A few years back, I got the opportunity to test drive a customer (!) owned 2005 Honda Civic Type-R car from a Honda dealership. Type R's were so wanted that none of the dealers in Belgium had one for demo purposes, not even the importer. On the test drive day, rain was pouring of course. The dealer drove me around for a few minutes before handing me over the steering wheel. The Civic drives like a fast GTI in the lower rev range with a particularly well balanced chassis and roadholding. You feel instantly at ease in this car. I never quite understood the essence of the VTEC although I read lots about it. But boy is it good. This car feels like it comes with two engines. Somewhere around 4500rpm where a normal engine prepares for its last breath, this thing is not even awake. When it eventually does, the character is so wild and brutal that I was instantly hooked. The Type R is built in superlight spec. Aircon is not available because it would make the car heavier. It is only available as a dealer accessory. The racy interior is well built and has a nice touch. The comfort is very good for this kind of car with the Recaro seats. Braking is up to level with the cars 200hp and excellent handling. The only drawback in this soaked weather was the grip of the Bridgestone Potenza's when the VTEC kicks in. It sure could do with a sensitive right foot. There is no doubt that this is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. I generally dislike front wheel drive cars, but this one made me reconsider my fundamental judgement.

Love the car the engine revs like crazy and loves it, the handling is amazing as it is so light fantastic car for the money with Honda reliability, the fuel economy is not that great around 20 MPG around town and up to 35 maybe 40 MPG at a push on the motorway, lets face it you don't buy this car for its fuel economy! Fantastic confidence inspiring drive corners like its on rails, the VTEC does kick in a little too late i think it would be nice if it kicked in at around 5 to 5 and a half thousand RPM, other than that a brilliant car. Fantastically fun to drive. Servicing costs are very low and this is a Honda so is ultra reliable. It looks fantastic an all round brilliant package.

This car doesn't generate much emotion. It gets very good gas mileage. Sometimes on trips it will tick past 40mpg. Around town it's usually 30+. However, this car has very little get up and go. It is sometimes frustrating trying to merge onto limited access freeways or while passing.

loved the reliability....fuel economy and handling . i have put 120.000 miles on the car in 6 1/2 years. I bought it used with 40,000 miles. Other than an alternator and belts , only other service was wear items. best auto i have ever owned.

The grip of honda civic is way better than the other cars around. The performance gives a much higher output than an ordinary corolla. Though it costs you more but it worths it. It is more spacious, the interior, the trim works all of them are better than the corolla.