Since its debut in 1986, the Honda Civic Si has been synonymous with affordable, high-performance sport compact cars. For driving enthusiasts spanning generations, the Civic Si badge represents a commitment to agility, precise handling, and just the right amount of power. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of the Civic Si and explore how its horsepower – or “Civic Hp” as enthusiasts affectionately call it – has evolved over the years, cementing its legendary status.
The Civic Si isn’t just a street icon; it’s a proven winner on the racetrack. From road courses to rally events, and even land-speed and drag racing, the Civic Si has demonstrated its performance prowess. Its racing heritage is rich with class victories and championships in prestigious series like the Continental Tire sports car competition, Pirelli World Challenge, and SCCA national championships, dating back to 1990. This racing pedigree is intrinsically linked to the engine performance, the very core of “civic hp”.
First Generation Civic Si (1986-1987): The 91 HP Start
The Civic Si story began with the 1986 model year, marking a sporty upgrade from the earlier Civic S. This first iteration showcased Honda’s engineering innovation with the introduction of fuel injection to the Civic line. The 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four engine, featuring a 12-valve cross-flow head (D15A4) and Honda’s Formula One-derived PGM-FI fuel injection, delivered a respectable 91 horsepower. This “civic hp” figure was a significant step up for the Civic, signaling its entry into the sport compact arena. Enhanced handling, thanks to a rear stabilizer bar not found on standard Civic hatchbacks, further solidified the Si’s sporty intentions. 1987 saw the introduction of new color options, Blackburn Black Metallic and Rio Red, expanding the visual appeal of this nascent performance model.
| Model Years | 1986-1987 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-liter SOHC 12-valve inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 91 hp |
| Torque | 92 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Second Generation Civic Si (1989-1991): Breaking the 100 HP Barrier
The fourth-generation Civic Hatchback welcomed back the Civic Si in 1989, boasting noticeable improvements in both chassis and engine performance. The engine was upgraded to a 1.6-liter SOHC 4-cylinder (D16A6) that pushed the “civic hp” to 108 horsepower. This marked the first time the Civic Si exceeded the 100 horsepower mark, a symbolic milestone for the model. The introduction of an all-new front and rear double wishbone suspension and an ultra-low hood line contributed to improved handling and aesthetics. Notably, 1989 also marked the beginning of Civic production in Canada. The Civic family, including the Si, earned its first of five Car and Driver 10Best awards in 1989, a testament to its growing reputation. Minor design updates were implemented in 1990, and 1991 brought the Tahitian Green Pearl paint option, further enhancing the visual appeal of the Civic Si.
| Model Years | 1989-1991 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 108 hp |
| Torque | 100 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Third Generation Civic Si (1992-1995): VTEC® Enters the Scene, HP Climbs to 125
Building upon the popular fifth-generation Civic Hatchback, the third Civic Si, launched in 1992, introduced a game-changing technology: VTEC®. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with VTEC® on the intake cam (D16Z6) boosted the “civic hp” to 125 horsepower. This was the first application of VTEC® in a Civic Si, significantly enhancing the engine’s breathing and performance characteristics. Four-wheel disc brakes and standard power steering were also added, further elevating the Si’s sporty credentials. Subtle updates followed in subsequent years, including body-colored mirrors in 1993 and standard dual front airbags and optional anti-lock brakes in 1994, reflecting evolving safety standards.
| Model Years | 1992-1995 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 125 hp |
| Torque | 106 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Fourth Generation Civic Si (1999-2000): The B-Series Legend and 160 HP
After a brief hiatus, the Civic Si returned in 1999 as a coupe, marking a significant leap in performance. This fourth generation was powered by a 1.6-liter version of the legendary Honda B-Series DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine (B16A2), unleashing 160 horsepower. This “civic hp” figure represented a substantial increase, firmly establishing the Civic Si as a serious performance contender. Beyond the engine, this generation received a host of performance upgrades, including stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, a larger exhaust system, bigger four-wheel disc brakes, a front strut-tower brace, and low-profile 15-inch tires. Red-themed instruments added a sporty flair to the interior, signaling the Si’s performance focus.
| Model Years | 1999-2000 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Torque | 111 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Fifth Generation Civic Si (2002-2005): The K-Series Era Begins, Still at 160 HP
The 2002 Civic Si took a different direction, returning as a hatchback with production shifting to England. This generation marked the introduction of Honda’s K-Series engine family to the Civic Si. The 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine (K20A3) maintained the 160 horsepower output of the previous generation, but delivered a broader torque curve with 132 lb.-ft. A distinctive “rally style” gear lever mounted on the dash became a signature feature. The Civic Si also adopted 5-bolt wheel hubs for the first time and offered a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit for further customization. Minor updates over the years included new colors, heat-rejecting glass, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
| Model Years | 2002-2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Sixth Generation Civic Si (2006-2011): Approaching 200 HP
Based on the eighth-generation Civic Coupe, the 2006 Civic Si showcased a sleek new design and a significant power bump. The high-revving 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC® (K20Z3) now produced 197 horsepower, inching closer to the 200 “civic hp” mark. A standard limited-slip differential and a 6-speed manual transmission were introduced for the first time, enhancing the driving experience. In 2007, the first-ever Civic Si Sedan debuted, offering two body styles for the first time. A limited-edition Mugen Si Sedan in 2008 further amplified the performance and exclusivity of this generation. Styling updates were implemented across the Civic range in 2009.
| Model Years | 2007-2010 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 197 hp |
| Torque | 139 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Seventh Generation Civic Si (2012-2015): 2.4 Liters and 200+ HP
The ninth-generation Civic Si marked a new milestone with the largest engine in its history. A new 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine (K24Z7) delivered 201 horsepower in 2012, finally crossing the 200 “civic hp” threshold. A limited-slip differential remained standard, and fuel economy was also improved. Honda Performance Development (HPD) offered the Civic Si as a body-in-white for race teams, highlighting its track-ready potential. A major refresh in 2013 brought styling and chassis improvements. In 2014, the engine received further tuning, increasing output to 205 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, along with styling enhancements for the Coupe.
| Model Years | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Model Years | 2014-2015 |
| Engine | 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 205 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Eighth Generation Civic Si (2017-2020): Turbocharging Arrives, Torque Soars, HP Stays at 205
The tenth-generation Civic Si embraced turbocharging for the first time in 2017. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (L15B7) produced 205 horsepower, matching the previous generation, but torque saw a significant jump to 192 lb.-ft., the highest ever for a Civic Si. An adjustable suspension damper system and a limited-slip differential were standard. HPD launched a turn-key race car program in 2018, further emphasizing the Si’s racing capabilities. Technology and convenience updates followed in 2019 and 2020, including the addition of Honda Sensing® safety features as standard.
| Model Years | 2017-2020 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 205 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Ninth Generation Civic Si (2022-Present): Refinement and Rev-Matching, Slightly Reduced HP
The latest Civic Si, introduced in 2022, continues the model’s legacy of fun-to-drive performance. While the “civic hp” is slightly reduced to 200 horsepower from its 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the engine is tuned for a broader horsepower curve and improved drivability. The torque figure remains at 192 lb.-ft. A 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching from the Civic Type R and a limited-slip differential are standard, emphasizing driver engagement. The 2022 Civic Si boasts an even stiffer body structure and retuned suspension for enhanced handling. Premium features like Bose audio and Body Stabilizing seats further refine the driving experience.
| Model Years | 2022-Present |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with rev-matching |
