Finding the perfect 00 civic front lip is usually the first thing most people do after they pick up a clean EK or EM1. It's a classic move for a reason. Without one, the front end of a 2000 Civic can look a bit "unfinished" or even a little too high off the ground compared to the side skirts. Adding that simple piece of plastic or fiberglass changes the entire silhouette of the car, giving it that aggressive, lowered look without necessarily having to slam it on coilovers right away.
If you're diving into the world of Honda mods, you've probably noticed that there are about a million options out there. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the different styles, materials, and price points. But honestly, picking a lip shouldn't be a headache. It's all about knowing what look you're going for and how much abuse you expect the front of your car to take.
Why Everyone Starts with a Front Lip
The 1999 and 2000 model years were the "facelift" years for the sixth-generation Civic. Honda gave the car a sharper headlight design and a slightly different bumper than the earlier 96-98 models. Because of that, a 00 civic front lip is specific to this bumper. If you try to slap a lip from a 97 onto a 2000, you're going to have a bad time with fitment.
People love these lips because they're affordable. You can find a decent one for less than the cost of a tank of gas and a decent dinner. It's an instant gratification mod. You spend twenty minutes in the driveway with a drill and some screws, and suddenly your car looks like it belongs at a local meet rather than a grocery store parking lot. Plus, it protects your actual bumper from some of the road debris and scrapes. I'd much rather scrape a fifty-dollar lip than a freshly painted OEM bumper.
Picking the Right Material
This is where a lot of people mess up. You generally have three choices: polyurethane, ABS plastic, or carbon fiber. Each has its own set of pros and cons, and your choice really depends on how you drive.
Polyurethane (PU) is the king of the streets. If you're planning on lowering your car, this is the only way to go. Polyurethane is flexible. You can literally fold it in half and it'll pop back into shape. If you hit a steep driveway or a speed bump—which you will—the lip will just bend and scrape. It's tough as nails. The downside? It's a bit harder to paint because it flexes, so the paint can crack if the lip gets bumped too hard.
ABS Plastic is what most OEM parts are made of. It's much stiffer than polyurethane. It holds paint beautifully and looks very "factory" when installed. However, it's brittle. If you smack a curb with an ABS lip, it's going to crack or shatter. It's great for show cars or "OEM plus" builds that aren't sitting an inch off the ground.
Carbon Fiber is for the folks who want to show off. It looks incredible, especially on a white or silver Civic. But let's be real: it's expensive and fragile. One bad encounter with a pothole and your expensive 00 civic front lip is in pieces. If you go this route, you've got to be a very careful driver.
Most Popular Styles for the 2000 Civic
You've got a few iconic styles that have dominated the Honda scene for decades. You can't really go wrong with any of these, but they definitely give off different vibes.
The Type R Style
This is the "gold standard." It's modeled after the Civic Type R (EK9) that we never got in the States. It's clean, simple, and follows the lines of the bumper perfectly. It doesn't hang too low, making it great for daily driving. It's the kind of lip that makes people wonder if the car came that way from the factory.
The Mugen Style
If you want something a bit more "in your face," the Mugen style is the way to go. It usually has larger "vents" or openings on the sides and sticks out a bit further. It makes the front end look much wider and more planted. It's a favorite for people who are going for a more aggressive, track-inspired look.
The Si Style (OEM)
For the purists, the original Si lip is the holy grail. It's very subtle—just a small extension of the bumper. If you can find an original one, keep it safe, because they're getting harder to find. Most people just buy a replica, which looks 99% the same and saves a ton of money.
Tips for a Clean Installation
I've seen too many Civics driving around with "lip sag." That's when the middle of the lip starts to droop because it wasn't installed correctly. Don't be that person.
First, test fit everything before you drill or paint. Sometimes these aftermarket lips need a little heat to sit right. If it's a bit warped from shipping, leave it out in the sun for an hour or use a heat gun to soften it up. It'll be much easier to mold to the bumper.
Second, don't just rely on the two screws in the wheel wells. Most 00 civic front lip kits come with hardware, but I usually recommend adding a few extra bolts or self-tapping screws along the bottom edge. Also, use some high-quality 3M double-sided tape along the top edge where it meets the bumper. This closes the gap and prevents the lip from vibrating or sagging over time.
Painting vs. Leaving it Raw
A lot of guys leave their lips unpainted black. On certain colors, like red or yellow, the black contrast looks pretty cool. It gives it that "tuner" look. It's also practical—if you scrape it, you don't have to worry about paint chipping off.
However, if you want a "finished" look, color-matching is the way to go. You can actually get pretty good results with a paint-matched spray can if you take your time with the prep work. Just make sure to use a good primer and a clear coat. If it's a polyurethane lip, don't forget the "flex additive" in the paint, or it'll flake off the first time you touch a curb.
Living with a Lowered Front End
Once you've got your 00 civic front lip installed, your driving style has to change a little bit. You'll start looking at driveways like they're mountain ranges. The "diagonal approach" becomes your best friend. You'll learn to take every incline at a 45-degree angle to keep from smashing the front end.
It sounds like a hassle, but it's part of the fun. There's a certain satisfaction in navigating a tricky parking lot without hearing that "scraaaaape" sound. And even if you do scrape, remember: it's just a lip. It's there to take the hit so your car stays looking sharp.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, adding a lip is one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize a 2000 Civic. It bridges the gap between the old-school 90s design and a more modern, aggressive aesthetic. Whether you go for a cheap eBay special or a high-end carbon piece, it's going to make you look back at your car every time you walk away from it in the parking lot.
Just take your time with the install, choose the material that fits your lifestyle, and don't be afraid to go for the style that speaks to you. The EK chassis is one of the best looking platforms Honda ever made, and a good lip is just the icing on the cake.