Faults:

Lid on the power outlet snapped off, replaced under warranty.

Trunk latch broke; also replaced under warranty.

Stock speakers were super lame, replaced entire stereo system.

General Comments:

Turning the key is like starting the ignition on the Starship Enterprise. The digital gauges are so awesome to look at.

The car, albeit a tad on the slower side, drives like a dream. It's no wonder why you always see them everywhere, because Honda made an excellent automobile. I get around 35MPG and I drive like a jerk, so that says a lot about the efficiency of the engine!

I've had this car for a full year now, and I have never regretted my purchase. My last car (a little Dodge Shadow) lost its timing belt 5 weeks after replacing it, and I was pleased to know that these Civics are equipped with a chain that is rated for 300,000 miles, instead of a cheap belt.

Not only is the car pleasing to look at and pleasing to drive, but there are several online communities and fanbases dedicated to this 8th generation Civic, so you can always find support and how-tos for when you need it. I'll never go to the dealership for out-of-warranty service, because it is so stupidly easy to work on this car. I have slapped on some 17" Si rims and OEM fog lights, and the car is a real head-turner. I love it.

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

For the several months I have had this car, this car has been OUTSTANDING. I absolutely love it. Gets 35-40 MPH with an enormous 4 gallon reserve tank. Has nice pick up, and it's awesome to wave at everyone else driving one.

The digital two-tiered gauges light up like a symphony when the ignition is turned. Simply put, it's beautiful.

Faults:

The gas mileage is horrible. I had a 2001 Civic that I was getting over 600 kms to a tank around town, and at least 800 kms on the highway. Now I have this 09 Civic and I only get about 300 kms to a tank around town, and about 600 kms on the highway. I know the car only has 3200 kms, but I'm pretty sure I should be getting better gas mileage than this?

Road noise is very bad, but it may be caused by the studded winter tires I have on there.

The car is full of cracks and rattles. Dealer says that there is nothing wrong, but it definitely does not sound good/right.

Transmission is very jumpy, and when driving down a steep hill, the transmission tends to drop back into second gear, causing the rpms to jump up to 5000, I'm also sure that this is not supposed to happen, is it?

Dealer says that's the way it should be?

General Comments:

Other than the road noise, cracks and rattles coming from the car, the interior of the car is great!

Faults:

- Some of the adhesive is deteriorating (ie: the panel around the rear license plate, some of the areas near the added body-lip-kit *this is dealer/aftermarket)

- Plastic pieces make a "rattling" sound (dashboard when hitting high speeds; sunroof at all times)

- Some of the paint is peeling (interior side of trunk door)

- 3rd gear of transmission is "choppy".

General Comments:

When I purchased this car, I was looking for something that was good on gas, a daily-driver, and still would have some fun if I needed it. It does all these very well.

I normally get 23-26 MPG mixed driving (mostly highway, but shovelling it on the highway). It's good for going back and forth to work, but the transmission in 3rd is tough to hit sometimes (known problem by Honda).

As far as fun is concerned, it does have that... to a point. Since it's FWD, it's somewhat limited on its potential. No matter how fast you want to get it, it couldn't compete w/the higher-class type of vehicles (Corvette, M3, Porsche, Mach-1, WS-6, etc.). On the contrary, it does have many upgrades you can add to it and can have fun doing it (though it'll cost you).

I must say the V-TEC is a kick. If I were keeping it, I'd invest in a FlastPro though (this lowers the V-TEC starting RPM). In my opinion, the body style has much to be desired.

It does handle well (though I put the HFP suspension and lip kit on there).

I did check insurance prices before I purchased, so new it was definitely HIGHER than pretty much every other car out there, due to their theft rating. (They ARE safe vehicles, however.)

Reliability is good drivetrain-wise, but not for the little squeaks and rattles.

However, at the bottom line, I would've rather spent $26k on a higher performance vehicle, and sacrificed only a couple of MPG's while doing so (the Si only doing 23-26 is bad for a 4-cylinder -- in my opinion, of course).