'95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
 

I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.

I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
won't change the silly gearing...