1991 Honda Civic Si
Submitted by Mochi Mochi
Why I love my car, Day 1:
I'm writing from the driver's seat of my red 1991 Honda Civic Si. The windows are down. The sun roof is open. The air is full of cypress and eucalyptus. The sky over Los Angeles is bright blue. The sun is warm. I am at home in my car.
For days now I've been trying to describe my relationship with my car. This is not just a car to me. But it is not an anthropomorphized "she" or an imaginary girlfriend. I love my car, and today I realized that it is the kind of love one feels for home--that place that grounds you no matter where you go.
To some, home is their current mailing address. To others, it is a family residence--memories of times past, a porch, or a tree swing. For me, cars have been special places full of memories. I have owned a number of cars, but a few have carved out a very special place in my heart--the '66 Ford Falcon station-wagon I spent so much time in when I was a kid; my '72 VW Squareback; now my '91 Civic Si.
The continuity of passing 350,000 miles with a single car means that this little vehicle has come to be a vessel of my personal history. When I've occasionally had to shell out a few thousand dollars to keep it running, I've questioned my judgment. In the end I have pretty much rebuilt the car, and it has ended up costing me as much as buying a new car. But who would not drop a few grand to keep the old family home from falling over?
I loved its lines the first time I saw it, and I still love its crisp form. It has more performance than I could ever sanely wish for. Its efficient design fits my 6-foot, 3-inch frame perfectly. I've never tired of its simple but efficiently designed interior. It carried everything of value I owned across a continent. It has been my shelter on long trips. I have awakened in it, amidst forests of juniper in the Arizona highlands, sunshine streaming though its vast windows.
My car draws mixed reactions from the world at large. I get a lot of nods from young Latino and Asian males. But the day I met my girlfriend's crazy Vietnamese mother, I was driving my Si. She saw the car and said something that was later translated as "He's very nice, but don't marry him. He must be very poor, look at the car he drives!"
I never wanted a car that would be a meter of my personal wealth. But I do get a boost knowing that the brotherhood of Civic aficionados appreciates my ride. I enjoy it when a taciturn mechanic asks about the suspension mods and then gives a nod or cracks a smile.
The Civic is the embodiment of modernist design--glass and steel, transparency on wheels. My Civic has no blind spots. I can see in an almost completely unobstructed arc of vision around my car. The windows start low and wrap up and around the car. Every pillar is delicate and thin, angled for maximum visibility. The sun roof makes it that much better--there's almost no roof. Who needs a convertible?
This car has ruined me for new cars--anything else seems excessive and too cushy. And I have such a rich relationship with my Civic. It breaks my heart when something goes wrong, but this car makes me happier than any car I have ever known. It is a dream to drive. It's the perfect car, or at least a car that is perfect for me. Happiness is hard to find; how could I ask for more?
Why I love my car - Day 2:
A white cloud is slowly rising over a craggy ridge in the Southern Transverse mountains. We're on an unpopulated stretch of Mulholland Highway, a few clicks north of the Pacific Coast Highway. A line of eight aggressive, very low Audis just shot past. Jean Baudrillard described this road as an entry point for extraterrestrials. I guess he was not far wrong. But now the only extraterrestrials left are a couple of hawks circling and watching some wary lizards.
This is the other reason I love my car. In a few minutes the remaining traffic will be gone, and I will have seven miles of unobstructed winding road to call my own. The silence is occasionally interrupted by the distant song of two-wheeled canyon racers. When we pass there wont be time for a Doppler shift ... the sound, when it hits, will be like the entire brass section of an orchestra giving a brief intense staccato blast. The air is fresh and cool in these beautiful canyons.
This road is perfect for the Si. Lanes tighten to near the width of the little car. Dropping into banked hairpins, you come out looking up at the approaching apex. As the Honda four-cylinder races to redline, the headers sound like a throaty french horn. The car tenaciously grips the road. No howling tires; you feel the edge of traction through the steering wheel and throttle. In younger wilder days I was ... younger and wilder ... way too aggressive. I'm no cruiser, but now I enjoy a balance. Quick-moving scenery, followed by intense exchanges of curves and straights--those moments of zen that clear the mind with an awareness only of the moment.
I'll take a few passes through the canyons to get my fill, and then follow the sun to the sea. The sand--the brisk Pacific lapping at my toes. After that we head south and enjoy a leisurely drive down the coast to Santa Monica. It's a beautiful afternoon.
Below are a few videos I think you might enjoy. The first is an original ad from Honda. It happily heralds a feature that I treasure in my civic, "Big Heart"!
For those who want to see what a quick pass along Mulholland Highway can be like, the second video shows some footage shot from the cockpit of one of a Porsche 914 (one of my all-time favorite cars). No, it's not sped up. And, finally, the third video shows Civic hatchbacks and the strange sport of drifting.
--Mochi Mochi
Chris Hafner on March 20, 2008 at 08:36 AM
This is fantastic.
Anthony Cagle on March 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
"But it is not an anthropomorphized "she" or an imaginary girlfriend."
A co-worker came in and I showed her a picture of mine and she immediately called it a 'she'. "No," I said, "it's an 'it'".
I've never named or sexed a car I've owned. Well, I've *called* it a few choice names from time to time. . . . .
That seems like a great car. I've thought for a while that the 1990s Honda's are something like the perfect melding of form and function; too much of either and it would just wreck it. A perfect, balanced point.
It's great when you find something that fits you to a T. Excellent.
Slade on March 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
That's cool that you spent time in the 72 VW Squareback. That is such an awesome car. Your 91 Civic SI still looks great!
Chris Hafner on March 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Anthony Cagle: "I've never named or sexed a car I've owned."
I typically don't either - though there's one particularly favorite car of mine that I'll write up shortly that I refer to as "The Gray Lady" from time to time. Mostly because it sounds cool, I think.
But when I talk about the car in casual conversation, it's still an it.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on March 20, 2008 at 10:02 AM
A lovely and loving tribute to Honda goodness. Well done, sir!
Mochi Mochi on March 20, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Thanks Chris! Thanks everyone. It was great to get a chance to write about my car.
Steaming Pile on March 20, 2008 at 11:18 AM
We had a DX, and I can vouch for the fact that the early 90's Hondas were indeed excellent cars. Alas, ours eventually succumbed to too many Northeastern winters and we had to get rid of it. Must be nice to live in Southern California where you can keep a car forever.
SilentStorm on March 20, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Late 80's/Early 90's were a great time to have a Honda, no matter what version you had.
Rob the SVX guy on March 20, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Definitely. I own two of them, and plan to drive them until I'm unable to fix them. They're fantastic cars to drive.
Camilo Santana on March 20, 2008 at 04:49 PM
cool write up. I think we all feel the same about our old tight, light and alright motos.
I imagine if you ran synthetic, you can keep it 'till your grandkids come home.
See you in the canyons.
Scot on March 23, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I bought a used one of these for my number two son for graduation a couple of years back. It had been a sample runner for a local medical lab, and its daily route was about 300 miles. It had 530,000 miles on it but it didn't use any oil, it drove beautifully, still got excellent mileage, and the AC still blew cold. We sold it when he went off to the Marine Corps, and I am still kicking myself now that I have a 70 mile round trip commute. I am about to make a trade for an '89 accord however, and I can't wait!
jacob on March 23, 2008 at 10:39 AM
this is a website that you guys might like
Mochi Mochi on March 23, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Website url? Jacob don't keep me in suspense - you know how I hate being kept in suspense.
Frank Buerck on May 22, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Chris,
Fun reading about your 91 Si. I am in a similar position. I now drive a 91 Civic DX. I acquired it from my wife about 2 years ago when her son no longer was able to keep up the maintenance on it.
I drove the car and it reminded me of how much I missed the 78 Red
Accord I had put 400,000 miles on.
I have put a ton of $$ into this car to get it just where I want it mechanically. I have changed just about everything except the engine (92 hp - B2). Car has 263,000 miles on it and runs great!
I drive 42 miles each way to work and get about 37 miles from each gallon of precious gasoline. Mine is White with a Blue interior.
I put in all new carpetting and re-did the drivers seat. Interior looks great. I have a real nice Alpine Radio with CD and a 6 speaker system that sounds sweeeeet. Re-did air con with latest refrigerant and new condenser and pump. works like....brrrrrr.
Added an after market cruise control unit this week. Next is a Sparco Blue Steering Wheel and some nice 15 " rims...black with a chrome lip with Nitto Neo Gen Tires. Then, when I get some major bucks.....I will remove the few small dings and restore the exterior to its original White, (or maybe a Honda Odyssey Pearl)
Wife's son had put on a rockin mellow exhaust. It is my favorite feature. Oh, I changed the Rotors to some slotted and vented ones
I got from Brake Planet, as the originals all warp and give you that front end wobble. these have not and I expect they will not.
See you on the Hiway!
bob on August 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Frank-could you email me with info on your aftermarket cruise control. i am dying to put cruise on my 91 wagovan. thanks bob
Nathan on October 04, 2008 at 11:08 AM
This is absolutely fantastic to find (I'm especially excited at the video of the original ad) as I've been in a red 1991 Honda Civic Si for the last 10 years now and have no plans of it ever leaving my possession. This car too has been a home to me in many ways, and I can't tell you how much what you write resonates with my own experience, Mochi Mochi. The greenhouse is perfect and there really are no blind spots. The car still rides like it's on rails around corners and there's nothing you can't feel through the wheel. I've never loved a car more and I don't anticipate ever loving one as much.
Besides, 35 mpg and still beating CA ULEV standards ain't half bad either.
Thank you for writing this, Mochi Mochi. Every Civic Si out there deserves an owner who appreciates it as much as you.
al podgorski on February 01, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Thanks for the story and videos. I have a red 1991 Honda Civic Si. We bought it from the bride after her wedding. I paid 5000 dollars for it and it had only 32,000 miles on it. I now have 224,000 miles on it.
I feel the same way. I love my sunroof driving as a new photographer
in Chicago and chasing news events. The car is always peppy and I have a 200 watt sound system and CD player in it. I don't have ac but the windows and sunroof make up for it. If this car was made today, I would buy another immediately. I use Lucas injector cleaner in every tank of gas because my injectors will plug otherwise. I also use
Lucas oil treatment. I love this car. Best car I have ever had. Only negative is the seat belts, otherwise it kicks butt.
Mountain bike parts on February 25, 2009 at 03:39 AM
Ya, so if you put a 130 Hp engine in a 1500 pound car... that'd be insane. My friends always pick up the front of my 1991 Honda CX and push it. It's got first stage weight reduction, a cat back exhaust, headers, short shifter, cold air intake, K&N air filter, and lightweight flywheel.
Used travel trailers on March 13, 2009 at 12:03 AM
The civic si hatchback is more upgradable but, i think the civic hatchback is more economical. I had a 94 hatchback and it was the best car i ever had. It is really easy to find parts for them because all of the motor parts are interchangeable with any 92-95 civic. The hatchback is a really light car too (i guess the the si is to) but i have seen a lot of really cool stuff done to the hatchback and i have seen a lot of fast hatchbacks too.
Eddie E.. on April 10, 2009 at 02:14 AM
I have a Red 91' Si just like yours. Purchased Brand New from Kaiser Bros. Honda here in Los Angeles. My sister originally bought it and had to get rid of it due to lack of parking in Santa Monica, so I busted out the cash to keep it and not have to sell it to some schmuck. I have since restored it to brand new condition and since it only has 157,000 original miles the interior is PRESTINE! She just put a brand new engine in it and I gave it a Fresh paint job so this car is like a piece of Honda History sitting in my Garage. I LOVE THIS CAR!! And best of all we are still the Original Owners! YAY!!!
bsaney on April 12, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Honda made an almost perfect car with this model. Great economy, even in an Si. Plenty of room , can be used like a truck with the seats down. Has one of the most sophisticated suspensions on the planet, regardless of price. I do love my 91 Si. it's my second. Sold the first one to get an M3 and had withdrawl symptoms. So I got another, and now I'm fine. Fun autocrosser too.
Study Assignments on May 10, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Beautiful Car!
Conservation Energy on May 10, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Study Assignments
NB. on June 26, 2009 at 03:00 AM
Holy hell, that 914 is going fast. Great vid
Ron on August 02, 2009 at 02:27 PM
I have a red 91 civic with 165,000 miles on it that I just got from a senior citizen who was thinking about donating to Purple Heart. I would have to agree, these are some of the best cars Honda ever build! I was thinking about selling, but I've decided to hold on and get a fresh paint job and keep it for my daughter who is 15. The car runs excellent, air works, and I will be upgrading the sound system, it has a factory Honda cassette player. The only complaint I would have is which the seat belts, that can be a pain adjusting, etc.