Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Since I've had this car for about a month now, I think I've had enough experience to compare this with my '92 Cavalier.

Overall, I do think the fit and finish of the Civic is much better than the Cavalier. I can also say the gas mileage is better (30.2 MPG compared to 21.6 MPG), which is expected because the Cavalier has 600cc (0.6L) larger displacement engine mated to an automatic transmission.

I also want to mention that since this is an Si, it is a top of the line trim level vs the Cavalier, which is a VL or "base" model.

The Civic is much more lively than the Cavalier, due to the lower weight and the 5 speed stick. Since the Cavalier has a ton more torque, I suspect with a stick both cars would be somewhat similar. I will say the Civic is not absolutely torqueless, but don't expect for it to accelerate in 5th gear at anything lower than 80km/h (50mph). The shifts are very slick, and it has a relatively short throw for stock. I can also say the engine is very smooth (not perfect), and very quiet.

The extra "toys" on the Si are very nice coming from a base model Cavalier, I like the layout of the Civic, and I had no complaints about the Cavalier in this respect. It kind of sucks that the Civic doesn't come with an armrest, but nothing a little trip to the junk yard won't fix. I will say interior space is about the same for both cars.

As far as comfort is concerned, I must say the Civic loses this category for sure; the seats on the Civic are very supportive, but after a while they bother my lower back, whereas I could drive the Cavalier all day long. The suspension tuning is very different for both cars, so I can't compare them fairly. The Civic though isn't bad, but it's a tad on the harsh side, but livable.

All in all, I like both cars, they each have their own pro's and con's. The comparison isn't 100% apples to apples, but I hope this helps if anyone is considering either car.

Faults:

Has needed only minor maintenance, like a battery and oil.

However, the interior has very small holes in it, and there are various rattles and noises from inside the car.

General Comments:

I bought this because I had a timing belt blow for no reason on my 1993 Subaru Legacy L Wagon. I almost wish I had kept the Subaru.

While a good little car with low maintenance costs and extraordinary fuel economy. It takes a looooooong time to reach highway speed; when the AC is on, it cuts the horsepower in half (at least), and front wheel drive is positively useless in the snow with this car.

I am a bit biased, though. If I had wanted a car to perform well, I'd have bought a sports car, and instead I bought a Civic. So on the plus side, this car gets over 30 MPG in the city, if driven like a grandma. If you have to let it rev, it'll still do 25+MPG, and it'll be pretty fast as long as you keep the AC off (I'm serious, I mean it's the most underpowered car in the world with the AC on...). It will hold 4 comfortably for short trips, but it's best for 2 only if driven for a long time.

I have small oil leaks, but the oil drains so fast I haven't the slightest idea where it all goes. It doesn't burn it, but it doesn't leak it either. I have heard it's a fairly common problem.

It does handle surprisingly well, despite FWD, and heavy understeer.

Inside, it's all business. No luxuries in here. You have a stereo, a rear defroster, a heat/cold switch, and a cigarette lighter, and that's pretty much it. I'm surprised that it comes with windshield wipers. I'm more surprised how comfortable the seats actually are. I rode over 1000 miles on a trip once and only got the most minor of backaches. The seats have plenty of support in the corners as well, although there really is no need.

Last but not least, there are NO usable cupholders. Not a big deal to me, but if you order a drink at a fast food joint, don't count on taking it with you. The most that will fit is a soda can.

If you want a basic commuter car, you can do no better. It is, after all, a Civic. My downfall was buying this thinking it's a more powerful car than it actually is. AWD or RWD would be better for me in the snow, but hey, it isn't terrible. At 145,000 miles, it feels like it has another 150,000 in it. It's cheap to fill up, and sips gas like nothing offered today, at least by Honda.