Most motorists see the Honda Civic purely as an economical compact car. They believe people buy a Civic when they can’t afford something more upscale. However, for auto enthusiasts—especially those with a freshly minted driver’s license in the 1990s—there’s nothing more desirable than the right Civic: like a 2000 Civic Si EM1.
That’s why this 22-year-old example - opens in new window or tab. with nearly 107,000 miles can still command a $22,000 asking price.
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This 2000 Civic Si Boasts F1 Magic
Hondas steadily gained popularity among car enthusiasts throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The Civic Si, particularly the 1999-2000 EM1, was the best of the breed. It was Honda’s top factory hot rod, not counting more outrageous offerings from Acura or the Japanese market.
The Civic Si’s 1.6-liter twin-cam inline-four generated 160 horsepower in a package that weighed just 2,500 pounds. But specs on paper can’t translate what made the Civic Si magical.
Technologies derived from Honda’s dominant Formula 1 program provided the Civic Si with engineering not found in high-end sports and luxury cars. For example, the throttle to its high-revving motor is a joy to modulate. Variable cam profiles give the engine an extra kick of power during acceleration.
A 2000 marketing image of the Civic Si's 1.6-liter twin-cam inline-four. (Photo: Honda)
Its double-wishbone suspensions provide sharp-as-a-knife handling. The 5-speed manual—the only transmission offered in the Si—produces precise shifts with a just-right clutch feel.
Beyond its stellar performance, the 2000 Civic Si is fuel-efficient and completely reliable. After all, it’s a Honda.
Last of a Breed
Most economy-minded buyers probably had no idea their cars were this potent. Nonetheless, Si drivers in the know were treated to one of the best (and last) Hondas to display this brilliance.
By Y2K, many Japanese carmakers, Honda included, started localizing their cars. The Japanese automaker realized most Americans didn’t care about F1 technology, so it dumbed down the following generation of Civics with a mundane MacPherson strut suspension and a sedate engine.
Today we have the hindsight to know that Honda won’t make a car like the 1999-2000 Civic Si again. That makes existing examples like the one on eBay even more desirable. It wasn’t long before cars became less fun to drive due to electric steering and the disappearance of manual transmissions.
Blessing in Disguise
As with many Hondas, the Civic Si from the Y2K era was often modified and raced. That makes unmolested examples, like the black one for sale, extremely rare.
The seller of this 2000 Honda Civic Si provides a complete maintenance history, showing that the original owner drove it in California for 20 years. Then, it was sold to a second owner, who drove it only about 4,000 miles, before the car arrived in Texas with its current owner.
According to receipts, major work like timing belt replacement was done, ensuring many more miles of driving enjoyment. The rust-free car has a well-cared-for interior.
While extremely low-mileage Civic Si coupes sell higher, this one’s high mileage is a blessing in disguise. It will still run like a top because it's a Honda, and you won't feel guilty about adding miles to a museum-quality example. A car like this deserves to be driven.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.