1999 Honda Civic Si

1999 Honda Civic Si
CHICAGO - Honda has decided to take some of the fun out of souping up their Civics by again offering a factory-built performance coupe. The 1999 Civic Si unveiled in Chicago offers more power, sportier styling, better handling and stronger brakes than any run-of-the-mill Civic, at a mass-produced price that's sure to save you thousands of dollars in aftermarket performance tweaks.

Motivation comes from the DOHC 1.6-liter VTEC engine that used to reside in the del Sol roadster. As with any performance-tuned hot rod, winding up the motor is half the fun: Output comes on strong at high rpm, with 160 horsepower at 7600 revs and 111 foot-pounds of torque at 7000 rpm. Power reaches the pavement through a five-speed manual transmission.

To contain all this extra thrust, Honda gave the Civic Si a stiffer ride. Front and rear stabilizer bars, a front strut tower brace and 25-percent stiffer springs all conspire to virtually eliminate understeer. While the Si has not been lowered -- a common alteration for the aftermarket -- it looks lower because of an additional front chin spoiler and sporty side sills.

New, 15-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in low-profile 195/55-R15 tires. Bringing the car to a halt are four-wheel disc brakes, although an antilock brake system will not be available. That's not to say the Civic Si is lacking much content: standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, power moonroof, power windows, locks and mirrors, a CD player, leather-wrapped shift knob, tilt steering wheel and remote keyless entry. Extra-special goodies like the amber instrument panel and two-tone seat fabric are Si exclusives. On sale now, the Si should account for some 15,000 sales this year.

At a price of $17,445 (without destination charges), the Civic Si is sure to dishearten some loyal Honda hot-rodders who've already spent twice that amount customizing their own car. Color choices are limited to black, red and a new primary variant called Electron Blue. Want a bright yellow Civic Si with a huge wing spoiler and nitrous system enhancement? Then go ahead and get out the parts catalog.