8th Gen Honda Civic Si What Owners Say

Eighth Honda Civic Si Legacy Facelift

The 8th-gen Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan were handed a conclusive facelift for the 2009 model year which added visual revisions to the exterior design. The update provided the compact performance derivative with a more modern appearance that was in line with the design language set to be used on its cars with the arrival of the new decade.

To create a more modern and intimidating appearance, the front of the Honda Civic Si adopts a new bumper with an inverted air intake design (1). Oval fog lamps have also been added to the sides (2). The upper grille is changed too, with a honeycomb pattern and an Si badge moved from next to the left headlight to the middle of the grille. The Si sedan's grille is smaller, retaining the non-Si models' upper trim garnish, but in black instead of chrome (3).

The only alteration made to the rear is a clear lens for the third brake lamp housed in the decklid wing that replaces the red one from the pre-updated model on both sedan and coupe (1). In addition, the red treatment for the sedan's rear turn-signal lenses is dropped in favor of a clear lens.

Apart from the change in wheel design (1), there are no noticeable differences to the side profile of the Honda Civic Si. Both the sedan and coupe retain twin-arm five-spoke alloys, but the new design's spokes are more evenly spaced. The revisions to the rear light clusters of the sedan can be spotted in profile too, as can the revised bumper (2).

The interior of the Civic remains the same, save for the availability of some additional features, such as a USB audio input and Bluetooth.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

The eighth-generation Honda Civic Si is only available with the revered K20Z3 i-VTEC 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine with a power output of 197 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. This can only be had as a front-wheel-drive car with a six-speed manual transmission and a helical limited-slip differential.

2.0-liter Inline-Four Naturally Aspirated DOHC K20Z3

The K20Z3 is essentially a diluted variation of the K20A range. It keeps the aluminum block and head with a 1,998-cc capacity and dual-overhead camshafts but employs the brand's i-VTEC technology. The engine runs at an 11.0:1 compression ratio and can redline at a screaming 8,300 rpm. The 197-hp power output is achieved at 7,800 rpm while the 139 lb-ft is available from 6,200 rpm. The K20 powertrain is generally a sound engine unit but it can suffer from oil leaks on the front main crankshaft seal as well as exhaust cam lobe galling, and erratic engine vibrations.

2006-2011 Honda Civic Si 8th Gen Real MPG

The 2006 and 2007 Honda Civic Si were rated by the EPA to deliver a 20/29/23 city/highway/combined mpg while the 2008 to 2011 models see an increase to 24 mpg for the combined test. The EPA also sources data for real-world Civic Si which reflects that the sports sedan and coupe can achieve anywhere between 21 and 30.2 mpg. This expansive variation is provided by drivers who are not under the control or supervision of the EPA and thus should not be treated as an official result. On a full tank of gas, you can expect the Si to cover a range of over 300 miles.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety

2006 to 2011 8th-gen Civic Si sedan and coupe models were not crash-tested by the NHTSA but it does have the same structural integrity as the entire 8th-generation Civic range, which suffered from a mediocre three-star overall rating in 2011 when the association revised its crash-testing parameters. The front section was awarded a four-star rating while the side and rollover came in at two and four stars, respectively.

2006 Honda Civic Si models offer a conclusive safety package with the standard fitment of driver, passenger, and curtain airbags. ABS with electronic brake distribution is included as standard for the front ventilated and rear solid brake discs. Stability control is added to the range one year after this while tire-pressure monitoring is included in 2008. Brake assist made its way into the Si range by 2009.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result Sedan (2011)

8th Generation Honda Civic Si Trims

The Si is considered a flagship model of the 8th-generation Honda Civic range so its list of standard features adds value to the ownership experience as it includes keyless remote entry, electrically adjustable door mirrors, a decklid wing, leather upholstered and aluminum trimmings, and red ambient console lighting.

This car is only available with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain with a power output of 197 hp and 139 lb-ft. The front wheels are driven via a six-speed manual transmission with close ratios and a helical limited-slip differential.

• The 2008 Mugen Si was a special edition model that was only available as a sedan. It is essentially an enhancement package for the performance car which adds a Mugen-specific adjustable rear wing, sports grille, side skirts, and a rear bumper diffuser. It also features a 2.0-inch spherical aluminum shift knob and a limited edition placard mounted to the instrument panel. Giving it a bit more of an attitude is a Mugen-tuned sports exhaust system and a set of 18-inch forged alloy wheels mated to a set of BFGoodrich g-Force KDW summer compounds with a 215/40 ZR18 tire size.

2006-2011 Si

The 2006 Honda Civic Si Coupe comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, a one-touch power moonroof, remote keyless entry with a trunk release, tinted glass, power windows with an auto-up and down driver's window, cruise control, a leather-trimmed manually tilting/telescoping steering wheel, a special aluminum shift knob and pedals, red ambient console lighting, and 12-volt power outputs at the front and center console. For entertainment purposes, it features a 350-Watt seven-speaker audio system that accommodates radio, CD, MP3, and aux inputs. If the optional navigation package is fitted, this adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen display to the center console as well as satellite radio and an SD-card reader. The sports seats are covered with cloth upholstery. The Si Coupe was joined by the Si Sedan for 2007, equipped similarly. The 2008 range adds tire-pressure monitoring to the package as standard and the limited Mugen Si trim outlined above is added. The facelifted 2009 models gain front fog lights and, when fitted with the navigation package, benefit from the Bluetooth hands-free feature. The 215/45 R19 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 Performance Tires were optional across all years of the Si but this is a dimension that Michelin no longer produces.

Eighth Generation Honda Civic Si Features (2011)

Interior, Trim And Practicality

Looking at the sports compact segment, the 8th-generation Honda Civic Si's interior can best be described as economically functional. The only leather trimmings can be found on the steering wheel and the gear shifter while everything else, including the two-tier dash, consists of plastic and fabric upholstery. Seated in its front sports seats, the 8th-gen Honda Civic Si coupe offers front headroom and legroom figures of 37.8 and 42.6 inches respectively. Those measuring more than six feet tall may feel a bit snug as a result. On the rear bench, things aren't any better with head- and legroom of 34.7 and 30.3 inches respectively. These seats are better suited for younger passengers. The Civic Si FA sedan option is a bit more generous than the coupe with its front headroom of 39.4 inches but legroom is slightly lower at 42.2 inches. The rear bench is much more accommodating with its headroom of 37.4 inches and legroom of 34.6 inches.

The coupe's trunk measures 11.5 cubic feet, meaning you could just about squeeze in three large suitcases for a weekend away. The sedan is a bit more generous with a 12-cubic-foot trunk capacity. As for general storage, the cabin is supported by beverage holders at the front and rear, a storage compartment under the front armrest, door pocket storage bins, and a seatback pocket located on the passenger side.

2006-2011 Honda Civic Si Maintenance and Cost

The Honda K20Z3 is generally a dependable powertrain if you ensure that it is routinely maintained at the intervals set by the manufacturer. The Honda Civic Si FG2 uses a maintenance reminder warning system to inform you when the powertrain is due for a service but it is recommended that you conduct an oil change and tire rotation every 7,500 miles. The oil filter and spark plugs need to be exchanged at 15,000 miles at which point you should also conduct a thorough inspection of the major mechanical components. At 30,000 miles, it is advised that you fit new spark plugs and an air-cleaner element. You should also conduct an inspection of the auxiliary drive belts and valve clearances.

Eighth Gen Honda Civic Si Sedan & Coupe Basic Service

Engine Oil Change Including Filter

2006-2011 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four gas engine:

Sparkplugs

Air Filter

Battery

8th Gen Honda Civic Si Tires

2006-2009 Si

Tire size: P215/45R17

All-season: $518-$756 per set

2008 Mugen Si Sedan

Tire size: P215/40R18

Summer tires: $634-$1,034 per set

Check Before You Buy

Technical Service Bulletins according to the NHTSA. Check service book for:

Unlike the R18-powered Honda Civic, the Si is an impressively reliable performance car if it is correctly maintained and driven with mechanical sympathy. The K20 does suffer from the usual crankshaft seal oil leak, exhaust cam-lobe galling, and engine vibration due to the front left engine mount. To ensure the longevity of this engine, ensure that oil and coolant levels are always topped up to the appropriate level.

The NHTSA does not list any recalls for the Civic Si in particular, but it is included in the general Civic recalls. This generation of the Si was also a victim of the Takata airbag recall, of which there are seven. The 2006 and 2007 Si sedan was also subjected to a recall for an over-lubricated steering column that affected the brake light switch. A handful of 2006 Honda Civic Si sedans was recalled for an incorrectly installed rear windshield and quarter glass panel. Amber side reflectors on the 2006 Honda Civic may not have been fitted which resulted in a recall of a small number of units. Over 25,000 2006 Honda Civic units were subjected to a recall for an accelerator pedal that could come loose at the floor mounting. 260,000 2006 and 2007 Honda Civics were recalled for a faulty rear-wheel speed sensor which could result in the wheel falling off the car due to excessive damage done to the wheel bearing.

128 2008 and 2009 Honda Civic models were recalled for a fuel hose connector bracket that was improperly installed and could come loose while driving, possibly resulting in a fire. A possible 18,056 2011 Civic units were recalled for a fuel pump module roll-over valve that was not welded correctly during assembly. There are no engine block, ignition switch, paint, or third gear recalls issued for the 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic Si range.

These are some of the OBD2 codes that you may encounter during your 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic Si ownership experience:

• P0300 and P0304 indicate that there is a cylinder misfiring. The last digit informs you which bank is acting up. If it is a 0, the misfire is random.
• P0325 means that there is a knock sensor circuit malfunction that could be due to a faulty sensor or poor electrical connection. The sensor harness may also be open or shorted.
• P0341 will display if the camshaft position sensor circuit is out of the expected range or is experiencing incorrect timing. This may be due to the sensor or reluctor wheel. Foreign materials between the sensor and the reluctor wheel can also cause this.
• P0171 means that the Civic's system is running too lean on the first bank. This could be due to it having too much air or not enough fuel.
• Code P0135 indicates that there is a malfunction on the heated oxygen sensor heater circuit which could be due to an incorrect air-fuel ratio or a low battery charge.
• P1009 means that there is an issue with the variable valve timing control. This could be due to the engine oil level but you'll also need to check the valve timing control strainer, oil control solenoid, or actuator.
• P0453 suggests that the reading from the engine's evaporative pressure sensor is higher than usual. This could be due to a bad fuel tank pressure sensor.
• P0498 relates to an EVAP canister vent valve control circuit that is struggling with a low voltage. The valve will need to be inspected.

8th GenHonda Civic Common Problems

Weak Left Engine Mounting

The 8th-generation Civic Si struggles with the front left engine mounting's tendency to wear out quickly. Replacing the engine mountings on any car is not a routine service but on these models, it'll have to be conducted every 120,000 miles. You'll know it'll be time to conduct the job when vibrations from the engine filtering into the cabin start to sound a bit more erratic. The engine mounting costs around $279 excluding a labor cost of around $100.

Mileage: The front left engine mounting of the Honda Civic Si may start to wear at the 120,000-mile mark.

Cost: The part costs $279 excluding a labor cost of $100.

How to spot: The engine will start to vibrate a bit harder than what is usually expected. This is a key indicator that suggests the engine mountings need replacing.

2.0-liter DOHC K20Z3 i-VTEC Inline-Four Engine Problems

It can be argued that the K20 series is the most reliable naturally aspirated high-revving engine of its time and its application to the 8th-generation Civic Si is not a contradiction to that statement. However, there are some issues that need to be noticed once the powertrain passes the 100,000-mile threshold. The front crankshaft seal will show some signs of wear after 120,000 miles at which point you will start to notice oil leaks that can smoke or create a burning smell, or higher oil consumption. The rear seal can also start to leak but this is less likely. Expect to pay $18 for the front crank seal together with a labor cost of around $300. Camshaft-lobe galling may also start to appear on the K20's exhaust camshaft after the 100,000-mile mark. Galling will occur due to a high level of friction between the cam lobes which will require you to replace the camshafts. This is not an issue that is as common in the K20Z3 but it is still a possibility. It can be deferred by religiously sticking to the oil-change intervals. The exhaust camshaft will cost around $640 with a labor cost that can be close to $1,300.

Mileage: The crankshaft's front oil seal will start to wear at the 100,000-mile mark. Expect the exhaust camshaft to start galling at the 120,000 mileage point.

Cost: The K20's front crankshaft seal is not an expensive part at $18 but it is a fairly labor-intensive task that may have you forking out $300. The exhaust camshaft is a costly repair as the part may set you back by $640 excluding the $1,300 labor charge.

How to spot: A worn front crankshaft seal will start to spill oil which can result in a burning smell, smoking, and higher consumption of oil. Clicking noises from the valve cover and noticeable loss of power will indicate that the exhaust camshaft is wearing out.

Fading Clear Coat

The Honda Civic Si range may be standing the test of time in terms of mechanical reliability, but one area where it does struggle, like other Civic models of this era, is a clear coat and paint problem that creates a fading appearance on the body. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that your car is parked in a spot that is not exposed to harsh sunlight. If you can't avoid this, ensure that the body is constantly coated with a protective wax or polish. If the bodywork has already started to fade, you'll need to have the car resprayed.

Mileage: Fading paint is based more based on age than mileage.

Cost: Respraying the body of the Honda Civic Si is a labor-intensive procedure that could cost in the region of $3,000.

Less Common Problems And Problem-Free Areas

8th-generation Honda Civic Si owners have applauded the model for its impressive reliability, thus, there's not much else to worry about. Ensure that the oil and coolant are always topped up to an appropriate level and that you ensure the mechanical components are not abused while driving and you shouldn't encounter any major issues with this car.

As applicable to the entire eighth-generation Honda Civic range, cars do struggle with a window-switch problem that occurs due to moisture that sets on the window and damages the switch's circuit board. To resolve this, you'll need to replace the switch. There's also a wiper motor problem that occurs after time which is due to general wear and tear. If all of the fuses and wiring are intact when inspecting, the entire motor will need to be replaced. Some owners have noted clutch master cylinder, synchros, and shifting problems with the Honda Civic Si, but this is more likely to happen if the car is being mistreated and used incorrectly.

It is unlikely that you will experience problems with the starter/starting, manual transmission, air conditioning, power steering, engine idle, alternator, battery, fan, idler pulley, navigation DVD, oil sensor, radio, or door lock in the Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan.

Which One To Avoid

There is no particular eighth-gen Honda Civic Si that needs to be avoided but looking past the pre-facelift model would be a better choice as it has slightly fewer features and a more dated appearance. The 2006 model in particular is the least favorable as it does not come fitted with traction control.

Which One To Buy

If you truly want a special model, consider opting for the special edition 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si sedan. It may not have more power than the standard Si, but it is a unique offering from Honda with a legendary badge and some distinctive and entertaining extras. Second to this, would be the 2010 or 2011 Si models with the navigation package fitted as these offer the most conclusive ownership experience with all of the updates applied.

8th Gen Honda Civic Si Verdict

The eighth-generation Honda Civic Si is a product that has been applauded by many fans of the brand for delivering on three crucial factors; fun, reliability, and affordability. Despite being old now, it's still an accessible performance car that never fails to put a smile on your face Without compromising on comfort. The performance produced from the K20 is not matched to the likes of the turbocharged hot hatches of this era, but its helical limited-slip differential and a six-speed short-ratio manual transmission are sure to compensate for that.