Honda Civic Type R (2001 – 2006) Review

Honda Civic Type R (2001 – 2006) At A Glance

Fast, VTEC engine is addictive.

It's thirsty and lacks steering feel.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

What is the engine Euro emission rating of my car?

"How can I check the engine Euro emission rating of my car? I own a 2005 Honda Civic Type R and it is on the margin date wise. Is there an easy way to check?"

It should be on on the V5C logbook. It should also be stamped on a plate on or near the door frame.

Answered by Dan Powell

Why is my Honda Type R so noisy at slow speeds?

"I have a 2002 Honda Civic Type R with 62k miles on the clock, which I have owned since new. Over the past year or so it has developed a rumbling thunder type noise when driving at low speeds. I recently changed the drop-links and the ARB bushes on the front and a local garage couldn't find anything wrong. Any ideas what it could be? My suspicion is that suspension bushes may be worn, but like I say the garage didn't think so. Any ideas? "

Probably the tyres. When low profile tyre get down to 2/3 to 3/4 worn, more surface area is in contact with the road and noise increases. Could also be wheel bearings, of course, but movement on the hubs can be felt when the car is up on a hoist.

Answered by Honest John

Buying a used Honda Civic Type R - what should I look out for?

"My son is looking to purchase a used Honda Civic Type R. His budget is about £5000; he is looking at 55 plate model with 50-70k on the clock. What are the dangers here? Should he just avoid this type of car because of what it is?"

Mainly repaired crash damage and duff aftermarket tuning parts. OEM exhaust systems are particularly expensive.

Answered by Honest John

Where should I sell my Honda Civic Type R?

"I own November 2005 Honda Civic Type R (original shape) in good condition with just 30,000 miles. I love it but I am reluctantly considering selling it as, for various reasons, I need a car with five doors and better access. Where should I sell/advertise it as I guess its part exchange value is low, even though my local Honda garage raves about it?"

Someone in the Type R Club (www.civictype-r.co.uk) will give you the best money for a perfect condition low mileage original Type R. An excellent 5-door substitute is the same-shape Honda Civic Type S that had a detuned 160PS version of the Type R 2.0-litre engine.

Answered by Honest John

More Questions

Inside of the Honda Civic Type R (2001 – 2006)

Big, hip-hugging rally-type seats; 6-speed box with a snicky, short-throw gearlever up there where you want it next to your left hand; big, ventilated disc brakes with ABS and EBD; 205/45 R17 tyres; and no nancy boy electronic traction control system to get in the way and spoil the fun.

To bring the Type R in under £16,000, drivers are asked to make a small sacrifice. Air-conditioning is an £800 extra. But everything else is just right.

Child seats that fit a Honda Civic Type R (2001 – 2006)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Driving Honda Civic Type R (2001 – 2006)

The suspension is stiffer than the 5-door's, with firmer dampers which give the car a sportier feel. Engines are the same 90bhp 1.4 and 110bhp 1.6 and, in the 3-door body, the 1.4 has the temporary benefit of a 150g/km C02 output which qualifies for the lowest VED band of £100. Gearing is an unfashionably low 20.5mph per 1,000 rpm in 5th, to give better throttle response, yet fuel economy is a good 40-45mpg. But the best news is the price. The 3-door Honda Civics are a full £1,000 cheaper than the 5-door models, starting at a very sensible £10,795, including air-conditioning, and rising to a maximum £13,895 for the air-conditioned 1.6SE automatic. The only criticisms I could find were a slightly overdamped ride on poor road surfaces; and, though the car handles and grips very well, when the front end finally loses adhesion it lets go a bit suddenly.

Not so the range topper: the Honda Civic Type R. The obvious way to give the Civic range a sporty, trendy appeal was to come up with a hot version. Where VW has its GTi, where Renault has its ClioSport, where SEAT has its Cupra, Honda has its Type R. First the Integra Type R. Then the Accord Type R. Now the 200bhp chain-cam six-speed Civic Type R. That's a full 20bhp more than the SEAT Leon 20VT without the benefit of a turbo, 28bhp more than the ClioSport 172, and a massive 50bhp more than the current VW Golf GTi 1.8T.

I was lucky enough to get to drive the car on closed roads with no upper speed limit. Handling is very good indeed, if not quite as sharp as the old Peugeot 306 GTi-6 or the SEAT Leon 20VT. The normal limit is set by understeer rather than oversteer, but with the Type R it is progressive and exploitable. And the engine gives its best between 6,000 and 7,400 rpm where peak power is developed (although the rev counter reads to 9,000, the rev limiter cuts in at about 7,800).

Obviously, whacking the car across closed, unrestricted roads in complete safety was sheer joy. But the car's overtaking ability is so phenomenal it is also very good at making progress in normal UK driving conditions. The low gearing of about 21mph per 1,000rpm in 6th coupled with VTEC flexibility allows you to trickle along at 50mph in 6th, or more sensibly in 5th. Then, when you need the grunt to overtake safely, all you have to do is pick the right gear and you're away. Even 4th is good for a maximum of 100mph. But the thing is, unless you wring its neck, the car is as mild mannered and docile as an old lap cat. It doesn't cry out at you to be driven fast, so you don't have to. And, to help you ensure your licence remains unsullied by nasty, officious scribbles, Honda is offering a free 'Motor Appreciation Course' with every car sold.

This takes the form of a drive accompanied by a Police Advanced Class 1 Instructor. First he (or she) runs you through a list of sensible pre-travel checks, then discusses your specific requirements with you. Then you go for a drive, after which the Instructor provides advice and guidance on overcoming any shortcomings he has noticed in your concentration, observation, hazard perception, anticipation, planning skills, positioning, cornering, overtaking and use of speed. After that, your instructor then takes you for a drive to show you how he practises what he preaches.

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What to watch out for

Model History

• September 2001