1999 Honda Civic LSi VTEC 1.5
Summary:
A reliable, good looking little hatchback with a split personality... fuel economy and speed!
Faults:
Tyres replaced at 65k (not really a problem)
Regular Servicing - Honda recommend oil changes at 6k miles and service at 12k miles, but I do 4.5k and 9k.
Recently the car has had trouble starting and is due for a check this week. I suspect the starter motor is on its way out.
Paintwork is very thin and easily chipped especially with regular motorway journeys where stonechips are a real problem. Also the bodywork is very thin and light and the car has an annoying habit of picking up dents and scratches everywhere it goes.
No other problems.
General Comments:
I have had this car for approximately 7 months now. The car has had no major problems whatsoever except for this very annoying starting problem which has cropped up recently. But if it is the starter motor then I'll just get it replaced. Also it has been running a bit lumpy after I got the timing belt changed at 65k miles, but this is more to do with the mechanic who changed the belt. I suspect the timing could be out and will get it seen soon.
This car is an awesome piece of machinery. I have the 3 door hatch in silver and it looks stunning especially on sunny days when the paintwork really sparkles. I have changed the rear lights for black 3D ones and smoked side indicators, which have improved the looks no end. The car looks much more modern now as manufacturers have realised amber lenses are out.
The shape of the car looks very aggressive from certain angles yet when viewed sideways looks sleek. it definately has a sporty look to it and turns heads everywhere I go. From the rear it looks wide yet from the front it looks almost menacing as the bonnet is long and the bumper extends quite far. The civic has a definate Japanese look about it. The standard body trim (mirrors, side strips and skirts) is black and would look very nice if colour coded.
The engine is a 1.5 16 valve SOHC VTEC unit and loves revs. The redline is at 6800 rpm, but I have yet not hit the rev limiter. The VTEC engines are highly respected and for a reason. They are of a solid construction and highly tuned extremely reliable motors. Below 2500 rpm the engine uses only 12 of its 16 valves and goes into economy mode. It delivers excellent fuel economy. As most of my driving is on the motorway the civic used to return approx 350 miles to a tankful (approx £30) which is outstanding for a petrol powered car. However the car has another side... as soon as it hits 5000 rpm you better hold on. The car then goes into VTEC and the high lift cam comes into play. This opens the intake valves higher and for a longer duration letting more air and fuel in. Fuel economy drops rapidly, but you are rewarded by a surprising amount of straight line speed and an intoxicating scream from the engine.
When travelling at high speed the cars tendency to understeer can be felt, but during normal driving the steering is very light. ABS helps you slow down, but really needs to be pressed hard to feel any bite from the brakes. The brakes can judder sometimes, but this is a common problem with ABS.
The interior is quite bland, but well built. Seats are supportive, but at first can give you a sore back on long journeys. The civic has electric windows, and electric tilt/slide moon roof, elctric heated mirrors, power steering, ABS and a 3rd brakelight, so as can be seen is well equipped as standard. I have standard 14" alloy wheels on mine which look OK, but can do with an upgrade.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st June, 2005
18th Sep 2008, 19:55
Just thought you might like to know, that the juddering from the ABS is not a problem, it is just the ABS doing it's job.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) does not assist braking until one or more wheels begin to lock up, at which point the ABS pump will release braking pressure to that one wheel or all four depending on how advanced the particular system is.
Now, I have a question for you, how does the Civic ride and handle? I have read elsewhere that the chassis is not precise and stiff, I find this hard to believe. Also, what brakes were fitted to the rear, drum or disc varieties?