Good review. Thanks for the bloopers at the end. Good to know you're not taking yourself too seriously. Excellent shots of the car. Some of the best I've seen on TH-cam.
I just bought this car yesterday! Traded my 08 VW R32 for it... Mainly for commuting reasons...but being a previous SI, evo, R32,speed3, and civc lx owner i must say this is the best car i've ever purchased! I love everything about the 2012 Civic Si...Please dont knock on it until you test drive it.
I agree, I owned a 06SI and got tired of having to rev up the engine to over 6K to pass someone. I drove the 2013SI and loved it. Power comes in right after 3K rpm and goes all the way to redline. My brother had a friend that chose a 2010SI over the 2012 just because he wanted the 8k rpm. There wasnt a massive price difference either. 2010SI was 21grand and 2012 was 23grand. The 2010SI had over 40K miles, which I though was a ripoff. Now hes stuck with an old car that is slower and has more mile
great review as always Ross :), can you guys do the new Chrysler 300 awd, and or the new VW Passat and CTS awd, because i am thinking of leasing one and dont know which one should i go with or i just might just go get an audi a4, what do you guys recommend
I drive an '08 Civic Si. When I bought the car, I absolutely loved revving to the 8200 RPM rev limiter... Once that got old, I was left with a car that has basically no torque and low RPMs (sub-4000 it's dead). These days I spend most of my time between 2k and 3k RPM and I'm basically driving a "regular" Civic that takes premium gas. On the bright side, doing 25% hwy and 75% city, I get 25+ MPG, not bad for a "sports sedan"
ya i just bought my 07 fg2 last summer and fell in love with it. i havent driven any of the newer ones but i dont think they look as good as the ones from the previous gens, maybe it just needs some getting use too from me. is there any different feel from 8 to 9th gen?
Ross, this is an old review. What are you doing now and are you still reviewing cars? Have not seen you out there lately. Definitely one of my favorite reporters.
common Ross..I still love the old Acura Integra GS-r from 1992. Used to owned one while going to college back then and I think that's was honda's best motor ever.
I absolutely love honda, never a doubt in my mind about them, I have a civic and I love it. (Great reliable car) I love the si and want one! But Honda, PLEASE! PLEASE! add some more power to the si!!!!!! regain the sport compact title back!
True, its not exactly like the basic accord 2.4L. Your right, it does revv higher then them too. It revvs till 7,350 RPMs not just the 6,900 in the basic K24 platforms. Same for the Acura TSX engines. Tho last gens TSX K24a2 was able to rev to 7,600 RPM before fuel cut with a Hondata tune.
ross you need to do the updated 14-15 si before the 10th comes out give the 9th a good send off cause they really fixed alot of the annoying bits you mentioned
Even though he says the Speed3 has a smaller "powerband", overall it makes more power everywhere vs the Si. The Speed3 was never reviewed so bad that the maker stated the new model would come out sooner. Yeah Honda need to step up its game big time..
I own an 06 SI coup and an 08 SI sedan. I fall in love with the 06 SI coup every time I drive it and it's been 6 years of driveing it, still love it. I went out and drove the new 2012 SI coup.WHAT A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. Everything about it felt numbed and sedated. The car had no feeling and leaned too much in the corners. It felt very boreing and isolated. I also can't stand the looks. Front back or side. Please bring back the little beast!!!!!!
wow, did not know that. I thought the car was done for good. i am getting close to getting another car, and man, the SI is back on the charts for me. but idk if it can overcome the MS3. we will see.
Sorry for the late response. I find it handles better but that might just be cause I used to have a 4dr and now have a coupe. The tourque is noticeable, the clutch seems loose right out of the factory, not sure why that is but the old clutch felt better. Test drive it and you'll immediately see what I mean. One downfall is over course the 7.2k rpm but I'm used to it now. When I first got the car I redlined a few times cause of being used to shifting later. Overall you feel the speed more in 9th
Im still on the bench about this car. I like the HC SI, but ive always seen the Honda civic as "wannabe racer" car. Is that true. I know that the SI is a sporty version, but would this car be a better choice over the ford focus ST im planing on getting?
The last version that you have was so much sexier and just plain better. Honda is getting cheaper and cheaper with every model year. Id never buy a current Si. Though I was looking hard at a 8th gen 4 door back in the day! I do believe Hyundai is the new Honda with its sporty small cars that are cheap with good build quality. Ill stick with my 2 current Hondas and move to a new company later this year for my 3rd car. Still love ya Ross.
i agree... I almost bought one.. well I am still thinkg of getting one but I might just wait till next year because mazdapeed3 has turbocharged engine for the same price
@mokos23 no, you got it all wrong. Honda should re-do the K series with a new Direct Fuel injection technology and a harder i-Vtec kick by lifting the Intake and Exhaust Vtec Lobes a few tics higher. While higher Vtec lobes and Direct injection will be a huge improvement, you dont want to have to wait till 6K before you get it, so they should also lower the Vtec kick on the higher revving 2.0L's to 5.4K while it topping out at 8.5K where fuel cut is. On the K24, 7,8K fuel cut, 5.2K Vtec kick!
I just finished test driving a 2011 Si sedan and I have to say I was not at all impressed. I loved the old 2 liter engine, but this one just wasn't cutting it for me. It was cheap on the inside, and cheap on the outside. Have to say, I'm glad Honda decided to redesign it for 2013. Hope they can pull off a miracle.
At this price point, there is a lot of competition, and your comment on the other brands bringing in their turbos was spot on. I'd pass on this one, and I like Hondas. Saw that this review was done in the wet and was expecting it to get stuck in the mud :)
I'll take the 40lbs of tourque, less weight, and eventual hondata update to go to 8k over the 8th gen, and I've owned an 8th gen si for 3.5 years, and have had the 9th gen si for about 6-7 months now, was one of the first people to get one. I don't know how people can say the 8th is better, maybe the look cause that's a matter of opinion, but having driven both, the critics are mostly prepubscent teens who never drove either. The 2012 tourque is noticeable and the car itself is slightly better.
I drive an '08 and after 4 years I would take more low end torque over the high revving power. Sometimes you wanna speed up and you don't want to downshift... I'm eager to see what Honda comes out with for the 10th gen Si. They could make a NA 2.4L engine with 240 HP like the S2000 but I think it's more likley they will just switch to the Accord 2.4L and it will be the end of the sport tuner car generation.
One thing I wanted to add, the clutch on the 8th gen while not as reliable was much better, it had a much grittier feel, the 2012 clutch feels loose right out of the factory. It isn't actually loose, but it just takes getting used to after that gritty 8th gen clutch. The limited slip differential in the 2012 is awesome tho, and in the end, makes it better. I'm just the type who doesn't like the "feel" of the clutch, even tho it's much better than the 08. The real honda fanboys know what I mean.
Ross, I have to disagree that there is no comp in this group. The car that comes to mind as soon as the comment was made is the new Veloster turbo. This car is an overall better value for money, will probably get as good MPG and is more practical.
I never looked into the pricing for the focus ST or the new genesis coupe but in canada the cheapest vehicle in your list (either the speed 3 or gti) is still at least 6000 more than how much i got my si for back when i got it (i live in canada). not saying the si is a better vehicle, but the price difference is quite substantial. 6000 is not chump change for the average consumer, 6000+ could mean the difference between a wrx and a sti
@mokos23 In return, the RDX's K23A3T ( T stands for Turbo ) should have been used in the TSX and maybe.. just maybe the new ILX. I'm still sad that Honda hasnt made a High revving 2.0L since 2010.. :'( K26Z1T-270HP/310TQ K24Z3T-230-260HP/200-220TQ K20Z3-200-212-220HP/175-195-205TQ. K18Z1-165-185HP/155-175TQ Honda will have the lower HP and TQ numbers while Acura gets the higher=beefier kickers. Also, engines with the Auto get less TQ while Manual gets slightly higher or the same TQ.
I know now why Honda hasn't been doing so well in recent years. I think one big reason is the fact that while Honda is still building cars that last 300K plus miles, all the other car companies are still just building cars that will last a 150K besides maybe Toyota. Honda's first priority is to build cars that will last a very long time, therefore they are struggling building engines and other new components that will still last 300K. It's much easier to build a car that will only last 150K...
3:42 - Of course I can believe an increase in fuel economy. It's Honda. They have a ton of smart engineers. "When Congress passes new emission standards, we hire 50 more engineers and GM hires 50 more lawyers."
Good review. Thanks for the bloopers at the end. Good to know you're not taking yourself too seriously. Excellent shots of the car. Some of the best I've seen on TH-cam.
I like the way this guy does reviews... always did.
Cool, calm, collected & very well spoken.
Best review of the year so far! Ross does a great job with these cars.
I think this is the best compact coupe ever made by Honda in this segment. I like it!
Love my SI bought new in 2011 could not be happier. Very few problems with 70,000 miles.
Ross Rapoport, in my opinion, you are the best in what you do
Finally a 2012 video with Ross!
I just bought this car yesterday! Traded my 08 VW R32 for it... Mainly for commuting reasons...but being a previous SI, evo, R32,speed3, and civc lx owner i must say this is the best car i've ever purchased! I love everything about the 2012 Civic Si...Please dont knock on it until you test drive it.
Ross and emmy are seriously the face of roadfly
Finally Ross is back...
M. Rapoport, where have you been in the last few years. I always loved your reviews. They were spot on. I am a big civic SI fan as well. Take care!!
I agree, I owned a 06SI and got tired of having to rev up the engine to over 6K to pass someone. I drove the 2013SI and loved it. Power comes in right after 3K rpm and goes all the way to redline. My brother had a friend that chose a 2010SI over the 2012 just because he wanted the 8k rpm. There wasnt a massive price difference either. 2010SI was 21grand and 2012 was 23grand. The 2010SI had over 40K miles, which I though was a ripoff. Now hes stuck with an old car that is slower and has more mile
the civic look big with him
great review as always Ross :), can you guys do the new Chrysler 300 awd, and or the new VW Passat and CTS awd, because i am thinking of leasing one and dont know which one should i go with or i just might just go get an audi a4, what do you guys recommend
I drive an '08 Civic Si. When I bought the car, I absolutely loved revving to the 8200 RPM rev limiter... Once that got old, I was left with a car that has basically no torque and low RPMs (sub-4000 it's dead). These days I spend most of my time between 2k and 3k RPM and I'm basically driving a "regular" Civic that takes premium gas. On the bright side, doing 25% hwy and 75% city, I get 25+ MPG, not bad for a "sports sedan"
I like this guy - please let him review all your tests
Ross, nice review as always.
ross, you need to review the '14-15 civic si sedan
Background music is funny in the beginning. Ross rules!
Great review, Ross!
i love you ross and your one of my favorite car reviewers....but you always make the cars look so big haha
i love that its in a coupe, very beatiful
good review keep up the good work Ross
ya i just bought my 07 fg2 last summer and fell in love with it. i havent driven any of the newer ones but i dont think they look as good as the ones from the previous gens, maybe it just needs some getting use too from me. is there any different feel from 8 to 9th gen?
Ross, this is an old review.
What are you doing now and are you still reviewing cars?
Have not seen you out there lately.
Definitely one of my favorite reporters.
I liked how the motor sounded when he shifted. The review was too.
Awesome review, thanks Ross!
Like the outtakes at the end!
diff...the k20 series doesn't pass emission requirement for new cars but you can still install them yourselves..its still legal
Ross is the Boss!! Keep it up man :)
Did you buy it new from the dealership in '98 or did you get it used ? and how long have you had it ? just out of my curiosity.
common Ross..I still love the old Acura Integra GS-r from 1992. Used to owned one while going to college back then and I think that's was honda's best motor ever.
would you consider trading your 09 for the 12 model?
I absolutely love honda, never a doubt in my mind about them, I have a civic and I love it. (Great reliable car) I love the si and want one! But Honda, PLEASE! PLEASE! add some more power to the si!!!!!! regain the sport compact title back!
True, its not exactly like the basic accord 2.4L. Your right, it does revv higher then them too. It revvs till 7,350 RPMs not just the 6,900 in the basic K24 platforms. Same for the Acura TSX engines. Tho last gens TSX K24a2 was able to rev to 7,600 RPM before fuel cut with a Hondata tune.
Thanks Ross, wish it rev'd a bit higher as well, but it's pretty nice overall. And can that seat move up any farther? haha
has the civic gotten bigger?
ross you need to do the updated 14-15 si before the 10th comes out give the 9th a good send off cause they really fixed alot of the annoying bits you mentioned
I'd like to see a Veloster Turbo vs Civic Si comparison when the VT comes out.
When was this Video taken? I still see board-leaves in the middle of winter?
Even though he says the Speed3 has a smaller "powerband", overall it makes more power everywhere vs the Si. The Speed3 was never reviewed so bad that the maker stated the new model would come out sooner.
Yeah Honda need to step up its game big time..
Nice review Ross! I really like the Civic Si..
the best review on si
I own an 06 SI coup and an 08 SI sedan. I fall in love with the 06 SI coup every time I drive it and it's been 6 years of driveing it, still love it. I went out and drove the new 2012 SI coup.WHAT A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. Everything about it felt numbed and sedated. The car had no feeling and leaned too much in the corners. It felt very boreing and isolated. I also can't stand the looks. Front back or side. Please bring back the little beast!!!!!!
I own a 2007 honda civic. Its been a good little gas saver, even with priemium.
wow, did not know that. I thought the car was done for good. i am getting close to getting another car, and man, the SI is back on the charts for me. but idk if it can overcome the MS3. we will see.
Sorry for the late response. I find it handles better but that might just be cause I used to have a 4dr and now have a coupe. The tourque is noticeable, the clutch seems loose right out of the factory, not sure why that is but the old clutch felt better. Test drive it and you'll immediately see what I mean. One downfall is over course the 7.2k rpm but I'm used to it now. When I first got the car I redlined a few times cause of being used to shifting later. Overall you feel the speed more in 9th
I like the Japanese Background music!
Im still on the bench about this car. I like the HC SI, but ive always seen the Honda civic as "wannabe racer" car. Is that true. I know that the SI is a sporty version, but would this car be a better choice over the ford focus ST im planing on getting?
go for the mazda. I actually just got a new jetta. its lease all under warranty and the interior is really nice.
I need one of your crew members or you to do a review on a 2012 Camry SE V6
power delivery is much lower in the gear so you don't have to rev as high to get up to speed when leaving a stop light for example
i love your reviews keep'em coming :>)
hey ross which one would you choose, the coupe or sedan?
The last version that you have was so much sexier and just plain better. Honda is getting cheaper and cheaper with every model year. Id never buy a current Si. Though I was looking hard at a 8th gen 4 door back in the day! I do believe Hyundai is the new Honda with its sporty small cars that are cheap with good build quality. Ill stick with my 2 current Hondas and move to a new company later this year for my 3rd car. Still love ya Ross.
I wonder if there is clearance for an RBC IM? turbocharging that thing looks like itll be tough. the motor looks REALLY close to the firewall =(
Turbo doesnt determine required fuel grade. fuel compression ratio does. i think anything over 11:0 requires premium
Is that the K24 they have in that Si?, or just a whole new diff rebuild engine
@wubaru A little of collum A and a little of collum B. The new civics are bigger then the mid sized cars that I had when I first started to drive.
i agree... I almost bought one.. well I am still thinkg of getting one but I might just wait till next year because mazdapeed3 has turbocharged engine for the same price
I'm not a big fan of the Honda Civic, but I think the side view of it @ 0:55 is simply gorgeous.
You guys gotta review the 2012 mitsubishi lancer evolution x since this year is gonna be the last year the make it.
@mokos23 no, you got it all wrong. Honda should re-do the K series with a new Direct Fuel injection technology and a harder i-Vtec kick by lifting the Intake and Exhaust Vtec Lobes a few tics higher. While higher Vtec lobes and Direct injection will be a huge improvement, you dont want to have to wait till 6K before you get it, so they should also lower the Vtec kick on the higher revving 2.0L's to 5.4K while it topping out at 8.5K where fuel cut is. On the K24, 7,8K fuel cut, 5.2K Vtec kick!
6.9 s 0-60? slower than the previous gen right? : (
I'll probably still get it if it is considerably more comfortable to ride in than the previous
@Chernobylxsurvivorx We have the 300C AWD on the schedule for late Feb. We also have the Wrangler and Fiat Coupe in Feb.
-Charlie@RoadflyTV
If you are a college student go with the one requires less maintenance and last long. Honda satisfies this really well.
the fucking samurai music in the background is a kick in the nuts
Love Si.
@MaddDogg81 you mean the jdm k20a? sadly, it's not in the hondas that honda exports
im impressed by the increased torque, but im very disappointed by the fact that its not any faster than previous Si models and yet has a 2.4L engine
Whats your take about the rev hang?
I just finished test driving a 2011 Si sedan and I have to say I was not at all impressed. I loved the old 2 liter engine, but this one just wasn't cutting it for me. It was cheap on the inside, and cheap on the outside. Have to say, I'm glad Honda decided to redesign it for 2013. Hope they can pull off a miracle.
At this price point, there is a lot of competition, and your comment on the other brands bringing in their turbos was spot on. I'd pass on this one, and I like Hondas.
Saw that this review was done in the wet and was expecting it to get stuck in the mud :)
you said there are 2 cigarette lighter adapters "now," I dont know about your 2009 SI but my 2007 has 2 lighter adapters as well
It sure sounded good. I liked it.
holy hell he is small. lol. he makes the civic look huuuuge
I'll take the 40lbs of tourque, less weight, and eventual hondata update to go to 8k over the 8th gen, and I've owned an 8th gen si for 3.5 years, and have had the 9th gen si for about 6-7 months now, was one of the first people to get one. I don't know how people can say the 8th is better, maybe the look cause that's a matter of opinion, but having driven both, the critics are mostly prepubscent teens who never drove either. The 2012 tourque is noticeable and the car itself is slightly better.
@123gwf They said it will be on the market within 3 years, and they even selected the plant to manufacture it (in USA).
i remember ep3 owners and rsx owners used to do k24 swaps... now the si comes stock with one lol
I drive an '08 and after 4 years I would take more low end torque over the high revving power. Sometimes you wanna speed up and you don't want to downshift...
I'm eager to see what Honda comes out with for the 10th gen Si. They could make a NA 2.4L engine with 240 HP like the S2000 but I think it's more likley they will just switch to the Accord 2.4L and it will be the end of the sport tuner car generation.
Yes it really beats the pants of the old one!!!
what do you mean much usable than the 8th? in what way?
Where are the hatches? I miss them. Thats really the only Civic I want!!!!
2nd power outlet 07 to 11 sedan is in the center console
One thing I wanted to add, the clutch on the 8th gen while not as reliable was much better, it had a much grittier feel, the 2012 clutch feels loose right out of the factory. It isn't actually loose, but it just takes getting used to after that gritty 8th gen clutch. The limited slip differential in the 2012 is awesome tho, and in the end, makes it better. I'm just the type who doesn't like the "feel" of the clutch, even tho it's much better than the 08. The real honda fanboys know what I mean.
Love the si Civic.
Ross, I have to disagree that there is no comp in this group. The car that comes to mind as soon as the comment was made is the new Veloster turbo. This car is an overall better value for money, will probably get as good MPG and is more practical.
Shaaaddap Ross is awesome :D
i agree with KILLERDOWN7, both the genesis and accord coupe are great cars, but i prefer the accord coupe v6
considering civic is considered compact... what can u conclude from this?
i love seeing people drive these lol...and their faces when i pass them.
I want to know if they spend a lot of gasoline THESE Civic Si FB6
I never looked into the pricing for the focus ST or the new genesis coupe but in canada the cheapest vehicle in your list (either the speed 3 or gti) is still at least 6000 more than how much i got my si for back when i got it (i live in canada). not saying the si is a better vehicle, but the price difference is quite substantial. 6000 is not chump change for the average consumer, 6000+ could mean the difference between a wrx and a sti
What does the "Si" part stand for?
what about being compared to the VW GTI?
LOL he looks like he's someone from the "Lollipop guild"
seems like everyone else stepped up there game except for honda, same old body, same tech
@mokos23 In return, the RDX's K23A3T ( T stands for Turbo ) should have been used in the TSX and maybe.. just maybe the new ILX. I'm still sad that Honda hasnt made a High revving 2.0L since 2010.. :'(
K26Z1T-270HP/310TQ
K24Z3T-230-260HP/200-220TQ
K20Z3-200-212-220HP/175-195-205TQ.
K18Z1-165-185HP/155-175TQ
Honda will have the lower HP and TQ numbers while Acura gets the higher=beefier kickers. Also, engines with the Auto get less TQ while Manual gets slightly higher or the same TQ.
I know now why Honda hasn't been doing so well in recent years. I think one big reason is the fact that while Honda is still building cars that last 300K plus miles, all the other car companies are still just building cars that will last a 150K besides maybe Toyota. Honda's first priority is to build cars that will last a very long time, therefore they are struggling building engines and other new components that will still last 300K. It's much easier to build a car that will only last 150K...
3:42 - Of course I can believe an increase in fuel economy. It's Honda. They have a ton of smart engineers. "When Congress passes new emission standards, we hire 50 more engineers and GM hires 50 more lawyers."