2004 Honda Civic Si New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Honda Civic Si?
Upsized 16-inch wheels and tires come standard on the 2004 Honda Civic Si, and stylists have added new lights front and rear. Inside, the cabin is spruced up with silver trim on the dashboard and door panels. A new HFP (Honda Factory Performance) package includes a suspension lowered by one inch, 17-inch wheels with high performance tires, a rear spoiler, an aero kit and special badges for $4,000.

Advantages of the 2004 Honda Civic Si:

• Free-revving, 160-horsepower VTEC engine
• Snick-snick manual transmission
• Comfortable, supportive, well-bolstered sport seats
• Hatchback utility

Objections to the 2004 Honda Civic Si:

• Electric steering lacks road feel
• Odd doorstop styling

Editor's Advice:
Why buy the somewhat odd-looking 2004 Honda Civic Si over the more attractive and sportier 2004 Acura RSX? There’s barely a grand of difference between base prices, and the Acura has a longer warranty with roadside assistance tossed in for good measure. Both offer hatchback utility, both have a free-revving 160-horsepower VTEC engine, and both provide crisp and rewarding handling. So what if rear seat passengers aren’t as comfortable in the Acura? Honda Civic Si sales have been dragging along near the bottom of the charts since the company resurrected this sporty model for 2002, and we doubt that they’ll improve as long as the Acura RSX is hanging around and making much more sense.