The Honda Civic has been the go-to option for a dependable and cost-effective vehicle for decades. Tell anyone you’re buying a Civic from any generation, and if they’re an expert or know a little about cars, their likely answer is, “Oh, great choice.” When it comes to making a purchase, you want detailed feedback to understand the nuances and upgrades. Here’s an in-depth look at what car experts say makes the 2020 Honda Civic Si great.

Before the Type R appeared, the Civic Si was the top sports performer for Honda. In 2020, the Si received a redesigned exterior with a more robust front end and spoiler, with lower ride height and 18-inch black wheels. Additionally, the 1.5-liter increased to 205 horsepower, matching the fun six-speed manual. The Si delivers a ridiculously cool, fun experience for its driver at an accessible starting price.

Kelley Blue Book said the Honda Civic rises above the competition

The Honda Civic continues to impress the experts at Kelley Blue Book. It has won KBB’s Small Car Best Buy award for the last five years.

KBB.com had this to say, “Buyers of brand-new compact cars are lucky. They have the 2020 Honda Civic as just one of several fantastic choices. There are some factors, though, that nudge the Civic a tad above cars like the Mazda3, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta sedan, Volkswagen Golf hatchback, and the new-for-2020 Toyota Corolla.

One thing where the Civic excels is resale values. Rock-solid reliability is another. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also makes it a Top Safety Pick.”

Consumer Reports gives a top score for reliability

Consumer Reports loves Civic’s ninth generation of models, 2012 through 2015. The Honda Civic scored a perfect 5 out of 5 each year for reliability. The 10th generation, 2016 to 2020, averages four out of 5 for reliability. While it isn’t a 5 out of 5, the score is still well above average. There is no specific problem when comparing current and previous generations, however. Consumer Reports is initially cautious when predicting total green light on the reliability of a subsequent generation with new upgrades.

Cars.com offers high praise for the Honda Civic Si

Cars.com scored a 4.9 out of 5, rounding it up. They praised the Civic for offering plenty of space and value at a reasonable price. “The Civic remains a fuel-efficient choice that’s more entertaining to drive than the class norm.” Cars.com also praised Honda for making Honda Sensing features standard at all levels.

NHTSA awards a five-star crash score for the 2020 Honda Civic Si

In all categories, NHTSA gave the 10th generation Honda Civic Si a perfect five-star crash score. The front crash simulation, replicating the impact of an oncoming car, and all front simulation dummies displayed marginal potential for injury. Side impact barrier and pole testing also showed five-star results. The rollover test simulates a loss-of-control situation and how probable the vehicle is to roll over.  The Civic easily passed with less than 10 percent risk of rollover.  

The Honda Civic Si provides an exciting drive experience with high-quality steering, handling, and manual transmission, only without the cost increase of the much-hyped Type R. You can get a used Si for under $17,000 if you’re a conservative buyer. However, it will be an older model with more miles. With the reassuring advice from car experts across the industry you can feel confident buying a car you’ll enjoy driving mile after mile.