| Traum | 05-11-2017 11:16 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeedStars
(Post 8841272)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that like the worst gen of civic ever? Minor reliability issues here and there, a lethargic VTEC d series, and I believe the Si trim at the time was essentially just an aero package?
| The pre-facelift 01-03 cars were horrible, with tons of long term reliability issues everywhere. From my research (I eventually bought a 04 face-lifted car), it seems to me that most of the problems was due to Honda under-spec-ing a lot of the components so that the parts don't last once they start aging / piling on the mileage. Also, they weren't just small problems -- they were really major ones like auto tranny slipping and eventually crapping out, engine mounts tearing, front shocks dying, etc. With the facelifted cars, Honda pretty much corrected all the identified problems, and they became very reliable cars.
Having been an owner of a 04 face-lifted cars, I also think the harsh comments on the car were undeserved. The D17 engine did not response well to mods at all, but compared to the D16, I thought the larger displacement gave it some much stronger torque in the everyday usable rpm range, and it was still a willing old skool Honda mill. Also, if "real" engine performance was sought after, K20 engines were a near direct bolt in.
For the Si, the economy VTEC was good for ~125hp (vs the standard 115hp).
The switch from front wishbones to struts tarnished the car's good handling reputation, and the rear suspension design was horrible as a performance application as well. (The suspension design was also shared with the RSX, which is why the RSX handled like shxt compared to the Integra when it is pushed hard.) But in reality, you won't notice any of the lost handling capabilities unless you are really pushing the car. Also, the car has a stiffer chassis with a more neutral handling than the EKs.
For pedestrian use, the flat rear passenger floor was a god-send, as was the humongous trunk. I also thought the sightlines from the driver seat was excellent and better than the EK as well. | 