1999 Honda Civic SI

The humble Honda Civic began its long life here in '74 as an imported, economical transporter for the masses. It quickly earned popularity in the U.S. with uncompromising reliability, money-saving fuel economy, and meager price, and has now become America's best-selling compact car. In '85, the sleepy commuter got a dose of caffeine with a peppy Si model, and the response from young buyers looking for an inexpensive and spirited driving experience was immediate. But by '95, more powerful compacts from other manufacturers made the buzzy little Civic Si less attractive, and it was dropped from the Civic line.

In '99, the time is again ripe for an Si model, and Honda has answered the cracking voices of young drivers across the country with a new, improved Civic Si coupe. This time, however, the Si is cleaner running while achieving the once magical engine output milestone of just over 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, or if you prefer, just over 1 horsepower per cubic inch. Yet, this remarkable Si engine is able to extract an estimated 26 mpg in the city and a far-reaching 31 mpg on the highway. How'd they do that?

Honda pioneered variable valve timing with its VTEC engines, and this Civic del Sol-derived 1.6-liter engine is endowed with the same split personality we've come to expect. Other high-output hardware includes a larger throttle body, tuned intake manifold, high-lift cam profiles, strengthened connecting rods, low-friction/high-silicon pistons, fully counterweighted crankshaft, 10.2:1 compression ratio, and tuned exhaust system with larger diameter plumbing throughout. Piloted by a "normal" driver, the Si's engine behaves much the same as that of any other Civic. But when you push the revs beyond the 6000-rpm range, the commuter car transforms into a tenacious little street fighter. More like a motorcycle than a car engine, revving to an 8000-rpm redline, the Civic Si is one of those cars with which we love to surprise other drivers. There are few things Motor Trend enjoys more than a performance "sleeper," and the Civic Si certainly is one.

But the hardware upgrades don't begin and end with a 7.2-second dash to 60 mph. Honda also went to work on marginally improving the handling of the Si with progressively valved shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars, shock tower brace, and standard 15-inch aluminum wheels.

All this great equipment adds up to one capable and fun-to-drive car. With a pricetag around $17,500 for a well-equipped version, the new Civic Si should find plenty of takers.