1990 Honda Civic VT from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing as of yet, however I am having problems with a leaking rear window at the moment.

This car is fantastic. The engine is addictive and begs you to hammer it every time you press the accelerator. It easily out performs the so called legends that are the 205 1.9 GTi and the Golf GTI 16v and I would also argue that it handles better. It sometimes feels like you will never be able to put yourself off the road, the grip, thanks to double wishbone's all round, is endless.

Fuel economy is a joke for a car as quick as this. I can return 38 mpg on fast motorway trips and can easily return 30+ mpg combined.

Another aspect of this car which is a bargain is the insurance premium. The car is grouped as a 12 for some bizarre reason, which makes insurance great value for a car that can achieve 0-60 in 7.5 sec and 127 mph top. I am twenty and because of the relatively low insurance group, insuring it is made possible.

My car has done just under 111,000 miles and the engine is still exceptionally sweet, in fact in the 4,000 miles I have covered so far I could swear that it has loosened up further!

The 1.6i-VT has an unbeatable balance of performance and value, I truly can't think of a car that can better it.

Couldn't have put it better myself. I definitely agree on the handling and yes that engine is a gem.

I have a '91 model myself with a little over 79,000 miles on the clock (47k done by myself). The engine begs to be revved so I oblige and it seems to be completely bullet proof.

A real stealthy performance bargain!

I couldn't agree more with the performance of my Honda Civic 1990 VT. I have had it just over 2 months and can't get enough of it!!!

It's done just over 100k miles and is pure bliss to hammer about (blowing away boy racers in their Ford XR things!!!). I can truly say I'll never buy another make of car again!!!

I agree with the first guy and the guys who commented about this car, but I do have to say that the top speed on the clock says 155mph and it will do that as a standard model.

Tune it up a bit, then you can see the pure power it can produce. First you have to let the car breath by changing the air filter and exhaust, then you have to sort the brain out and the difference is unbelievable.

There is only 1 problem with the car though... original Honda parts are very dear and can break your pocket.

The car is great. I've got a 1990 import 1.6 siR and I agree with all the above comments. You can supercharge them if you need to overtake any Impreza's - http://www.jacksonracing.com

Hi, I also couldn't agree more with all your comments. I have a 1989 SiR and it's awesome. The torque around town in all gears is great - it easily beats the 'legendary' 4-AGE 20v that we also have.

Mine's done 171000 kms and it still goes very hard and loves to rev. Handles good for a hatch too. Look forward to finding out my top speed soon after I modify the intake and exhaust. I certainly know my next car will be a DOHC VTEC Honda.

This is my second post on this board about my 1.6i VT!!

I have recently bought a Scorpion stainless steel exhaust and Superchipped it, and the performance change is remarkable!!! I can get 0-60 in 6 seconds!!! And the fuel economy is still affordable!!!

I agree with the guy with the Scorpion exhaust, I've recently had a custom built Superflow exhaust fitted and removed the CAT (not a legal requirement on a 91 model, hee hee!) and have gained at least 10bhp, the VTEC really gives me a shove in the back now, before it was quite subtle when it kicked in. Don't know about chipping it though, don't want to fix what isn't broke.

155 mph! Total crap. 130 is the most to expect from a standard or even slightly modified 1990 Civic 1.6i VT. To get that kind of top speed will required a big turbo upgrade and lots of money.

Anyway, that's irrelevant really. This is a great car! I have had 2 standard 1.6i VT models and before them I had a 1.6i 16v model. I really do like this car.

I'm not sure it handles as well as a 205GTi, but it is very close.

If you are a UK resident check out www.honda-r.org.uk

I've had my 1991 VT for 2 years now. It has covered 80,000 miles. I have had very little trouble at all. I have just had to replace the radiator, which was costly! I still love the balance of performance, practicality and the element of surprise. I have modified the car by adding a 57i K&N kit and up-rating the brakes to red dot discs and greenstuff pads - the difference this made was incredible. I have also recently stiffened and lowered the car by fitting a G-Max suspension kit - this made me realise how much body roll the original set-up had. Now my car will stop, corner and pull very hard in the higher rev range. I wish I could get into contact with other VT owners to share stories and upgrade ideas.

My 1990 Honda Civic is up to 235,000 and it still runs great. The only problem I had with it was that I had to get a new distributor for it, but other than that, I still think it is the best car I ever had.

OK guys, I have a question for all. I have a 90 Civic that will not run. I have put a new ignition coil, rotor and distributor cap and still not getting fire. What can it be, My distributor, my ignition switch. If you guys can help me please email at poohbaby212002@yahoo.com.

I am having the same problem with my 1990 civic. I changed the coil and the igniter module, and that worked for about 5 miles. It then dropped spark and I found myself in the same position again, what could it be? If you have any suggestions please contact me at triumphant1500@hotmail.com.

There is a problem with the main relay in this cars. Check for cracked soldering in this part.

I agree with most of these comments APART from the 155mph, that is TOTAL rubbish!!!

They can press about 136-140 depending on wheel size (16-17inch) I learn't this at santa pod.

Fab car tho, mine is an early J Plate on 77k and I've decat it and got a K&N filter, lowered and stiffened on 16'tsws and it is extremely Fast (would part with it for £1800 tho 07743 514239-let me know) Best car for speed and economy ever tho, so fast in upper rev range and truly bulletproof-gets my vote.

I've just bought an H-plate 16i-VT that has done only 12000 since new which had been stored in a heated garage since 1996 by an old boy who was advised not to drive after a cardiac arrest. It looks as if it had just left a new car showroom with not a single mark inside, outside or in the engine compartment. I can't wait to discover the pleasures of driving it once I've insured it. I had a taster when I drove it home and agree with most of the other comments. It is in the original factory condition without any modifications done to it.

Mike Patel, Wembley.