Debuting for the 1985 model year, the original Honda Civic CRX Si brought a new focus on performance driving to the Honda lineup. Thirty-two years later, the eighth iteration of the Civic Si continues this long heritage of driving feel, heightened performance, agility, and passion for enthusiast drivers.
Since its launch, the Si (the initials stand for “Sport Injection”) variants have energized and enhanced the last eight Civic generations. Successful in racing, magazine shootouts, and most especially with owners, the Si has solidly become the Civic for enthusiasts. The beauty of the Si has always been its combination of real-world usability, significant and palpable performance advantages, exclusive exterior and interior features, and a more connected overall driving experience for enthusiasts.
High points for Civic Si models over the years and Civic generations include:
3rd Generation Civic (1985 to 1987)
The Si’s debut in the US market came in the form of the 1985 Civic CRX Si, a sporty 2-seat coupe developing 91 hp from its 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four engine with a 12-valve cross-flow head. Thanks to the popularity of the CRX Si, the following year a distinct Si model was added to the Civic Hatchback, broadening the sporty formula to the 4-seater format as well. Both models used Honda’s advanced PGM-FI fuel injection.
4th Generation Civic (1988 to 1991)
A more powerful new 16-valve, 1.6-liter SOHC engine with multiport injection (first developing 105 hp and later 108 hp), an aerodynamic new body style, and 4-wheel double-wishbone style suspension defined the 1988 Civic CRX Si and the 1989 Civic Si Hatchback as more powerful and better-handling Hondas. The CRX continued as a 2-seater, while the Hatchback continued as a 4-seater. Sporty features included a larger-diameter exhaust system, front and rear stabilizer bars, and sport seats with deeper bolsters.
5th Generation Civic (1992 to 1995)
Starting in 1992, Honda’s sporty nameplate became available as the Si Coupe and Si Hatchback only. Beside the departure of the CRX name, the big news for “92 was the adoption of the Civic’s first SOHC VTEC engine, which displaced 1.6-liters and incorporated variable valve control in its single overhead camshaft layout. Besides a significantly broader powerband, the first VTEC-powered Si made 125 horsepower, a gain of over 15-percent compared to the previous Si model.
6th Generation Civic (1999 to 2000)
After the 1995 model year, the Si nameplate took a short break prior to returning for 1999. Thanks to its 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC design, output jumped to 160 hp at an aggressive 8000 rpm, with the Si model now available only as a coupe. Enabling this high-rpm performance were such technologies as high-silicon pistons and stronger connecting rods, a large-diameter throttle body, and improved intake and exhaust flow. Competition-derived chassis features included firmer springs and stabilizer bars, a front strut-tower brace, and low-profile 15-inch tires. Red-themed instruments added a serious edge to the Si’s growing performance acumen.
7th Generation Civic (2002 to 2004)
Built in England, the 2.0-liter i–VTEC Civic Si Hatchback established a benchmark for broad performance with an emphasis on huge, usable torque from a lower rpm than before – in this case VTEC operation kicked in at 2300 rpm instead of 4500 as in the previous generation Si. This gave the new 2002 Si Hatchback, with its 25-percent larger and 20-percent torquier engine, more punch in the rpm range drivers use on an everyday basis. Welcome news for diehard enthusiasts were 5-bolt wheel hubs, the Civic’s first 16-inch wheels, and the availability of a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit.
8th Generation Civic (2006 to 2011)
Thanks to the Si formula’s growing appeal, an Si Sedan finally joined the Si Coupe for the 2007 model year. Now boasting 197 hp, the 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and both Si models featured unique suspension tuning, a limited-slip differential, and aggressive styling touches and interior appointments to match their sporting mission. Vehicle Stability Assist, a hugely valuable driver assist feature, also debuted on the Si for 2007. A tantalizing opportunity for 2008 Si Sedan buyers was the limited run of 1,000 cars tuned by Mugen, a Japanese performance RD firm affiliated with the Honda factory.
9th Generation Civic (2012 to 2015)
Continuing in Sedan and Coupe form, the Si received a displacement boost to 2.4 liters to become the largest and – at 201 hp – the most powerful models so far. As a result, the Si leapfrogged once again in popularity, all the while offering incredible fuel efficiency of up to 31 mpg on the highway. A mid-model styling change and a power bump (to 205 hp) reenergized the Si twins for 2014, while the Si Coupe received racing-inspired front and rear fascias, and a rear spoiler and diffuser.
Motorsports
The Civic Si has a great motor racing heritage, including: 23 class victories and 2 Manufactures titles in the Continental Tire Sports car competition; 40 class victories and 4 championships in the Pirelli World Challenge; and 9 SCCA national championships dating back to 1990.