1990 Honda Civic Si from North America - Comments

There have been no serious problems with my 1990 Honda Civic Hatchback. In fact the only troublesome problem I have had with the car is some minor rusting. This is especially the case with the rocker panels. The previous owners had the car rust-protected and therefore, has kept this problem at bay. I also had a clicking noise in the axle that turned out to be a worn CV joint. This is common maintenance for older cars. Also having a problem with a minor water leak near the rear tail lights when it rains.

The car is responsive (especially for a 13 yr-old car.

The gas mileage is excellent, which is great considering recent fuel price increases.

The car retains a modern look despite its age. In other-words, it fits in well with its newer counterparts.

The reliability of this Honda product has been reinforced once again.

I have the same leak problem in my tail-lights, except mine isn't minor - it makes them look like aquariums, without the fish... but I fixed it with some liquid rubber sealant. What bugs me now is rust deposits on the front brake rotors (top), it makes for very noisy braking. Otherwise the car is a fine one, like Steven said, still trendy in spite of the age, great engine, handling is fun.

I have a 1990 honda civic 4wd wagon and recently it has started to get condensation in the right side headlight. I have never had any problems with the tail lights though.

1990 Civic EX, the left tail light and the trunk leaks, causing bulbs to fail; this also ruined the cardboard above the spare, and the scissor jack is rusty, probably unusable. Lookswise, I concur the things do seem to have rather timeless classic/modern looks, and the motor seems macho, but I heard more than once that Hondas have rather clunky gearboxes (automatic).

Seems a weak point, I have the same problem. The left rear tail lens was full of water, I had to remove it get it all out. The cardboard panel is soggily ruined, and the jack a rusty mess. Perhaps a new trunk seal would fix--it doesn't appear in bad shape by looking at it though. The 4-speed automatic gearbox is a bit clunky, but not as bad as before I got the left CV joint axle replaced--I thought it was the transmission going bad, but it solved the clicking noise when turning, and also shifts smoother--although I've heard that Hondas have rather clunky auto-transmissions, it's not bad, but not quite like a knife through butter!

1990 Honda Civic Si: no major problems this far in its life. 61,650 miles. Raced for four years every weekend in SCCA racing. And is still running stong today, raced with the original engine! No mods. except for headers, converter and exhaust system. Yes I along with you all have the same problem with the right rear lens....it has moisture. Rust is now starting on the right rear quarter pannel down by the wheel. Other than that this has been an exceptional car and I am one happy owner and would buy another civic in a minute!

The leaking taillights seems to be a ig HOnda thing, tons of Accord owners have the same problem.

Anyways, good review. I'm thinking of maybe getting a little civic Si to beat around in, so this helps :).

September 2009.

My 1990 Honda Civic SI is still going great. Did have the water problem as well in the trunk and taillight a few years back, but got it fixed and now is no problem. A bit of rust around the wheel wells seems to be common. Gone through several mufflers over the years. Chronic but fairly minor power steering fluid leak currently. Usually gets 450 km on 35 L fill. Would highly recommend! Bought the car slightly used in 1992 for $10000. Just can't bear to part with it.

I have a 91 Civic Si. Best car I have ever owned. Trying to solve the leaky taillight problem. Maybe take the entire fixture out and put some silicone around the old worn gasket. I had it painted in 2004, and the girl who had it previous to me kept it in the garage and outta the snow. The rust is a problem with these old cars.