1990 Honda Civic GL review from UK and Ireland

Needed a new exhaust system, new brake pads and a new battery, - all just standard things that need replacing every now and then. Fitting of new exhaust system allowed me to make it better as well!

This car looks fantastic and is a great bargain.

The engine revs up to 6750 rpm before the red line kicks in so you can get a lot out of each gear. I was suprised when I first drove the car as I have driven many 1.4s before, but this can do 0-60 in 9.5 seconds which is roughly the same as the new mini cooper, (my friend has one and believe me we have tested this out!). Despite only kicking out 90bhp with a displacement of 1396cc the lack of weight makes up for it giving the car a very decent power to weight ratio. I have done over 125mph in this car and have to say its the best car I have owned to date.

The ride is made to feel even better as the seating position is similar to an elise with the driver pretty much lying down in the seat, although this can get uncomfortable in long journeys as the seat has a lack of lumbar support - but this can easily be sorted.

The reliability is brilliant, the only time it hasn't started was because of a dead battery which all need replacing now and again.

The grip is also good, but not as good as it can be. The car comes standard with 13 inch wheels which don't give the maximum grip you want when you drive the car. The wheels are the only point of contact with the road so it always worth having a good set of tires and wheels. I have upgraded mine to 15inch and the thing flys round corners.

Another good thing is the space inside the car. It looks small, but is deceptively huge inside. The boot is huge and the legroom for the rear passengers is very good.

Overall a brilliant, fast, reliable bargain and better than its rivals!