2003 Honda Civic Type-S 2.0 vtech

Summary:

Good performance utilitarian

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Fairly quick for this class of car. Performs better than the Focus ST170 I tested against it. You need to keep the revs up high as with any vtec. Nowhere near as quick off the mark as the Corrolla 1.8 VVTiL T-Sport I had before.

Build quality is lightweight. The doors feel like polystyrene. Again the Toyota was solid and heavy.

The paintwork is pretty much paper-thin and I'm sometimes worried that washing it might take a huge flake off.

The glove compartment door sticks a lot and looks very insubstantial.

Handling at higher speeds and on tight corners isn't the best. Feels like an old Range Rover when hitting a roundabout at speed, pitching and rolling.

Equipment is good with half leather interior, climate control and decent legroom in the back. Lacks a sunroof.

Inconspicuous looks say "old man" but the engine can surprise boy racers.

Fuel consumption is on the heavy side even on long steady journeys.

5 doors are a must with a family!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2004

6th Oct 2004, 04:34

A superb car, however I too am not very impressed with the fuel economy. When one dealer did a test they got 57mpg, which is totally stupid. Another dealer got 40mpg on a 60 mile route.

I average 33mpg after ~6,000 miles on various roads (car had done 6,000 when I got it), I expected better than my 2litre Mondeo which averaged ~35mpg over similar journeys.

There is also some hesitation at low revs, especially in 2nd gear, which Honda do not seem to be able to sort out.

Terry.

2003 Honda Civic Type - S 2.0 i-VTEC DOHC

Summary:

Miles better than Focus 2.0 Zetec, 307 XSi, Megane Sport, or any other similar rival

Faults:

Nothing, but then I have only had it for a week! (Just couldn't wait to tell the world!)

However...

I don't like:

- CD player is absolute rubbish, compared to the cassette player in my old Ford, distorting bass, flat mid range and tinny treble.

- Turning circle is huge, and a bit embarrassing when parking in tight spaces.

General Comments:

Wow this car is so quick!

What I like:

- Superb acceleration, handling and comfort.

- Great looking, in Vivid Blue Pearl, with the mesh grille and unique Type-S alloys.

- Automatic climate control, Part leather seats, chrome detailing (but not too much).

- Discreet looks, the total opposite of the boy racer Type-R, but with a lot of the performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2003

5th Mar 2007, 02:48

The only reason people buy type-s is because you can't afford a type-r.

9th May 2007, 04:12

Or because you want a diesel...

16th Jun 2007, 15:03

The type S is not a "cheap alternative" to the type R. It's a different animal, 2 more doors, a spruced-up CRV engine (not a tamed type-R engine), cruise control, vehicle stability assist, etc.

It is significantly cheaper to insure (as a 35-yr old male certainly).

It's quick once it's revving above about 3500 rpm, very comfortable and handles like a dream in wet and dry.

Don't expect 40+ mpg; you won't get it.

22nd May 2010, 16:21

A Type S is a watered down Type R. You only buy a Type S because you can't afford a Type R, as it says above. Put it this way; if you had a choice, Type R or Type S, taking cost out of it, who would take the Type S? No one, that's who.

25th Aug 2010, 12:37

I'm sorry, but the above post is a joke. The Type S originally retailed for a similar price to the Type R, and the design brief was for a moderately quick hot hatch designed for the family man who needs a bigger boot, softer suspension and more low down torque. I personally don't like the Type S, as I regularly drive one and I find the lack of low down torque irritating, and it struggles to hide its weight.

2003 Honda Civic Type-R 2.0 VTEC

Faults:

Nothing at all, although I've only had it for 2 months.

General Comments:

High Reving, High Performance, High Reliability Bargain, which will apparently go on for ever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2003

12th Dec 2003, 05:14

I have a civic and can categorically tell you that it will not last forever, mine is on its last legs at three years old. It smokes like an old foundry.

2003 Honda Civic Type-R 2.0 I-VTEC petrol

Summary:

It's a real sports car, with added practicality

Faults:

Ill-fitting radio/CD needed 3 visits to fix.

Poor and unhelpful dealer service.

Inconsistent paint color on the bumpers and spoiler.

Generally the paint is of poor quality, easily suffering stone chipping.

Various rattles.

General Comments:

Sensational straight line performance.

Fantastic 200BHP engine married to possibly the best 6 - speed gearbox of any car in the world.

Great driving position with the wheel, seats and pedals all in line.

The dash mounted gearshift is a joy to use and is very addictive - you often change gears more often than needed for the sake of it.

Stylish 'winged' seats offer great support around corners and comfort over long journey's.

Sporty yet safe chassis encourages performance driving.

It looks fast even when standing still!

Solid mechanicals.

It's a great combination of civilised motoring with outright aggression which gives the car an addictive character.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2003

12th Dec 2003, 01:33

I have to agree fully the quality of my Honda is also shockingly bad, I traded from a Volkswagen on the basis of media reports about both Honda and Volkswagen respectively and am now ruing the day, the immobiliser prevents me from starting most mornings and the rip-off air conditioning never works and as you say the paint is aweful.

2003 Honda Civic Imagine 1.4

Summary:

Excellent value for money

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This car is comfortable for my vertically challenged wife and for my six foot frame.

Its performance and road handling are very good.

The controls are well designed and accessible.

Heating and demisting are excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2003