Honda Civic Si Sedan– Review: This is the best Civic Si that Honda has ever built. It's quick, it handles beautifully, it's exciting to drive, and at times it'll have its pilot giggling like a five-year-old in a roomful of puppies. Its 197 horsepower engine revs to 8000 rpm, with an accompanying punk-rock soundtrack that'll have you muting the stereo. The shifter is perfect, the driving position beyond reproach, and the four-door body a bonus to anybody who has to tote more than one passenger. Compared to previous versions of the Si, it's the best. But compare it to its current competition and its lack of low-rev grunt becomes an Achilles' heel that simply can't be overlooked by any but the most ardent Honda faithful.

Our Galaxy Gray Metallic Civic Si Sedan had only one option box checked, yet it still came very well equipped at $22,085, including Honda's $595 destination charge. That non-princely sum gets you a premium audio system that is XM ready with MP3 and WMA capability, an effective climate control system, special Si sport front seats with the Si logo embroidered in, power windows and door locks and stability control. Lessee…yup, that's it. Oh, except for the 2.0-liter 197-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission that made you pick this car in the first place. That sole option, by the way, was a high-performance summer tire package that put 215/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot Exalo tires on our car's multi-spoke alloy wheels.

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