November 19, 2009 By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2009 Honda Civic Sdn 
2009 Honda Civic Sdn
DriverSide Overview
Simply put, the 2009 Civic Si is what you get when you take an already popular car with a great starting price and couple it with more horsepower and improved handling. Honda hasn’t done anything drastic with this generation of the Si; they’ve left it as a more powerful – and decidedly more fun – Civic. There’s nothing wrong with that. The boost of 57 horsepower over the standard Civic’s 140 makes for a zippy drive, and a manual six-speed as your only transmission choice clearly speaks of the enthusiast qualities of the car. A multitude of standard features aimed at interior comfort keep the Si livable on a daily basis as well. The Si does have its faults, and those we noted are carried over from the regular Civics. The interior design won’t be for everyone, especially if you’re coughing up around $22,000 for this car. The exterior has been spiced up, helped by a rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels, but it still smacks of civility. Against the competition, however, the Si holds its own and delivers a full package that anyone can have a good time with.
2009 Honda Civic Cpe 
2009 Honda Civic Cpe


What's to Like
The 197 horsepower VTEC engine is potent and fantastically fun. Drivers will get more than enough play out of the seemingly never-ending powerband. Trunk space isn’t sacrificed – even the most enthusiastic drivers have to stop for groceries every once in a while. Two body styles, coupe and sedan, are offered to accommodate various lifestyles.
What's Not to Like
The navigation system, should you opt for it, doesn’t have the same quality appearance as the rest of the interior design. Some functions can be difficult to access as well. A short nose and vast dash make it impossible to see the hood of the car. The gauge cluster isn’t the most appealing we’ve ever seen, and the heads-up digital speedometer will either please or repel potential buyers.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
There are a number of Civic trims that have a basic drive perfected for the casual driver. This is not that trim. The Si’s powerful 2.0-liter VTEC engine will rev ‘til the cows come home – which conveniently occurs upwards of 8,000 rpm – and keep revving long after old Bessie’s been milked. Controlling power delivery is a smooth-shifting six-speed manual – the only transmission option available in this trim. True to enthusiast sentiments, the Civic Si proves to be a harsher ride than you’d expect out of a Honda, and engine and road noise freely pervades into the cabin. However, it is the only trim to offer stability control and a limited-slip differential for more controlled driving dy...