2003 Honda Civic Type R from UK and Ireland - Comments

Rear discs started to corrode, but not badly and it didn't affect the stopping power.

Firstly, you wouldn't buy a type R if you want an everyday normal car, it's a bit too focused for that. Which for a performance car enthusiast that's great.

The major thing about the car has to be the Vtec, it stands out more than anything else on the car. The two power bands make for plenty of go and a great sound.

The only problem with all this power, is not that it's on and off, it's the fact that theres not much torque to go with it, the dyno sheets for it will show, the hp and torque bands are very different, meaning it's not easy to drive if you want to stay at optimum revs.

Interior wise, compared to other hatches, I thought it was great, the gear stick position is perfect, and the seats hold you very well (they do get a bit uncomfy after a while though). The only problem I found inside the car, was the seat belts, not a huge problem (and one you usually find in coupes) but it's a pain trying to reach back for the belt when your sat down!

Economy isn't too bad considering you have 200hp under the bonnet, the vtec also helps in this area a bit (you can decide what level of lunacy you want to propel yourself at). To sum the car up, it's a bargain for what it is, a reliable, sexy looking, great sounding hot hatch. The Focus RS maybe quicker, but is it £5k quicker?

finally, ignore the factory 0-60 times, I've seen many hit 60 in 6.0 as standard.

60 in 6.0 seconds. I take it youve got all the proper timing gear.

Yeah, remember your speedo says 60 when your really probably doing 56.

You need a GPS thingy to properly do the speed I think.

Ignore the factory 0-60 times???

These times are the fastest the company can get professional drivers to achieve. When selling a performance car you give the best performance stats.

Honda are well known for 'conservative' official 0-60 times. Take the Civic 1.6 VTI. Honda's official 0-60 for this was 8.2 seconds. Evo Magazine in the UK clocked it using GPS timing gear at 7.1 seconds!

Another example: The new 2.2CTDI 06 Civic has an official 0-62 of 8.2secs. Honda insiders have already said the the company test drivers have clocked it at 7.5 seconds.

There are some real 'know-it-alls' on this site who don't investigate what they are saying before they say it. Learn the facts boys before putting text in the form! Honda's 0-60 times are often undercooked.

It can be an advantage to have a slower 0-60 time published as it may help get the car into a lower insurance group. The 306 gti-6 was tested with passengers and a bootful of stuff so that that the 0-60 would be slower.

Hi people, I just got my Honda Civic Type R 2003 in red. I couldn't be happier with it. I got it for 6350 with 40k on clock and it's in mint condition. WHAT A CAR...

The thing is it's completely standard and doesn't sound that loud. Will it damage my car if I take the silencer out of the exhaust? And if not, how does it come out?

Cheers.