Honda is legendary for producing efficient, easy-to-drive, and reliable vehicles, and the Civic is no exception. Most buyer's guides rate the Civic as one of the "best" choices for a used car purchase in the compact car category.

However, a few buyers want more than just dependability and reliability. Performance is a priority and, some adrenalin-pumping speed with road-gripping cornering can add some excitement to the daily driver.

So, Honda provides the enhanced front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger Si model to satisfy those cravings. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, the 2006-2011 factory Civic Si models are impressive, competing in the FWD compact car performance sector with such notables as the Mazda3 S Grand Touring, Acura RSX Type S, and the Volkswagen GTI. In addition, the Si is also an excellent base for aftermarket enhancements that can turn an already high-performing vehicle into a rocket on wheels.

Here are the features that make the eighth-generation Honda Civic Si a good investment for performance and reliability.

2006-2011 Honda Civic Si

8.10 / 10
Key Features
  • i-VTEC intelligent valve control system, limited slip differencial, MacPherson strut suspension
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder engine
  • Horsepower: 197 hp
  • Torque: 132 lb.-ft.
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Pros
  • Peppy engine
  • Comfortable and well-built interior
  • Good fuel economy
  • Excellent handling characteristics
Cons
  • Tight headroom
  • Stiff suspension with choppy ride

Honda I-VTEC Intelligent Valve Control System Powertrain

White 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si
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Honda offered the base model Civic with three engine choices during the 2006-2011 generation, most equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder powerplant producing 140 horsepower. For performance-hungry buyers, the company provided the factory upgraded Civic Si trim fitted with a naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder engine generating 197 hp at 7800 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 6200 rpm.

Honda engineers squeezed extra power out of the 16-valve 2.0L engine using the manufacturer's exclusive i-VTEC intelligent valve control system for both intake and exhaust valves. Variable Timing Control (VTC) continuously adjusts the camshaft phase with Variable Valve Timing while Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) modifies valve lift, timing, and duration.

The unique technology improved horsepower, high torque, and low exhaust emissions without sacrificing fuel economy (EPA-rated 23 mpg and 32 mpg highway).

Honda also tuned the Si air intake configuration and the exhaust system to provide a deeper sound and resonance than one would expect from a compact car.

Related: Here Are The Best And Worst Honda Civic Models Ever Made

Civic Si Manual Transmission And AWD Only

2006-2011 Honda Civic Si
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Built for the enthusiast who loves to manually shift through the gears for maximum control as opposed to leaving gear change decisions to a computer, Honda offers the Civic Si exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Honda designed the compact and lightweight gearbox with well-spaced ratios, extremely short shifts, and precise throws to optimize speed gear changes and encourage frequent use. The final drive ratio of 4.76:1 promotes aggressive acceleration, and a high 6th gear maintains low engine RPM providing for relaxed highway cruising and fuel efficiency.

The helical type limited-slip differential (LSD) improves acceleration and cornering by ensuring an optimum level of torque arrives at both front wheels at all times.

Related: Here's What The 1998 Honda HR-V Is Worth Today

The Civic Si's Respectable Acceleration With Exceptional Handling

Red 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si
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While the 197-horsepower rating of the eighth-generation Civic Si may seem inadequate for a performance vehicle, the light curb weight of 1340 kg (2954 lbs.) gave the car a power-to-weight ratio of 109.7 watt/kg or 49.8 watt/lb. and reasonable acceleration. According to Automobile Catalog, the 2006 Civic Si accelerates to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds.

By comparison, the Acura RSX, equipped with a more powerful 201 hp four-cylinder engine accelerates to 60 in 7 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 15.3 seconds. The Mazda3 S, fitted with a 2.3L four-cylinder engine with 160 hp has less power than the Honda and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds.

The Civic Si model's handling is more impressive than its straight-line performance. The MacPherson strut front suspension designed with a high caster angle for straight-line stability provides improved toe-control dynamics while the steering system features sharp and responsive transitions.

Also contributing to the excellent handling, the Civic Si's LSD gives the sporty compact a clear advantage in lateral acceleration.

During hard cornering, the LSD sends torque to the front wheel with the most grip, permitting the outside loaded wheel to do most of the work through in a turn and preventing wasteful inside wheel spinning.

Related: The New Audi RS 3 Sedan Is The Fastest Compact Model On The Nürburgring

The Civic Si's Interior For Spirited Driving

2006-2011 Honda Civic Si
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The interior of the eighth-generation Honda Civic Si is easily distinguished from the less-sporty, basic models by its dual-density foam, reinforced sport seats with harder bolsters on both sides for more support during energetic driving.

Textured aluminum pedals, a short-throw shifter, and a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel make the cabin unique, but it lacks some interior tech features, by today's standards.

A satellite voice-recognition navigation system with card reader is optional, but no provision for Bluetooth cell phone integration is available.

Despite the Si's steeply raked windshield, the low, broad dash that houses a digital speedometer flanked by temperature and fuel gauges and the large analog tachometer dominating the lower portion are clearly visible.

The rear seatbacks split and fold 60/40 and, there is enough legroom in the back for the average-height adult with the front seats positioned in the midrange of their adjustments.

High-fidelity music emanates from the 350-watt, seven-speaker audio system featuring a strong bass response from the 8-inch subwoofer, and the sound remains distortion-free at reasonable volume levels.

A High-Performance Honda Civic Si For A Bargain Price

Blue 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si
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The eighth-generation Honda Civic Si models are lightweight, reliable, fuel-efficient, and offer exceptional handling at an affordable price, making them a smart investment for the performance-minded buyer on a budget. What's more, the aftermarket provides an almost unlimited supply of enhancement components to give the Civic Si performance on par with some of the most expensive sports cars on the market.

While Honda priced a new Civic Si coupe for $20,540 in 2006 and a 2011 sedan for $22,405, today used models in good condition start at $6,500.