Honda Civic Type R Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
Every vehicle has strengths and weaknesses. Here's an unbiased look at what makes the Honda Civic Type R great — and where it falls short.
Top Pros
✓ 7:44.881 Nürburgring lap record for FWD production cars ✓ 315 hp K20C4 VTEC turbo delivers its power in a linear surge that rewards precise heel-toe downshifts ✓ and Comfort mode on the adaptive suspension is genuinely tolerable for daily commuting.
Performance Advantages
With 315 hphp from its 2.0L VTEC Turbo I4 (K20C4) engine and a 0-60 time of 4.9s, the Honda Civic Type R offers genuine performance credentials in its class.
Value & Ownership Costs
Starting at $44,895, the Honda Civic Type R offers excellent content for the price. Honda vehicles in this segment tend to have strong resale value and reliability records.
Known Weaknesses
Some reported concerns for Hot Hatch vehicles in this class include: infotainment learning curve, limited cargo space in some configurations, and options/packages that can significantly raise the base price.
Reliability Considerations
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability in the mainstream market. Always check owner forums and reliability surveys for the specific model year you're considering.
Verdict
Pros outweigh cons for buyers who can make use of the Honda Civic Type R's key strengths. The main weakness areas are manageable trade-offs for most buyers in this segment.
Verdict
The Honda Civic Type R's pros significantly outweigh its cons for the right buyer. If 7:44.881 nürburgring lap record for fwd production cars is a priority, the Honda Civic Type R deserves serious consideration.