I was planning on getting 15 or 16" rims but now I'm thinking i'll just stick with my 14's and paint them this spring. Seems like the larger the rim you go the worse gas mileage and rougher handling you get. Plus you got to get your car lowered or it looks goofy and maybe have toroll the fenders aswell.

Would there be any pros with going to a 15" rim other than looks cooler?

 

Just so you know, the change in gas mileage will not be noticeable. And the rougher handling... you mean ride quality, right? If that's the case, 15's or 16's will be just fine. It's 17's or larger that the quality starts getting pretty bad.

But 15's are (usually) light (lighter than stock), and wider. If you get the right offset, you shouldn't have to worry about rolling your fenders. I had my 17's tucked almost to the wheel in back last summer with no rubbing problems (the fronts scraped around turns, but that's unavoidable with it as low as I had it). I believe anything more than +38mm will tuck just fine.

 

Sometimes the ride with stock rims isn't even so good- out '06 LX sedan has 205/55R16's on 16" steelies (stock), and this Civic rides like a dump truck. We've never owned a Civic before, so I can't say if it's the wheels/tires or the car itself. But my '95 EX Accord rode alot smoother on 15" alloys.

Geno

 

ya I still think i'm going to stick to my 14's tho.... plus also the $$ issue.

....alright i guess ride quality is different than handling

 

15s can make the car handle better, as you typically run a lower-profile tire that deflects less. If you go with a lighter wheel and the proper diameter of tire, you wouldn't have to worry about power or mileage. I'd go with UHP all-season 205/45-16s if you want a good mix of exceptional handling, stylish aesthetics, and passable ride. Upgraded suspension can help the ride too.

 

The Accord is heavier and the suspension is geared more towards a compliant ride than handling. Upgrading the suspension on the Civic can improve the ride.