marked up 2-5k. Honda is letting dealers tarnish their reputation. Out of five dealers we called only one Honda dealer was not marking up regular civics but they were on the Si stating their allotment was so low. Glad there all all these choices in sporty compacts. The Integra should solve the creature comforts but wondering what those mark ups and final pricing will be.
Thanks! Yeah, it's just so frustrating hearing stories of people that want to buy them not being able to afford them after the markup. And the markups are putting these in competition with other cars that this should be able to undercut. Plus Honda even says they're targeting younger enthusiasts, which typically also means less disposable income. It's just unfortunate.
I looked at one when I was getting a oil change on my 20 ,6k markup, I am so grateful I got my 20 before the mess of markups
Honda isn’t to blame. They can’t tell their dealers what to charge as that’s against the law. This is simple supply and demand. I bought mine w a $3,500 markup. If I let it, that could hurt my ego but I sold a 5 model year old car for about $6k more than I would have expected it was worth so it nets out as a positive for me vs what a non inflationary, unconstrsined supply chain situation would have.
@@stms4411 very good point. And I can see markups on highly desirable vehicles to prevent immediate flipping. Just saw a post on someone selling an Integra they haven’t even received yet. Crazy.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive it is crazy. But I don’t think the dealers care one way or another about flipping (except that it fortifies their decision to mark up). They look at it simply as maximizing profit….and quite honestly, they need to make more per unit cause they have less units to sell. Either way, it’s uncomfortable to pay a premium but I’m fortunate to be in a position where a couple grand isn’t material either way for me. I last owned an Si in 1990 (89 model)…..so different, but glad to be back in the model. Fun trumps raw stats. And my weekend car is a 981 boxster s, so I just need to switch cars to know what im missing in ultimate acceleration when one car gets 60 2 seconds earlier than the other. It’s not as dramatic as one might think.
Great video! Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Great review! Did you prefer the si or the new GTI? Currently cross shopping them both. Thanks
Thanks! SI all day. Cheaper, better steering feel by a mile, better manual, and it felt great in the corners. GTI if you want more comfort features and creature comfort type things (heated/cooled seats, better ride quality, optional hud, etc). The GTI still drives great, but the SI drives better and feels way more connected.
@@GearboxCarReviews Thanks for the reply! I subscribed to your channel today- keep up the great work
Any time! Thank you, much appreciated! Good luck with the search!
@@GearboxCarReviews one last question. Is the power adequate on the si? The only reservation I have on the si is the power difference between it and the Gti. Thanks!
That's one that's tough to tell for someone else, since it kind of depends on what you're coming from and how you drive, but for me it felt more than fine. I thought it was plenty for daily driving and the power delivery felt pretty consistent all the way through the power band. The torque curve is basically straight up and across vs the GTI, which has some dips, and real world numbers show the SI closer to 220ish hp. I wish I could drive them back to back to get a better comparison. EverydayDriver has a back to back comparison that might be worth a look: th-cam.com/video/5H5xmxmjPrE/w-d-xo.html Though I know they also hated on the infotainment a lot more than I thought it deserved.
I'll keep my 20 but the orange and the interior are nice, those markups though 6k no negotiations
Yeah the markups are crazy! There are a few dealerships out there selling for sticker, but they're tough to find.
Nicely done on the review. Glad to see you were won over by the real world driving vs getting unduly biased by a stat sheet. Honda has always been about continuous improvement and this 11th gen is for those who value the details. Critics will see less creature comforts and a 2k MSRP hike. But I see 5% increase per year in the two years since the last 10th gen. For that I got styling that’s way more to my liking, and improvements in the engine, steering, brakes, suspension, chassis, shifter and engine. Well worth it.
That’s the only piece of info I’d offer….Honda sacrificed 5hp on the top end (which the butt dyno won’t detect) in exchange for a factory tune that makes real world availability of torque better from 1,800-5,000 rpm.
Hondata claims a dyno of 222hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque (which is a cool admission by a company looking to sell you a product that will deliver gains. They could have suggested bigger gains by comparing with factory claims but were honest).
I may be in the minority, but I find the power to be ample for spirited back road driving. More power isn’t a priority for me after 6 weeks of ownership.
Thanks! Yeah, the torque being available lower in the rev range makes way more of a difference than it may seem on paper, and I agree that 200hp (or 220 actual hp) is more than enough for daily driving and for back roads. Glad you're enjoying yours! Really solid car. One I would very seriously consider buying, even if I had to give up creature comforts I have in my car now.
Navigation to turning off rev_ hang PLEASE # ..! !
Thank 👍 you!
Rev hang would have to be tuned out. Did you mean the rev match though? It's in the vehicle settings => driver's assist then scroll to the bottom. I believe I do have some footage if you want me to post a video.
@@GearboxCarReviewslooking in.vehicle setting now. Not there. Mines a 2018 Civic SI Coupe 🚗 FC3. L15b7. Thanks for your time !! 👍
Ah, the 18 doesn't have rev matching. For rev hang, you'd have to find someone to tune it out.
@@GearboxCarReviews Agreed.1st mod when I get FlashPro.. Thanks again Brudda..
Any time! Good luck!
Scotty kilmer just stated that this car is one of the safest cars in the world at the moment.
I believe it! The safety ratings are all stellar!
@@GearboxCarReviews Had mine for 3 weeks and I’m satisfied
Congrats! Definitely nice to have something both safe and fun!
Thanks
What's a cooler?
Sorry, I'm not sure I understand. A cooler in what context?
Add another subscriber to your list, great job!
Thank you! Welcome aboard!
Stiff ride can be nice.
Yeah, it can definitely be good for spirited driving. It would be nice to have the adaptive dampers to get a bit of a softer ride for the daily commute though.
I can tell by your voice quivering that it's a stiff ride, lol. Great video.
Ha, yeah it's definitely a fairly stiff ride. Thanks!
Was car is definitely not worth it. You left out the fact that not only is as 1.5 l motors stressed for just a little bit of power it's also only a single cam.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment! The SI engine is dual cam.
The 20 has a brake hold
Nice! That's one of those things that I just never really noticed on cars until I started asking people about their favorite features.
New si are cheeks man idk even my accord the like feeling of driving a raw machine isn’t there anymore!
Yeah, there aren't really too many raw machines left at this point. I think they did a solid job on the SI though. Tight, heavy steering, good power delivery, great gearbox. It's no 8th gen or even 9th gen, but it's a huge step back in the right direction after the 10th gen.
@@GearboxCarReviews agree i haven’t driven a 10th or 11th so i can’t say much but they for sure still look fun!!
nice