2002 Honda Civic EX 1.7 VTEC from North America
Summary:
A poor man's sports car
Faults:
I hear a strange gurgling sound which I'm guessing is the clutch, when the engine is revved in neutral or when starting in first gear.
Paint is chipping a lit to easily off of the front end.
General Comments:
Overall, this is a fun, sporty car that handles exceptionally well. The VTEC only adds 12 horsepower to the EX model, but it feels like a lot more when you let the engine hit 5-6 rpm.
My car is a red EX coupe. I love the styling in and out. The only thing I would like to see in the future would be a leather option and and the DOHC VTEC available in the coupe body instead of the current Si hatchback.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th October, 2002
19th Apr 2003, 08:44
The problem probably is not the clutch. I experienced the sound that you describe when I picked up a new civic (5 speed). My dealer started three new civics at random. Two were automatics. All had the sound to some degree. The mechanic said that it is caused by the heating coil. Revving the engine increases the noise because it circulates the liquid in the coil. I was told that the bubbles causing the sound would be purged by the system. If not, the mechanic will "bleed' them out. We'll see.