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- Style-level Rating
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 7.8
/ 10
Overall Ratings
8.0 / 10 Dynamics
8.5 / 10
Engine Performance- We can't overstate how wonderful this iVTEC 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is. Rated at a zingy 197 naturally aspirated horsepower, it's sometimes criticized for its modest 139 lb-ft of torque. Driven properly, however, the engine is rarely spinning at low speeds. The new-for-'07 exhaust tuning makes the Si sound even better.
7.5 / 10
Transmission Performance- With closely spaced ratios, the six-speed manual in the Si makes it easy to keep in the power, it's crisp and direct but occasionally exhibits finicky 3rd gear behavior. Honda refuses to admit there might be a problem.
6.0 / 10
Brake Performance- While the Si's brakes post impressive stops during testing, we find they often overheat when we take it to a racetrack or favorite twisting back roads.
8.5 / 10 Steering Perfomance- The electric-assist power steering is super precise, very quick acting, but just a little lacking in fingertip feedback.
9.0 / 10
Handling- It's hard to imagine a Civic Sedan handling the way sports cars usually do, but that's exactly what you get with the Si. It sticks, turns, and has the reflexes of a sports car.
8.5 / 10 Fun-to-Drive- As it should be in a sport sedan, both aural and visceral senses are stimulated. Translation: The Civic Si is a blast to drive and in this way is better than many of its competitors.
7.5 / 10 Comfort
7.0 / 10
Ride Comfort- If a comfortable ride is what you're after, you'd be advised to consider any Civic besides the Si. If on the other hand you're expecting exceptional handling at the expense of a largely choppy ride (albeit surface-dependent), then you'll be happy with the Si's suspension tuning. For the sport sedan category, the Si offers a very good ride/handling compromise.
8.0 / 10 Wind Noise- There's only the expected amount of smooth, dispersed wind noise.
6.0 / 10 Road Noise- Our car wore the optional high-performance summer tires, and they're definitely apt to create road noise. While that noise is largely surface dependent, we rarely found a road that didn’t create graining and hum.
8.0 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Ingress/egress is slightly hampered by the sport seats' otherwise terrific side bolsters. Once behind the wheel, the seats themselves are exceptionally comfortable for sporty driving or long-hauls. Seats are fully manual, however, they offer a huge range of adjustment.
7.0 / 10 Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access- The size of the rear door and the rear wheel cut inhibit access slightly, but no worse than cars of its size/class. The seats offer almost too-generous lumbar support and are adequately canted.
9.0 / 10 Driving Position- With the seat's exceptional support, its wide range of adjustment, perfect pedal and shifter placement, plus a tilt/telescope wheel, the driving position is almost flawless. Even belted in, the driver can easily reach all of the radio/nav controls as well as the glovebox whose release handle is biased to the left.
7.6 / 10 Function
7.0 / 10 Headlight Illumination- Adequate headlamps -- no Xenon option available.
8.0 / 10 Visibility- The Si Sedan doesn't have the same visibility compromises the Si Coupe does. The A-pillars are thin and split and the bottom offering a nifty triangular window for added forward sight lines. Also, rear visibility is very good due to a conventional sedan roofline with thin pillars.
8.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout- Others have criticized the Civic's instrument panel, but this reviewer likes what he sees. The two-tier design works because the steering wheel would normally obscure something that is now absent in the Civic. Kudos to Honda for the risky design. The once-hated digital speedometer is well executed here with ample "draw time" so it doesn't look like it always reads, "88".
8.0 / 10 Climate Control System Layout- Simple: Two knobs and few buttons do it all and do it well. (No heated seat option)
7.0 / 10 Audio System Layout- While there's only a single knob (power/volume) on the Premium Audio system that's integrated into the navigation screen, all the functions are fairly legible, intuitive, and manageable, even while driving.
8.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout- All the stalks, buttons, and release handles are where you'd naturally search for them and operated as you'd expect. The steering wheel controls (redundant volume/preset buttons and cruise control) are well placed and are of a scale that's appropriate for thumb use.
8.0 / 10 Interior Storage- Bins galore in the center console, large door pockets front/rear, and a single seat-back pocket make for abundant squirreling locations.
7.0 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space- At 12.0 cu.ft., the trunk is probably larger than you'd expect from a compact sedan.
8.0 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)- The standard 60/40 split folding rear seats offer added cargo flexibility others in this segment might not even offer.
7.0 / 10 Cupholders- Nothing to rave about here: The usual, two, deep cupholders up front with spring-loaded fingers and two shallow ones in the rear seat arm rest.
8.2 / 10 Design/Build Quality
8.0 / 10 Exterior Design- In Si trim, the sedan offers just enough sporty character bits without looking too boy-toyed up. We actually think the rear wing adds a little menace to the otherwise pedestrian sedan's profile.
8.0 / 10 Interior Design- Open and airy design is sprinkled with enough interesting features to keep it looking good for years to come. There are no obvious missteps here like awkward reflections or glare.
8.0 / 10 Interior Materials- The interior materials are presented in an array of textures and colors that work harmoniously.
8.0 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel- All of the tactile elements are consistently solid, smooth and well placed.
8.0 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles- Not a single groan or squeak, even when hammering the car at the test track.
9.0 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps- You'd be hard-pressed to find a luxury car with the Civic's panel fitment.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2007 Honda Civic Consumer Ratings |
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