1999 Honda Accord Type R review from UK and Ireland

The manifold and catalytic converter had to be replaced, due to a piece of metal becoming dislodged from the manifold, and ending up in the catalytic converter, making a rattling noise.

The head lamps (self-adjusting xenon) were useless, as they kept dipping down, and staying down, so that the light beams were about 10' in front of the car. This took the dealer nearly 3 years to sort out. (Honda wouldn't initially admit there was a problem, but they eventually came up with a solution)

Wheel bearings wore out very quickly, and I had a further 2 sets fitted in 50000 miles.

The driver's Recaro seat was initially faulty, and the reclining mechanism had to be replaced.

Often had difficulty in changing up to 2nd gear if accelerating hard- the synchro just didn't seem to be up to the job.

Had rapid tyre wear on front (due to power!), and initially had rapid tyre wear on rear, due to incorrect suspension geometry.

Had several small build-quality problems at first, such as crinkled rubber roof trims, poorly-fitted carpet, and flaking paint lacquer on door.

The Type R is actually a great-looking car, with superb performance and handling to match! If you can get the tyres to squeal, or even get it 'out of line', then you are going WAY too fast!

It's comfortable, and the Recaros hold you in well.

The dash layout is visually good, and all dials easy to read except when the steering wheel is lowered right down.

The engine is incredible, and at 5800 RPM, the fairly docile engine note changes to a muted snarl, and the rev counter flies around to 7800 RPM (in any gear!), when the rev limiter unfortunately cuts in!

In fifth gear, the VTEC cuts in at around 112 MPH, and it keeps right on going- I took it to 145 on one occasion, but the back end of the car started to feel 'a bit light' at that speed, which was a bit worrying! I think it would go to 150 MPH if you had the right road, and no Police watching!

To drive it fast takes a bit of practice, as you HAVE to time your gear changes right, otherwise the engine drops out of the power band, and you need to keep it between 5800 and 7800 RPM, so there's not much leeway!

The VTEC system gives a good compromise between economy and performance, and unless you are going 'flat out' everywhere, the car should give around 30 MPG, which isn't bad for 210 BHP.

Although I had several faults with the car, I still loved driving it, and found driving it fast to be addictive.