2002 Honda Civic SE Executive 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Don't bother - buy a Ford Focus Zetec instead

General Comments:

This car felt more like a van to drive. The driving position was much too high.

The fuel consumption dropped dramatically when driven at motorway speeds.

The air-conditioning had to be permanently on to keep the windscreen clear.

The car tended to roll excessively when cornering.

Any ever appear to be driven by retired people (except for the Type R)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2002

6th Dec 2002, 14:02

You're having a laugh.

The Honda out performs the Focus in all areas.

Just because you are having problems with your car is no reason to put people off. I know several people that can't praise the Civic enough.

The car is three times Whatcar comfort test winner (small car), plus Honda has better build, better retained value, and is more exciting to drive and own.

Instead of all this, you want to be one of the boring gang and own a Ford.

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2002 Honda Civic Type-R 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nothing beats it for the money

Faults:

Changing into 2nd gear used to be notchy, but it seems to have cleared up.

General Comments:

Handling and grip is superb. It goes around crazy corners without any tyre squeal. Just direct the steering wheel (make sure you get the direction right!) and slam the gas. Have not tried anything risky in the wet though having read reviews about the factory supplied Bridgestones.

The engine is beautiful Honda engineering and if it is anything like previous Honda engines, I have driven, it should stay tight for many miles. Over 5000 revs and the engine starts to hit Vtec. Some people find keeping it in Vtec band a pain and unusable, but I am used to it. Make a quick gear change over 7000rpm though and you might smell the clutch! Even under 5000 it pulls well. In return for modest driving you get fuel figures which would shame your average 1.6 saloon.

The styling is a personal thing, but I like it. To me it doesn't look like a MPV as has been claimed by various magazine reviewers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd December, 2002

3rd Dec 2002, 02:39

I agree, Honda can teach a lot of other manufacturers how to build an engine properly, they are so reliable and economical and go on for ever. Unfortunately, Hondas, like other japanese companies make very blandly styled cars. Oh yes, the new Civic does look like a mini MPV!

4th Dec 2002, 09:11

I think the standard Civic does look bland, but the Type-R styling looks very good.

12th Jan 2003, 16:10

Just test driven a Type-R and was disappointed. Yes its fast and it seems to handle quite well, but its one of the most basic cars inside I have ever driven. I appreciate its mainly a drivers car, but some creature comforts wouldn't go a miss.

13th Jan 2003, 07:10

Original poster here. Electric Windows, Electric heated Door mirrors, Central locking and Power Steering are all the comforts I need. I got A/C option as well. There is plenty of stowage, cup holders etc.

7th Mar 2004, 17:13

Sorry to disappoint you, but you have titled this review as Nothing beats it for value..it's a great car granted, but as for nothing beating it... Errm what about the Clio 182? Comes standard with A/C, Cruise control, auto everything and loads of other stuff, performance wise its on par with the Type r. If you doubt what I'm saying then take a look at Aprils Evo or Car mag. They both rate it as the best hot hatch, evo even claiming the best ever.. and it's a couple of grand less. So sorry, good car yes.. nothing to beat it NO.

22nd Apr 2004, 16:13

But you won't get the build quality and reliability of a Honda with a Clio! I own a Honda VTI 1.8 and so does my friend. He thrashes the backside off his and the engine is legendary!

16th May 2010, 09:35

The Clio 182 has more gadgets, more things to go wrong than these type of cars, which take a hammering, so the Honda is the one for me.