Automotive
Honda is putting the Civic Si on pause after the 2026 model year, but this is not a full goodbye for one of the brand’s most beloved affordable performance cars. According to Car and Driver, Honda confirmed that production of the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with the six-speed manual transmission will pause at the conclusion of the 2026 model year. Honda cited “evolving business conditions” as the reason, while also making clear that an all-new Civic Si will return to the lineup in the coming years.
For enthusiasts, the important part is that Honda is calling this a pause rather than a cancellation. The current Civic Si remains one of the last reasonably attainable sport compacts sold only with a manual transmission, using a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower. With a starting price of $32,690 including the $1,195 destination charge, it has continued to serve as the sweet spot between the everyday Civic and the more extreme Civic Type R.
This is not the first time the Civic Si has taken a break. Honda has paused Si production before, including in 1988, again from 1996 to 1998, and most recently in 2021. That history gives this latest hiatus a little more context. The badge has disappeared before and come back, often returning with a new generation or updated direction that better fits the market and regulatory climate of the time.
The pause also affects the Acura Integra A-Spec with the six-speed manual, since it uses the same basic 1.5-liter turbo and manual powertrain combination. Car and Driver reports that Honda confirmed production of the manual-equipped Acura sedan is also being paused. A recent Reddit post claimed an internal memo from Honda’s Alliston, Ontario, plant tied the decision to business conditions around Environmental Protection Agency regulations for 2027 and beyond, although Honda’s public explanation remains broader.
Honda says Civic Si inventory should remain available at dealers into early next year, so buyers who want one of the current cars still have some time. Still, this news adds urgency for anyone who has been waiting to pick up a manual Si or Integra A-Spec. The next Civic Si is already promised, but Honda has not said when it will arrive, what will power it, or whether it will preserve the same simple, manual-only formula that made the current car such a standout. For now, the Civic Si is heading into another hiatus, and enthusiasts will be watching closely to see what Honda brings back next.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
