put it this way... you get what you pay for.. if you want quality, just spend a little more.
18's will ride rougher, but look better. pot holes will own your rims quick.
i have 18's on mine and it looks hot, you just have to be careful.

 

I think 17's will look better, but I haven't had any problems at all with my 02 SI.

 

hey whats up i was reading your message, i have never really had any problems with my 03 si except for lately like when im driving straight and turn the wheel just a little bit in either direction it squeaks a little but i have lowered my car and i think maybe when i put my springs on maybe i should have greased my tie rods and steering mechanisms i dont know know if this is the same problem you faced or not but you shouldnt get rid of your si untill you check out the new ones that are coming out for 2006.

 

does anyone know of any defects i should check for before my 02 warantee is up? i get a grinding sound occasionly anyone know what that could be, its between gear at about 5000 rpms. I also get a sound now that i put 17s on my car, i got an alignment balance and tire pressure is fine, any suggestions or ideas?

 

are you sure they don't rub?

 

i posted links to the recalls you should check out in the above posts. that grinding is a manufacturers (sp owns me) defect in the gear syncros. Get that fixed before you run out of warranty cuz that would be an expensive fix to do on your own.
Your gonna have some more road roar with bigger rims so that isnt abnormal, but if you dont think that its road roar then you might wanna have someone check that out. There are tons of possibilities.