2008 Honda Civic

In the world of ever increasing emissions standards and safety requirements it is nice to know that there are still a wide array of fun to drive cars still available to choose from. Whether our individual perspectives lean toward straight-line performance, handling, economy, value and resale, or practicality we all have the one or two areas we prioritize as the most important. Imagine though, if there was a car that embodied all of these things and more. There is. A year ago we purchased a brand new Honda Civic Si sedan. The Si has it all: performance and handling that rivals sport cars that cost twice as much, fuel economy just shy of thirty miles per gallon, legendary Honda value, top of the list resale value and reliability. Best of all is the practicality. With the Civic Si sedan we can get the weeks groceries, take the kid to daycare, take the dog to the vet, or any of the other things that we actually use cars for on a daily basis. That's just one side of Jekyll and Hyde story. When the pedestrian restraints of life allow, that Nighthawk black pearl sedan goes from grocery-getter to a serious performance machine. This is a deceptively fast car. Almost two hundred horsepower from a 2.0L four cylinder engine featuring the newest iteration of i-VTEC, a slick six speed manual, limited-slip differential and great brakes this car has all the right parts and Honda has made them work together wonderfully. The fit and finish are typical Honda quality. That is to say near perfect. The finish of the interior with it's psuedo-suede seats and brushed metal look trim pieces are great. Plenty of room up front and typical small car accommodations out back. The sound system features an optional sub-woofer to keep the entertainment on par with everything else great about this car. There is nothing I have found to be a negative about this wonder car. There are, however, a few compromises that need to kept in mind. Unfortunately we live in the real world where we are bound by the laws of physics. Remember me saying this car handled splendidly? To achieve this the suspension is a little stiff. No, you won't need spinal surgery after driving this car daily, but on the rough stuff, you do get reminded that nothing is for free. Another key point prospective buyers will want to remember is when you push hard with the right foot, the gas needle goes down. In the Civic Si's case this isn't a severe problem. Just something to remember as this car loves to run hard and makes you love pushing it. In everyday mixed driving we actually have been getting a respectable 26 mpg. On the "fun" weekends, well let's just say its a little less. Overall the Honda Civic Si is a great car. Yes, there are faster cars, more comfortable cars, and even more practical cars, but nothing I tested had such a high level of everything you could want in a car with out giving up anything. Go now, and test drive one for yourself. Please, I beg you.