Usually that is the case, however, the 1992-2000 Honda Civic EX and the 1992-1995 Civic Si do have VTEC yet doesn't have it posted on the valve cover. The EX and Si probably don't get any respect because it's a single cam engine, but there's no doubt that it has VTEC contrary to what phil R says. The 1999-2000 Si has the DOHC VTEC engine with VTEC on the valve cover. The LX is basically a DX with a power package.Another difference is that the LX has a 1.5 litre engine where as the EX has a 1.6. Either way, you'll get a good car.