Faults:

I have only had one thing go out on the car, the air conditioner compressor went out this last summer while I was on a trip away from home. I had purchased the extended warranty when I bought the car, and thankfully it was covered. I only spent $100 out of pocket, however I think the total bill to the warranty was over $1000.

The tires that came with the car lasted me probably 2 years; not sure if that is good or bad. Front brakes go out fast on these cars, but I haven't felt like the costs have been any kind of a burden. The dealerships where I live usually charge around $20.00 for an oil change, so I use them. I've also had done the Honda recommended maintenance by the dealership as well.

General Comments:

Most people buy this car because it is sporty; I bought it because it was the only new hatchback available from Honda at the time. I don't race or do any after-market parts or changes. People are always amazed when they ask me what changes I've made and I say none. Honestly, I don't know what you would do to this car to make any kind of significant improvement.

The stick shift is on the dash and it not only looks cool, I feel that it is way easier and more comfortable to shift. This also leaves the area between the seats open for the drink holder and storage console.

The suspension on the car is amazing. I bought my car new in 2003, and to this day the car still feels as tight and stable as the day I bought it. Pretty much any other car I drive feels sloppy and almost dangerous compared to the stability I have in the Civic SI.

Little things like the pull out drink holder, rear view mirror, etc. have held up very well and have not broken, discolored, aged poorly. The exterior paint still looks new, and I do not garage my car. It is left out in the rain, snow, and baking sun. Also, I was once caught driving in a hailstorm with golf-ball size hail, and I was sure that it had ruined my car. There was absolutely no damage! I couldn't believe it.

Faults:

Air conditioning was faulty. This was fixed under an extended warranty and I only had to pay £36 for another part that wasn't under warranty. When I first took the car in to look for the fault, I wasn't charged!!

General Comments:

This car for me is the business. My old car (Peugeot 306 1.4L) was good, but had age on its side. The thing with the Honda is that I still buzz when driving it now (6 months after I bought it!). It has speed, reliability and most of all comfort. Mine has a six CD changer as well, and the heated seats are really good as it is starting to get a little cooler in the UK now. The only negative is that the boot is smaller than my 306, but I am not missing my old car one bit really.

I love this Honda, and would definitely buy a new car from this manufacturer. The way that it handles bends (and at speed as well) is amazing, it really grips the road! I haven't had it serviced yet so don't really know how much this costs.

Faults:

A crack sound comes from one of the front wheels when braking to a stop.

Front rotors needed replacement at 100,000.

AC stopped working at 100,000 K (just after warranty). A Honda dealer said this problem is frequent in these cars, but they can't do nothing about it. They quoted around 300 bucks to fix it.

Clutch makes a noise.

General Comments:

When I bought the car, I was working in town. A month later, I had to move. Now I drive 100 kilometers one way to work and this car is a nightmare. Too much road noise, dances behind trucks, revs very high at 120 km/h (no fuel efficiency at 120 or up), very uncomfortable for long drives, expansive to maintain. Every time you go to Honda dealer, they charge 50 bucks just for diagnoses. I'll never buy a Honda again. Hyundai's are much better.