Affordable performance cars with manual transmissions have become increasingly rare, as stricter emissions regulations and changing consumer preferences continue to reshape the market. For enthusiasts, each discontinued three-pedal model is another reminder that the golden age of affordable sports sedans is slowly fading.
That trend appears to continue, and Honda has confirmed its plans to pause production of one of its most beloved models by enthusiasts. The decision also doesn’t just affect a single badge; It also has implications for another affordable performance car that shares the same turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission.
To provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from Honda websites and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz.
Honda has paused production of the Civic Si
It is the manual transmission.
The Honda Civic Si is one of our favorite cars on the marketand we are sure that many driving enthusiasts will agree with us. It’s cheap, practical and a lot of fun to drive. However, news has come to light that Honda has decided to stop production of the fun little compact car, and it has a lot to do with its manual transmission.
Production stops at the end of the current model year.
Honda sent a notice to workers at the Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario, which is where all Civic Si and sedan models are manufactured for the U.S. market. The notice reads: “Due to evolving business conditions surrounding EPA regulations required to certify the 2027 model year and later, Honda has made the decision to pause production of versions using the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to the 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) at the end of the 2026 model year.” CarBuzz contacted Honda and confirmed the details of this notice.
Despite a slew of rollbacks in emissions standards across the United States, it appears the manual transmission is a problem for the Japanese automaker. This notice obviously affects the Honda Civic Si, which exclusively uses the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and manual, but would also affect Acura Integra models equipped with the six-speed engine.
Honda assures that fans of the models have nothing to worry about
The future of the models is still bright
While this news may seem quite discouraging, there is a silver lining. The Japanese automaker was quite optimistic in its statements to CarBuzz. They may have paused these models, but there is a plan for the future.
Both models are expected to return.
Production of the Civic Si will stop at the end of the 2026 model year. While we don’t know exactly when the end of the model year will be, Honda says they have enough inventory to last until early 2027, so there shouldn’t be a shortage. This assumes, of course, that news of the production pause will not incite panic buying.
Additionally, Honda says this is not the end of the Civic Si or Integra. Honda and Acura currently plan for both affordable, enthusiast-focused compact cars to return to the U.S. market. They have stated that they will share more details at a later date.
This type of breakup has happened before.
The Civic Si was introduced to the US market 40 years ago and has taken a couple of breaks since then. It was absent from the market for a couple of model years, and the aftermarket nameplate was missing for the 1988, 1996, 1999, 2016, and 2021 model years.
However, we’re waiting for the twelfth generation of the base Civic to arrive, which we expect to be announced in the coming months. With that model expected to hit the market in 2028, we may have to wait for the new Civic to launch before we can expect the Si’s return.
We’re still pretty sad to see the current Civic Si go.
He was a worker hero.
While the future of the Civic Si isn’t entirely bleak, it still makes us a little melancholy at the announcement of this hiatus. There’s a good chance that when the Civic Si returns, it will take a different form. With emissions regulations around the world changing and more automakers moving away from enthusiast-focused cars, we’re not entirely optimistic that it will be the same sleek, manual-shift compact car it is today.
It was a sporty and practical car for the masses.
- Basic tuning motor
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1.5L I4 ICE
- Base Fit Transmission
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6 speed manual
- Base trim powertrain
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front wheel drive
- Base Adjustment Horsepower
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200 HP at 6000 RPM
- Base tightening torque
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192 foot-pounds @ 1800 RPM
- Base fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
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27/37/31 miles per gallon
- Base Fit Battery Type
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lead acid battery
- Do
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sling
- Model
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Civic Si Sedan
The Civic Si may not be the fastest or most powerful car out there, but prioritizes fun in a way few other models do. With a starting price of $31,495, it’s also extremely affordable. There are few cars that balance practicality, affordability and excitement like the Si does. We hope that when it returns, Honda sticks to the pillars that have made the current version a success.
The latest blow against those who love to shift manually
Both the Civic Si and the Integra with six speeds are between Small group of affordable cars with manual transmission.. While we still have some time with them, the news that production will be stopped is quite discouraging for enthusiasts. However, there are still a couple of options available and we hope Hyundai is celebrating, with the stylish Elantra N losing a strong competitor.
