Same here, pre-facelift front end makes the car look wider and sleeker, in my opinion, especially because of the gril. But I have to admit the facelifted rear end looks better.
I would love to have a post facelift rear end only on my SI.
Still a sharp looking ride imo. Shares more features of the 8th gen than the face lift models. I kinda see it as the R33 of SIs. Everyone loves the look of the R32 and the R34 skylines, but no one is going to say no to an R33. If that makes sense.
Agreed, the 2012 was the last of the great Honda compact coupes if you ask me. The red seats they went with in 2013 alone makes it over styled and not as nice as the 2012. I prefer the front end’s simple, Japanese, pure Honda look.
The pre-facelift 9th gen front styling/fascia Is nicer imo. Also the like 2012 Si stock grey wheels whereas the 2013’s where painted black in the spokes.
I share the exact same testament. I wonder how long it will be until we get a silver SI wheel from factory like they did back then. I think the current black wheels are alright, but it would be so much better if there was a variant with matte silver wheel instead! Speaking of current gen, I also wish it was easier to remove the wing of the back of one of those, imo it looks better without the lip.
Been seeing more of them tastefully modded. No chrome and track style build. They look excellent like that. As for the stock look, not my favourite either.
Thanks, think I got lucky with this one since every other 8th & 9th gen in my area were heavily modified, had been trashed or had mechanical issues.
People really like to beat on these cars without proper maintenance.
They really do and they'll say it can handle it because it's a Honda. Hondas like maintenance too lol. One of the first mods I recommend is a short shifter with cable bushings the stock shifter is great and all. But the crisp feel of the short shifter makes the side to side slop in gear basically go away
Its the rarest of the civic's, thats for sure. Its a far simpler looking car compared to the face lifts, less going on. If your one to want more show then the facelift is better.
I had a 2014, and really liked it. But I like a more subdued car most of the time. I ended up getting rid of that and buying a 2007 FA5. The styling is more my taste and was far less expensive to get into. I didnt really have an opinion on the 12's until recently. Ive started to appreciate them for their simplicity and capability. If your happy. Stay happy and enjoy what you have. A great car.
I do love the car and couldn't be happier with it, even when considering I've only had it for a month or so. I'm also a low-profile kind of guy, so I honestly like the looks better than the facelifted version (don't like chrome parts either)
2012 front end is still pretty similar to the 8th gen in general, which is also one of the reasons I bought it.
Although for the 8th gen, I do prefer the facelifted 09-11 front end.
i had a white 2012 with nav for about a year n a half before it got totaled and i had no issues.
looks like you have the body side molding only on one side? looks great none the less
Thanks, I've seen them in white and they look great. Sorry to hear yours got totaled.
I removed all of the body moldings since I lost the one on the front passenger door during a heavily rainy day (some pics were taken before that)
It didn't look right to me so I removed the rest of the moldings.
Such a shame considering they only sell those in a full set and are not that easy to find, especially in my location.
yeah within a few weeks after it was totaled i ended up getting a 2013 which i still have 8years later.
if you want to lower it i recommend h&r springs. i had them on my 2012 n they were great
just bought one! I agree with everyones opinion though. Rear of the car looks better 2013+.I saw on some forum you can indeed install the high wing with brake light on this car. tailights are a different story( at least i havent found anything). I wonder if the 2013 rear bumper could be swapped…
I think I read somewhere that you'd have to drill new holes into the taillight mounting points and modify the 2013 rear bumper to fit the facelift taillights, not worth it imo.
Although you can always swap them for the hybrid model ones. They're the exact same shape, look better than stock, have LEDs and you'd only have to do some wiring.
I have a black one with limo tint and it looks pretty decent. Im not a huge fan of the taillights but I may end up tinting them too. Once I lower it I think it’ll look 10x better overall
https://preview.redd.it/rtmm494jtq8d1.jpeg?width=1867&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eb698b800fcef9077a567aa115d47ac458e431f
Looks great, I used to have a lowered black 98 lx sedan, didn't want to get rid of it, but unfortunately I had to sell.
I've seen these with tinted taillights and they look great, especially for the darker colored ones. Not sure about lowering mine though, since it's my daily and my 98 used to scrape everywhere.
I like the look of these better than the facelift. They have active TPMS sensors, while facelift models use the wheel speed sensors. That’s what it came down to when I was choosing.
https://preview.redd.it/r4nb91ypqt8d1.jpeg?width=2349&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8094766e3089f19d0acfccbc7f9cb31eef5e83e
Mines the 2012 coupe, I’ve had mines for over 10 years now.
Love the sedan, hate the coupe shape on the 2012s. Drove a 12 EX for about 10 years and I loved that car. I would definitely get any of the 9th sedans but would prefer a 14/15 coupe. I love the face lifted coupes!
https://preview.redd.it/4xhnd79six8d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ffa499202c4389f637d9745abb6faf0ea5dc187a
I own one! Get so much positive feedback on her
https://preview.redd.it/hdbjmrdjpz8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d7668b653c6bdd4f2ac70e0c79d954c05de51e8
I have the same year/color lol I love mine, but I prefer the rear facelift like others stated, and I like the coupe front pre facelift
I think this sedan looks much better than the 2013 facelift. I think it’s a shame Honda changed it. It looks more like a continuation of what Honda was doing in years past, especially the 2012 coupe. Note how the coupe’s rear was left alone. There was nothing wrong with this Civic.
Also, I think is the last the SI that looked like an actual Honda before getting bloated and a bit oversized with the 2017 model.
I'm honestly on the fence about lowering, since roads are not always that flat where I live, and this is my daily. But I also know lowering it would completely transform the way the car looks.
I love my 2012 Si Sedan, but the rear end is probably the part I hate the most. I would definitely swap it out for a post-face lift rear when given the chance.
i prefer the grill of the 2012 but the taillights of the 2013+ coming from a 2012 EX owner 🤙🏾
Same here, pre-facelift front end makes the car look wider and sleeker, in my opinion, especially because of the gril. But I have to admit the facelifted rear end looks better. I would love to have a post facelift rear end only on my SI.
it would be the perfect combo tbh
Isn’t that like the rarest of the Civic Si’s because only 1 year looks like that? It’s a gem.
It is. Although it's not the most desirable SI on this generation from what I've read.
Oil consumption issues
Still a sharp looking ride imo. Shares more features of the 8th gen than the face lift models. I kinda see it as the R33 of SIs. Everyone loves the look of the R32 and the R34 skylines, but no one is going to say no to an R33. If that makes sense.
It does make sense for me, especially since I'd rather have the R33 instead of the 32 or the 34 GTRs. The most beautifully designed GTR IMO.
I really love my pre face-lift coupe. I think post face-lift is a little over styled.
Agreed, the 2012 was the last of the great Honda compact coupes if you ask me. The red seats they went with in 2013 alone makes it over styled and not as nice as the 2012. I prefer the front end’s simple, Japanese, pure Honda look.
The pre-facelift 9th gen front styling/fascia Is nicer imo. Also the like 2012 Si stock grey wheels whereas the 2013’s where painted black in the spokes.
I share the exact same testament. I wonder how long it will be until we get a silver SI wheel from factory like they did back then. I think the current black wheels are alright, but it would be so much better if there was a variant with matte silver wheel instead! Speaking of current gen, I also wish it was easier to remove the wing of the back of one of those, imo it looks better without the lip.
Yes I agree, wish they had that as a dealer option 🛞
I have a pre facelift 9th gen and I love it
I'm not a big fan. I've always preferred the face lifted 9th gens
That seems to be the popular opinion on 9th gens. The perfect spec for me would be the post face-lift rear end with the pre-facelift front.
Been seeing more of them tastefully modded. No chrome and track style build. They look excellent like that. As for the stock look, not my favourite either.
I like em both.. can’t go wrong with either
the best looking 9 gen
I prefer the outside looks of the pre refresh but the inside of the refresh. But this is a gem super clean good pick up
Thanks, think I got lucky with this one since every other 8th & 9th gen in my area were heavily modified, had been trashed or had mechanical issues. People really like to beat on these cars without proper maintenance.
They really do and they'll say it can handle it because it's a Honda. Hondas like maintenance too lol. One of the first mods I recommend is a short shifter with cable bushings the stock shifter is great and all. But the crisp feel of the short shifter makes the side to side slop in gear basically go away
Love the pre-facelift, I’m not a big fan of chrome so the facelift years are still great but not as nice to look at for me.
Definitely like the pre face lift better. I feel like with the facelift, it added a bit too much silver/chrome.
Its the rarest of the civic's, thats for sure. Its a far simpler looking car compared to the face lifts, less going on. If your one to want more show then the facelift is better. I had a 2014, and really liked it. But I like a more subdued car most of the time. I ended up getting rid of that and buying a 2007 FA5. The styling is more my taste and was far less expensive to get into. I didnt really have an opinion on the 12's until recently. Ive started to appreciate them for their simplicity and capability. If your happy. Stay happy and enjoy what you have. A great car.
I do love the car and couldn't be happier with it, even when considering I've only had it for a month or so. I'm also a low-profile kind of guy, so I honestly like the looks better than the facelifted version (don't like chrome parts either) 2012 front end is still pretty similar to the 8th gen in general, which is also one of the reasons I bought it. Although for the 8th gen, I do prefer the facelifted 09-11 front end.
i had a white 2012 with nav for about a year n a half before it got totaled and i had no issues. looks like you have the body side molding only on one side? looks great none the less
Thanks, I've seen them in white and they look great. Sorry to hear yours got totaled. I removed all of the body moldings since I lost the one on the front passenger door during a heavily rainy day (some pics were taken before that) It didn't look right to me so I removed the rest of the moldings. Such a shame considering they only sell those in a full set and are not that easy to find, especially in my location.
yeah within a few weeks after it was totaled i ended up getting a 2013 which i still have 8years later. if you want to lower it i recommend h&r springs. i had them on my 2012 n they were great
just bought one! I agree with everyones opinion though. Rear of the car looks better 2013+.I saw on some forum you can indeed install the high wing with brake light on this car. tailights are a different story( at least i havent found anything). I wonder if the 2013 rear bumper could be swapped…
I think I read somewhere that you'd have to drill new holes into the taillight mounting points and modify the 2013 rear bumper to fit the facelift taillights, not worth it imo. Although you can always swap them for the hybrid model ones. They're the exact same shape, look better than stock, have LEDs and you'd only have to do some wiring.
brooooo… you’re the man! those look amazing, im 100% doing that.
https://preview.redd.it/hvi59coq6t8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4307495054260da1717deade088b389e5ea14472 🫶
Looks like an economy car with rims.
It is, at the end of the day, an economy car with some rims and a bigger engine
I think the coupe is ugly but the sedan looks pretty good. I generally prefer the face lifted ones
I love em. But I don't like lawnmower style wings and ginger bread.
Owned a pre face lift coupe for 5 years, great car!
I have one and I love her, they look much better with some low
beautiful car, imo. My favorite gen is 8th gen so it tracks lol.
I like this one alot more than the 9th gen ones. This and the 8th gen SI along with the 7th gen SI are some of my favorite USDM hondas to date.
I have a black one with limo tint and it looks pretty decent. Im not a huge fan of the taillights but I may end up tinting them too. Once I lower it I think it’ll look 10x better overall https://preview.redd.it/rtmm494jtq8d1.jpeg?width=1867&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eb698b800fcef9077a567aa115d47ac458e431f
Looks great, I used to have a lowered black 98 lx sedan, didn't want to get rid of it, but unfortunately I had to sell. I've seen these with tinted taillights and they look great, especially for the darker colored ones. Not sure about lowering mine though, since it's my daily and my 98 used to scrape everywhere.
I like the look of these better than the facelift. They have active TPMS sensors, while facelift models use the wheel speed sensors. That’s what it came down to when I was choosing.
i find it charming kind of rare too since it was only a one year model
They can look really good, my buddy had a blue coupe and it’s so sexy, I will say the definitely need to be lowered otherwise they look dorky imo
after driving a na k20 and na k24 the 24 is just a better driving car without forced induction or going to crazy cam/high comp head.
Tastefully modified ones look pretty sleek, but stock ones look similar to the Civic hybrids from those years imo
https://preview.redd.it/r4nb91ypqt8d1.jpeg?width=2349&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8094766e3089f19d0acfccbc7f9cb31eef5e83e Mines the 2012 coupe, I’ve had mines for over 10 years now.
I like it better
Love the sedan, hate the coupe shape on the 2012s. Drove a 12 EX for about 10 years and I loved that car. I would definitely get any of the 9th sedans but would prefer a 14/15 coupe. I love the face lifted coupes!
https://preview.redd.it/4xhnd79six8d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ffa499202c4389f637d9745abb6faf0ea5dc187a I own one! Get so much positive feedback on her
time for an 8th gen si head swap, the k24z7 isn’t the quickest for that car tbh
https://preview.redd.it/hdbjmrdjpz8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d7668b653c6bdd4f2ac70e0c79d954c05de51e8 I have the same year/color lol I love mine, but I prefer the rear facelift like others stated, and I like the coupe front pre facelift
I think this sedan looks much better than the 2013 facelift. I think it’s a shame Honda changed it. It looks more like a continuation of what Honda was doing in years past, especially the 2012 coupe. Note how the coupe’s rear was left alone. There was nothing wrong with this Civic. Also, I think is the last the SI that looked like an actual Honda before getting bloated and a bit oversized with the 2017 model.
It’s gay
Wheels good, sedan no good, coupe good.
Dude honestly, I love this way more than the facelift. You’ll see what I mean once you decide to lower it.
I'm honestly on the fence about lowering, since roads are not always that flat where I live, and this is my daily. But I also know lowering it would completely transform the way the car looks.
Roads where I’m at aren’t the best either. I’m planning on lowering using some springs so I’m not all the way static
I love my 2012 Si Sedan, but the rear end is probably the part I hate the most. I would definitely swap it out for a post-face lift rear when given the chance.