2006 Honda Civic Si

More than one editor has noted the Civic Si's engine behavior when shifting. Put the clutch in to upshift, and the revs just hang there, though your foot is off the gas entirely. Lifting off the gas while still in gear induces a similar response. This is to prevent the engine from suddenly running rich when the throttle closes abruptly, but it spoils the pleasure of operating this otherwise spirited machine. The engine offers quick acceleration, the shifter a snick-snick precision, and the seats support and comfort, even on long drives.

This is one of those cars that really benefited from being well-broken in. I drove it right after we got it, with less than 1,000 miles on it. The engine felt tight and strained, the shifter was stiff, and the car just didn't feel eager to run. But now, fully broken in, it feels as it should. The engine is sweet and rev-happy, the shifter light yet crisp, pedal inputs well-matched, etc. If I were buying this type of car with my own money, I'd still go for a GTI, but I "get" this car, and like a good pair of jeans, it feels good now. -Matt Stone

Drove the Si to San Diego last night to see a concert. Driving stick isn't much fun when in rush-hour traffic, but the Civic sure makes it fun (it practically encourages you) to zip around inattentive drivers. At one point, I felt like I was in a minivan slalom--there were slow minivans staggered exactly the same distance apart and I just scooted around them with ease. The Si really shined on the drive back. It gets up to speed pretty quickly and it'll go 90-95 without much prompting. The oversize digital speedo makes it hard to ignore how fast you're driving--it would be nearly impossible to muster up an angelic yet blank face in response to a CHP officer asking, "Do you know how fast you were going?" Of course I know. There's no way to avoid knowing. And I have no poker face! Over time, the engine has become more entertaining, yet I've been disappointed with the cabin materials. A couple of bits on the steering wheel feel fragile (specifically, the panels where volume control and cruise control are). The plastics look cheap and are hard to the touch. And I do like the sporty feel of the shifter, but it's skinny and spindly, and feels as if it could snap like a twig any minute. I have to think that the cabin of its German peer would hold up better in the long run. -Allyson Harwood