2006 Honda Civic Si
Civic Goes Boom
Test drove: 7/10/2006 to 7/17/2006
There was a time when I may have been intrigued by the Honda Civic Si, but, truthfully, that time has long since come and gone. My present status weighs in heavily: mom of two, wife to one, organizer of all, directress of the house, maid of the bathrooms, gatekeeper to the refrigerator ... the list goes on.
I try to be open-minded, but when attempting to install car seats in this two-door, I'm already cursing the vehicle. I find myself in the utmost awkward position, Hunchback of Notre Dame-like, trying to install my toddler's car seat. There's only so much crouching I'm willing to do, and this definitely tests my limit. I tell myself that these car seats are not to be removed for any reason during my week's test drive, because I can't possibly envision going through this exercise again. Ease of car-seat installation is key, and I'm sorry to say this car does not have it.
My patience-testing didn't stop there because every time I get my almost-2-year-old in and out of his car seat I cringe, compounded by the fact that he's going through a trying period of car-seat resistance. As I enter the back of the two-door Honda Civic Si, balancing my squirmy toddler, standing on one foot because the other is caught on the seat belt blocking the entry, I bonk both my head and his. Now that's enough to really make him want out, and that goes for me as well. But moms prevail, right? So I smiled reassuringly, keeping any unpleasantries at bay, even if just long enough to get his squirmy little bottom into the car seat and at least one flailing arm secured. Next I quickly offer a snack, which allows me just enough time to snuggly fasten the rest of him and get the heck out of that backseat.
Once I've buckled in the kiddos, the rear of the Honda Civic Si shows hope due to the functional two-part drink/snack holders located on either side. I am pleased that both children reach their goodies easily, and this autonomy makes for two happy children and one happy mom. When their snacks need replenishing, I can easily hand more to the back.
Next I turn on the satellite radio and immediately notice the depth of sound. Seven standard speakers, including a subwoofer, definitely make the car dance. Upon my brother's suggestion, I plug in an iPod, turn up the recommended rap tune and definitely feel the beat. My whole body is vibrating, and we are now booming along nicely. I imagine that the younger, kidless crowd — or any volume junkie — would welcome this thump, boom, bump action, and even I have to admit it's quite a "moving" experience. It's no wonder a curious hipster approached me regarding the vehicle — he probably spotted the woofer in the back and knew this car could boom. (Or maybe it was me shaking up the neighborhood? Nah, I'll leave the mirror rattling and car thumping to someone else).
The navigation system with voice recognition in this $22,040 car allows me to find a couple of out-of-the way places quickly. I also enjoy the steering-wheel audio-control buttons, which make for safer driving — always a big plus. Additionally, the huge digital speedometer in the dash keeps my speed in check ... it's the in-your-face mentality. Last but not least, I applaud Honda's quick reference guide. In just minutes I was well-versed in all-important matters, including the voice-recognition commands.
Although I find the Honda Civic Si cumbersome with kids, it is fun to rev the engine while working the sleek stick shift. Given that this futuristic-looking car is loaded with techie goodies, including the optional navigation system and voice recognition, plus a plethora of speakers, I can see the appeal for a certain crowd.
*For more information on the Honda Civic Si and its safety features, visit www.cars.com. For questions or comments regarding this review, write to MotherProof@msn.com.
LET'S TALK NUMBERS
LATCH Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Not Really
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Base price: | $20,290 |
| Price as tested: | $22,040 |
| Engine: | 2.0-Liter, DOHC I-VTEC |
| Fuel: | 23/32 mpg |
| Length: | 174.8" |
| Width: | 68.9" |
| Step-in height: | unknown |
| Cargo space: | 11.5 cu ft |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver's side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger's side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 3 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 4 Stars |
Comments
like the review except why would you think a 2dr coupe is going to be family friendly..why would someone with kids buy it
Posted by: si > soccer mom | Nov 7, 2007 11:52:49 PM
Obviously a stay-at-home mom with no education or common sense.
Get a life, obviously if you have enough time to be writing reviews on a sporty coupe in a family situation, you have time to be cooking meals for the homeless or doing something else productive.
Posted by: ha ha | Nov 8, 2007 10:32:33 AM
Your selection of vehicles is similar to trying to compete in a La Mans (no not the breathing technique)race with an SUV.
Of course you are not going to be happy with a vehicle that is not suited to do what you want it to.
I think it's called a Mini Van or something like that.
Posted by: vetkiller | Nov 8, 2007 12:48:29 PM
This car for your needs makes no sense, please do not repreduce again
Posted by: 2007 si | Nov 8, 2007 6:12:29 PM
THE SI IS AMAZING I LOVE MY 2007 SI, ROT IN HELL FOR YOU COMMENTS MADAM!!
Posted by: 2007 si | Nov 8, 2007 6:15:34 PM
THE SI IS AMAZING I LOVE MY 2007 SI, ROT IN HELL FOR YOU COMMENTS MADAM!!
Posted by: 2007 si | Nov 8, 2007 6:16:47 PM
I have a coupe with two kids, one 2 and 1 newborn and I never had a problem fitting in the back, maybe some one needs a slim fast???
Posted by: Spoogen | Nov 8, 2007 8:39:15 PM
You thought the hipster came to check the factory subwoofer out ?
Dear Madame,
No one is interested in stock 8 inch subs.
Did you realize your car has 197 BHP, 8000 RPM Redline (thats supercar territory), 8200 RPM fuel cut off, does 0-60 in less than 6.5 secs with summer tyres,vtecs at 5800 rpms ( ever notice the cross-over ? ), 6 speed transmission, racing seats,and 17 inch alloys ?
Posted by: | Nov 9, 2007 10:02:08 AM
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Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some
THIS CAR IS NOT FOR MOMS.....A MINI VAN WOULD HAVE GIVEN U A HARD GROOVE ON.
why would u spend 22K on a 2 door sporty car aimed at spirited drivers ?
especially when u have kids....
Posted by: nayilsi | Nov 7, 2007 8:16:14 PM