Nothing comes close for 16k?
Nothing.
This is a brilliant car, excellent handling, fast in normal driving and frantic in the VTEC zone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th October, 2002
Oops! Should have bought a Focus!
Lots of things. But the main one is that the steering assistance varies unpredictably: sometimes the steering is very light; sometimes it's really heavy. This problem has not been solved.
There is excellent room for passengers, although the boot is a bit on the small side. The seats are also very comfortable.
The performance is surprisingly good for a 1.4 engine.
Very "boxy" sound from interior audio system.
But the main thing is that steering is terrible: not only is there no feedback, but worse: sometimes it's really light; sometimes it's really stiff. Quite dangerous until you get used to it, because you never know whether you're going to have to give the wheel a good tug or not.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd September, 2002
My dad has a 2002 Civic, and I too have experienced the power steering occasionally failing when parking. The steering has almost no feedback from the road; in fact it feels like steering from a computer games console.
The steering ratio is far too low, so you find yourself turning the wheel 1/4 to 1/2 a turn to negotiate a slight bend, whereas the Focus is much quicker. The steering lock is a joke too, oil tankers can out manoeuvre it.
Mechanically it is very well built and reliable, but it's an awful drivers car.
I borrowed my friend's 04 Civic recently, and found the same issue with the steering. It's not enjoyable or relaxing to drive this car, as the steering requires constant driver attention and readjusting of direction. Not a nice car for the driver, and I would not buy one.
Having had experience with both a Civic and a Focus, there is just no way I would ever buy ANY Japanese car again. The Focus was flawless. The Civic was constantly self-destructing. We now drive only Ford or GM vehicles. No problems with any of them.
Cheap boy racer machine
The paint is coming off of the car. Little marks are appearing all over the car (a problem with the black cars, so I am told). The dealer is dealing with this now, but taking there time.
This is a quick car, it goes very well for its engine size.
The noise from the engine at 9000 rpm is superb.
This car handles very well and the six speed box is a joy.
The spec is great, but options are expensive.
There is loads of room in this car, if you are very tall and want a quick car, get one of these.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 20th August, 2002
Performance, economy and practicality
Very little has gone wrong with the car, just the odd vibration which was tracked down and fixed.
The Civic Type R not only provides exhilarating performance to rival even a Porsche Boxster in a straight line, but economy too with 32mpg. The power output rivals 2 litre turbos, yet does not suffer the short service intervals or low miles per gallon encountered in for example an Impreza.
The ride although firm is sporty and well controlled yet does not rattle you or your passengers around, while supportive sports seats in the from serve only to keep you concentrated on driving rather than sliding off the chair.
While performance and practicality rarely go hand in hand there is very usable boot space and split fold rear seats.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th August, 2002
27th Mar 2003, 11:26
Agreed. I have a 2001 model with 13k on the clock. Which has replaced my (chipped) Rover 620 Turbo with 97k.
The Civic is superb. What it lacks in refinement it makes up for in fun.
I like the turn in, grip, acceleration (which is on par with the rover, but more usable) and attention. I regularly make long motorway trips and am suprised with its ability. It is quieter than you'd think as-well.
So far the only things against it are, it eats front Tyres and the front seats don't fold back to the original position after allowing access to the rear.
Buy one, you only live once!