Faults:

Replaced two engine mountings.

Replace exhaust centre pipe and also the back box.

Was idling erratically when I got it, but I solved it after some research!

General Comments:

Very reliable car with good performance when the engine is pushed hard, which is what it seems to be built for.

Not as quick as its DOHC counterpart, but this car will stay with any GTI.

The engine is in great condition, i.e. not burning any oil, which surprised me as I expected it burn a little. Like other reviewers, I would urge people to serviced their Honda regularly (especially oil change).

Finally this car is very economical when driven sparingly!

Faults:

Nothing really.

General Comments:

I had a Vectra 2.0 SRi before this, and I ended up selling it because it just had too many faults, and cost too much to run and repair.

After selling the Vectra, I thought I want something reliable with some power. A mate of mine was telling me to get a Honda, so I thought I would give it a try, I had a budget of about 2000, I was browsing the Autotrader site, I came across a Civic 1.6 VTi with low mileage and 1 owner, so I went out and bought it.

First impressions - the car looked pretty nice, nice interior lowered suspension, VTEC decals on the bottom of the rear doors.

Driving - it's fast below 5.5k revs, but after that the VTEC kicks in and the car flies, the sound it makes is incredible when in VTEC mode. Compared to my Vectra it doesn't have as much torque, but is miles faster, gets to 60 3 seconds quicker without breaking down either.

I'm not a boy racer, but I don't mind racing at the lights that's if the car next to me is up for it, I've beaten Toyota Starlet Turbos, Astra GSIs, Saxo VTSs, Novas, Renault 5 Turbos, Golf GTIs, the list goes on. It can't quite keep up with Subaru's etc, but again it's only a 1.6 NA.

For a 1.6 it's ridiculously powerful with about 160bhp. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a cheap to run, reliable, fast car.

Faults:

Nothing, just 2 little rust spots on the bottom of both arches, a common problem.

General Comments:

I bought this car because they are getting very rare and I've always wanted one ever since I was a little boy, I paid £1800 for it, which is fair considering the mileage and condition of the car.

The car is in very good nick for its age, and has been well looked after by the previous owner. The car is totally standard and doesn't look like a sporty car at all, the interior is spot on with racing seats in the front and two in the back.

Driving the car feels normal below 5500rpm, but above that the vtec system kicks in and the car just screams, sounds like an F1 car. The look on peoples faces when I pass them just says it all. The car is very fast for a 1.6, it has 160bhp and that's without a turbo, not many cars can keep up.

Overall the car is excellent and hasn't let me down at all. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a discreet car with some serious pull.