2002 Honda Civic Si

“Is that one of those electric Hondas?”
It was a question I encountered more than once during my week with Honda Civic Si. Funny, I didn’t get asked this question as often when I drove the Honda Insight, which really is part electric. Of course, I guess it’s all in how you define “electric.” Although this Civic Si does not draw any of its power from a battery (that would be the Civic hybrid), the adjective could apply to its performance. It certainly applies to the dazzling shade of gold slathered over my particular Si. The shocking shade looked like what might result if you plugged one of those individually wrapped butterscotch candies into too many volts. Yikes. Colors aside, the 2002 Civic Si bows as one of the more anticipated models among affordable-compact racing enthusiasts. The hot little Civic hatchbacks have always been darlings of this set, even as they have come and gone erratically from Honda’s lineup over the past few years. The most recent absence was in 2001, making the heart grow fonder no doubt.

With a new look, an engine borrowed from the Acura RSX and overall development entrusted to Honda’s engineers in Europe, this 2002 Civic Si’s changes will thrill some, disappoint others.

The Good News
Fans of previous Civic Si’s loved their quick reflexes, high-revving engines and seamless performance for thousands less than you’d pay for, say, a Porsche. Not that we’re in the same league here, but kicks are kicks.

This new one follows the same basic dream, but takes a slightly different (and no doubt controversial) path.

As mentioned, the Si shares the 2.0-liter engine with the base Acura RSX, producing 160 horses. That’s the same amount of horsepower as in the previous Si with a VTEC engine, but this new VTEC doesn’t rev all the way up to 8000 rpm like the old one. Instead, it backs off to 6800 rpm and adds 20 percent more torque with a 5000-rpm peak. The result is a smoother, more consistent delivery of power instead of the previous Si big rush. Everyday drivers will like it.

My favorite aspect of this setup is the 5-speed shifter that juts out of the middle dash area where you expect the climate controls to be. As awkward as it looks, it provides a perfect grip for this precise gearbox.

But for all its hot-rod reputation and as much fun as it to rip around town in, I didn’t expect the level of comfort, convenience and class this new Civic Si affords. As the only three-door Civic on American soil, this Si comes with a lot of cargo space under the hatch, comfortable suede seats and a ride that’s not nearly as abrupt as one would accept in a renowned performer. Instead of coming off as lightly strung -- not necessarily a bad thing in these compact racers where ounces counts -- this Si feels solidly constructed, heavier, more refined, like the Europeans. It’s very pleasant, actually.

The Bad News
And therein lies the rub.

Those eager for a new generation pocket rocket will likely be put off by the new Civic Si’s obvious civilities. It may still be impressive in the corners and quick off the line, but it’s not the pared-down plaything enthusiasts had grown to love. This Si now has – da da da dum – mass appeal.

And the complaints are not unjustified. The combination of extra weight that adds to the substantial feeling and this new powertrain favoring everyday satisfaction over Saturday afternoon jollies robs the Si of almost a full second 0-60 over the 2000 model, according to independent tests. Adding salt to the wound is the fact that Europe has a much hotter version of the Civic Si we don’t get.

Therefore, since hospitality seems to be high on the Si’s list, I will complain about the seat adjustments. I despise seats that flip-fly forward and then require endless manual readjustment before becoming inhabitable once again. Honda needs a lesson from Volkswagen, who has this dilemma figured out.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 26 mpg city/30 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $19,000
Price as tested $19,460

Is it worth it?
Your priorities will determine how much you’ll like or dislike this new Civic Si. Since I didn’t race this one or any of its ancestors before it, I can’t go into mourning here over what has been lost in this new translation.

But I did drive it around town for a week and loved it. I can honestly say those looking for a reasonably priced hatchback that is a ton of grins to drive, feels very well built and won’t beat you up daily, this new Civic Si is a keeper.

It all boils down to whether you’re into finishing first or simply enjoying the drive.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.