Why NOW Is The Time To Buy The Unloved Honda Civic Type R FN2 (And Forget The EP3!) (JDM Pt. 36)
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- Опубліковано 28 лют 2020
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How can a car look so strange, modern and of its time, yet look so timeless as well.
This comes very close to being the best shape, the ep3 edges it, but does look super dated compared to the fn2.
i remember as a child i loved how this looked on the billboards. at a time where i basically only cared for supercars like every child this was quite an archivement. and it was futuristic. they would have to change very little and it woold look totally normal today. i dont get why so many people dont like the look of it, especially the type r, where the rear window bump looks so well integrated with the spoiler.
@@DJCrisisUK ehh EK9 and EG look miles ahead better than these models.
@@DJCrisisUK very close to being the best shape?? the main problem people had with these is that they're ugly as fuck, that awkward hunchback shape at the rear with the spoiler splitting the rear window looks horrendous. the EG, EK9, & EP3 look miles better than the FN2.
@@SeanWithaFada i most definitely agree, the spoiler ruined it massively, my main point though was it still looks like a new car today despite how old it is, those other models look very nice, no argument there and personally I would have an ep3 over the fn2 hands down(even though I owned and fn2) but as for looking dated you can't deny the fn2 could have been released recently.
It wasnt that it was a bad car, the problem was the previous Type-r was so good
you can't have a new model that's slower than the old one. it just can't be! imho that's what killed it.
@@SoulTouchMusic93 Its not slower around a Track. That's a myth, that's been proven other and other again
@@SoulTouchMusic93 Inside Lane took both the EP3 (face-lifted) and FN2 to the Hungaroring F1 track during the FK2R launch in 2016 and with a professional driver the FN2 lapped the circuit quicker. They did say the EP3 was more "raw" and fun, but as others have stated the myth of it being slower is exactly that, a myth. The FN2 has a much better sorted front end, more accurate steering and is more stable around corners, if less involving relative to the EP3. Both are great cars...really nothing between them performance-wise.
@@wildchilde69 alright maybe i'll get one since i don't have ep3 money.
@@SoulTouchMusic93 try to get a good deal to leave you room for the little but not cheap jobs you'll want to do to make it drive better. Or buy one sorted for more.
“Worst Type R”…the only reason why people say this is because Jeremy Clarksoon said so. Mostly regarding the choice not to continue giving independent rear suspension like Honda usually does.
But for an average driver on the street, this thing will give you a smile, ear to ear.
This one and the next generation after it are the last cars too look like a genuine “small” Japanese sport cars.
Now Civics look like Accords.
The sound of a K20 is just amazing
FN2 is my favourite one, has the amazing high revving NA motor, the last type R with the correct engine. And looks super cool, way nicer interior then the EP.
Well the best K20 Type R would still have to be the FD2 though
ztikmaen problem with 4 door cars and being tall though is I have no side visibility in an FD2, just a B pillar in my face
@@chrisogrady28 True, actually FD2 pillars in particular are pretty weird
I'm personally a fan of the ek9 and the new fk8 but I totally see what you're saying
Aaron Snyder I’m a fan of the lower driving positions of both the EK9 and FK8, ideally I’d want a 2 door FK8 (like the American SI) with an S2000 engine and RWD. But no one likes designing perfect cars.
I bought an FN2 9 months or so ago and am absolutely in love with it. Cant compare it to an EP3 as I've never driven one, but previously I had an R53 mini cooper S, a Clio 172 Cup and a Fiat 100hp. All were modded in terms of springs, shocks, exhaust, remaps etc. and the first 2 where pretty close to the FN2's power yet significantly lighter. Despite all that the FN2 is my favorite in every way hands down. Yes its big and heavy , plus the stock suspension is merely 'adequate' but as a useable car for a petrolhead it ticks almost every box possible; infinitely reliable even when thrashed on a daily basis? check. large boot and tonnes of legroom in the back? check. Decent mpg when driven sensibly? check. Massively good fun when happily pushed to above 8,000rpm? check. Steering thats light and PAS yet full of feeling & accurate enough for decent B road runs? check. Its not hugely quick by modern standards , but what it does do is make you grin :) No torque whatsoever but all that ends up meaning is you have to really drive it in order to make it come alive. It'll cruise quietly and fairly comfortably if thats what you want, but really working it up to near/on the limiter is when it becomes a Type R. First car I've ever driven that actually feels like it wants you to rev the nuts off it, and shows no signs of discomfort when you do so. Imo as a reliable long term hot hatch for under 4k its probably the best choice out there. Sure you could get a mainstream high mileage turbo hatch thats newer and faster, but how long is that going to last? 200,000 miles later you'd be glad you went for the Honda.
Hey, I've been considering getting an FN2, I really want the championship white one but I am not sure if it worth the extra cost, what would you recommend?
I've recently picked up a 100hp Panda and it's brilliant with some little suspension mods.
I'd consider an FN2. My brother in law had one and I thought it was brilliant
Hay bud glad you like yours I've got a fn2 and had a ep3 and love them both , you have yo go drive a ep3 I promise you'll want 1 after owning a fn2 it's so much crisper and lighter and if I'm honest the kick high up is miles nicer but that being said you won't go wrong in either . Happy hooning
Interesting perspective. Never owned an R53 MCS but have always wanted to. Had R56 MCS's however and a GR Yaris as far as hot hatches go. I've always been interested in the Type Rs from the hype they get for well sorted drivers cars. Surprised to see you loved It more than your previous rockets.
Honestly I've overlooked this generation cus of the bad rap people always give it but maybe that's bit overplayed? I might consider one of these over an EP3 now. I'd just assumed the FN2 was a wash.
Do you still have the car? How has it treated you while you've had it since?
@@confounded_feline I own a GR Yaris and an FN2... I drive the FN2 more.
Great to hear that you warm cars up before you drive them hard, unfortunately not something that everyone seems to do.
My grandpa loved the looks. He said it looks very futuristic when he saw it in 2010.
This is all you nee to know about the FN2 if you know nothing about cars.
KannX totally agree. we didnt get it in US but we have similar sedan in Civic SI . We need more hatches here
Your grandad is a smart dude
Genuinely one of the most underrated cars - look pretty good even today, enough space in the boot for a small pony, enough power to put a smile on your face and they’re still great fun to hammer round a track.
And don't forget, they are much more reliable than german ones.
@@iuhshwth1634 And by now just as slow. If this trend continues, the car might turn into a static object.
No Thanks there going to be very collectible, I have an 2008 one, I’m selling it ever year, but I can’t do it, so this year I put new Michelin tyres on it and changed discs and pads and braided hoses so I’ll keep for a while
@@Flyingdutchy33 your brain is slow
@@notmanynamesleft Awww did I hurt its feelings?
Mr Clarkson I believe was the reason that the "sheeple" claimed it was rubbish...
The stig and Tiff Needell liked it very much and I've loved mine for many years now too!
It's not the only car I own and if it was my only car then there are lots of things that would drive me up the wall with this car but on the right b-road it never fails to give me a huge grin...
Love my fn2!
I've always thought the same about them. I was tempted by one 10 years ago. Clarkson moaning about the torsion beam became every reviewers go to complaint which completely ignored the fact that they all adored the renaultsport meganes from that era which were also torsion beam as were the clios etc etc.
@@becauseiwasinverted7971 Yes correct, people seem to forget that...👍
I have owned every model civic besides this one. I'm sorry but this model is ugly as sin. I also have to agree with clarkson, wasn't impressed with the drive. My old ek9 type r drove better, but each to their own. It's not about what everyone else likes, it's about you being happy with it.
Another annoying thing about that review is he had VSA on the whole thing if my eyes work properly. It was a very disingenuous review with an agenda imo.
It won Top Gear Hot Hatch in 2007 even though Jeremy hated it, people seem to jump on the Jeremy Clarkson bandwagon without even driving one themselves.
Had mine 6 years now. Absolutely love it, no plans to sell anytime soon.
You're right. I got the next one . Not bad . Some things are better but at the end I,m a little bit disappointed.
How do you deal with the spoiler at the back window
@@faketrailers7226 doesn't bother me, can still see cars behind me just fine, just missing a little ha.
backstreetdriver is it modified or standard?
@@faketrailers7226 it's not a spoiler. It's Honda's anti dazzle blade for night driving 😜 I've never had any problems, just adapt to it. No issues. Some vehicles don't even have rear windows. All down to the driver
I’ve been using my FN2 for my daily 140mph commute (including around corners) for 8 years. Standard. Anyone who says they don’t handle the road, can’t drive.
or watched top gear
I drove the previous model and this model ,bought highly tuned, don't know how the stock version is,but can't say this second one is bad. I also drove the type S stock, and was good to, for wat was intended.
Absolutely agree, just because Clarkson hurt his fat arse going over a bump, the sheeple ( mostly who haven't driven one) know for certain they don't handle.
Where in the world can you drive 140 miles per hour everyday for 8 years without getting arrested?
H B the Isle of Man ua-cam.com/video/9seMfcgRdtw/v-deo.html
Have one of these for a year now, absolutely adore it.
I had both Ep3 (pre facelifted) and FN2 R's. I actually preferred the FN2 overall. Yes, it was less banzai and manic, but a more refined drive in total. I always felt like I had gone 9 rounds with Mike Tyson in the Ep3, even on short A road journeys it was never a settled ride. Most of all I remember the nasty fight that broke out online in the forums about the new R not being a proper R because of the weight etc, and it was not as fast blah blah. I think the gearing changes made it equally fast as the Ep3, but the engine power map was massaged to give it more down low so it never had the VTEC kick in same amount as the old car. It felt slower, but I never thought it was in reality point to point.
In truth by making the car more comfortable and with more goodies inside Honda were just ahead of the curve, they prejudged that the mass market taste for stripped out rice rockets was going away.
I had the FN2 for 9 years and I loved it. Upgraded to the FK8 recently but the FN2 will always be close to my heart.
Top Gear kill it. It’s a great car. And please show me where you can get one for a grand?!? Beg to differ my friend!
Yeah Clarkson had some beef with Honda at the time and he really harmed the FN2's rep. Fortunately and ironically, in the same year, the Stig gave it hot hatch of the year against some pretty stiff, turbocharged competition. TopGear hasn't been a car enthusiasts program for a long time... it's entertainment.
@@HerbsmanRevs Remember how they used to trash the NSX-R ("it's not a car anymore") and the S2000? Also since that FN2 test, so many people think that torsion beam rear axles cause understeer, which is just wrong.
Riemenschneider I agree, only time mine did a bit was when the tyres were a bit thin! I’ll get another one soon!
Ye defo not a grand 😂 some one gave him this script today
If you could find one for a grand, you probably wouldn't want it. And it would probably be delivered by courier and posted through your letterbox.
I sold my FN2 Type R for a mk3 Focus ST biggest mistake I've made. Yeah the ST is great n looks amazing and has enough power to keep up with most cars out there but I didn't realise how much I loved my Type R so gutted.
I own a Type S and it's a freaking brilliant car!!! Great fun to drive, practical, looks gorgeous (idk why people don't like it). To me it's an all around car. Ofc people need different things day to day but for me personally it's perfect :D
Me too man it's a great car. Got it for £1600 4 years ago and is a great car. Does make me wonder weather I should go for a lower mileage type R though!
Ive owned a fn2 for 3 days and i love it, car feels planted enough power, steering is lovely seats are comfy and hug you well
My first time going to visit family in Northern Ireland in 2007 i feel in love with these cars. Learned to drive stick AND left hand drive one these cars. I enjoyed the hell out of it
1000 quid🤣. In Germany the cheapest one are around 6000€
Same in Holland. Cheapest is €8900,-
You can buy BMW'S and the like in GB for the price you pay for a set of used wheels with bad tyres for that same car over here.
If the steering wheel would be on the right side, used car prices in GB would instantly quadruple , because we would import them all.
In Portugal the cheapest one is 19k euros lol. They are still sold like fresh hot bread regardless of cost. Ep3/itr dc2/fn2 all around 20k
In Sweden also around 5-6000 :(
@@cutdepiefails6596 U beat me to it...... Yea they're overpriced in Portugal.
In Poland cheapest ones costs around 40k PLN which is 8000 quid/10000 euro...
I just got this car 1 month ago, its my 1st hatchback & i love it, for daily use its fun to drive in city , & parts r sooooo cheap after owning 335is 😂😂
Amazing cars and I love mine. Had it for over 3 years now and still puts a smile on my face!
New clutch, mugen spoiler, eibach springs with geometry, android auto headunit with reverse camera = a nice car which still looks modern and up to date.
Always been my favourite looking Type R, inside and out. I test drove one and the ride didn't put me off, it was mostly just the lack of power and that I was thinking about going for something RWD anyway (which I did).
I was never that bothered about new Hondas (couldn’t afford them) but owned and absolutely loved several older ones. You have reminded me of this and now I need to look at an FN2. Cheers!
I've owned my Fn2 for 7 years bullet proof car, if you get one make sure it's a 2010 it will come with a LSD.
Nicky Swaby You can get an exhaust for it. Is yours stock?
Owned both the EP3 and the FN2 and from my experience the FN2 gave me the best of worlds. Sure the EP3 accels in performance-wise no doubt, but the FN2 was a comfortable little rocket pocket which I could enjoy on the streets without giving it too much of a love tap to enjoy vtec. Hits at 5.5k and that alone was enough for me to hear the engine resonate with nature. Such an underrated car that got trashed by Top Gear. :(
I acquired my manual license in my friend’s FN2 back in 2009, the instructor was totally amazed by it, I would definitely get one of these when I return to Australia
Had a brand new one of these in 2007. Loved it. Kept it for around 3 years then got a focus ST, then a 140. Went back and drove the fn2 again few years ago and was shocked how slow it felt...
Seriously look at these right now. The styling sells me straight away.
Another super video Jay, I've always respected Japanese cars but never liked them as much as the German stuff. Then one of my old school mates took me out in his EP3 CTR and I thought that it was bloody brilliant. I always really liked the look of the FN2 and think it has aged very well.
Had one of these for just over a year and absolutely love it. Although if I was doing lots of back road miles the suspension would probably drive me mad, it's so hard!
I live in Japan and I see this car quite often when I make my commute to work. Its nice!
Love my Championship White Edition, got it at the right time back in August - wicked thing!
Great version with LSD
I miss my Type R 😔
Had 2 of these over the years. I drive alot of cars mostly new and I'm always happier to be in my FN2 at the end of a day. It might be 'the worst Honda' but comparatively it's still a really fun car. It's aged quite well.
A year ago I bought my 59 plate Type S GT 2.2 i-cdti in sapphire blue, I love it to bits! :)
I've just sold my 2011 FN2. I also owned the 2008 model until I was t-boned by a 5-series BMW. Loved driving both cars but the 2011 had the LSD and some other nice updates. A real drivers car without the price tag.
I have an ep3, owned an integra and had an fn2 champ white. I don't think the hate is justified. I thought the fn2 was brilliant. Great sound from the exhaust, lower down torque, great steering feeling (better than the ep3 in my opinion) so don't let the haters put people off. It's a great car. Looks better than an ep3 and more features. If you can get one with the limited slip diff 2010 onwards or champ white or mugen even better
Great upload. Absolutely love the FN2, stunning design and as you said, still fresh. Was totally bonkers in it's day in terms of design. As for that sound, simply beautiful. Love the shot with Cardington airsheds in the background, I'm from Bedford, Brickhill. Not many of these made it down to NZ, but when you see one it's a dream. I currently own a 2018 Civic Turbo and love it, also driven the Type R version and that put one hell of a smile on the dial 😊
had my fn2 for over a year now, and i love it.I've owned and EP3 and a DC5, the dc5 by fas the best of 3, but i enjoy the fn2 just as much a legally possible lol
I’ve had one for 2 years so far which has the optional extra diamond cut rage alloys (19”), amazing car. Adding a double din which has CarPlay has really helped make it seem a lot more modern and practical
took a silencer out, drive it daily, enjoy the car. Plus you cat fit BODIES in the boot its massive. Fast family car
Killer G yes I recently, finally puckered up and installed a Cobra non res exhaust and I love driving it even more now lol. Type R’s unfortunately don’t really make good exhaust sounds so I think it’s a must getting a good aftermarket exhaust on these. It’s too quiet otherwise
Owned mines for quite some time now, absolutely love the performance and have to agree ; the practicality of it is a bonus point.
Has it been expensive to maintain?
@@BangAverageRider Not at all. During my time of ownership I've not spent much on it. Usual servicing and brakes. I have found it to be rather reliable. Economy isn't great but that wasn't any of the reasons to buy one...
@@Kasim_Mahmood thanks
@@Kasim_Mahmood replacing fuel filter will run you a bit, need to take both front seats and centre console out to access. pain in the ass to replace. owned for 2 years and nothing but scheduled maintenance. incredibly underrated car for how fun it is, considering i could still fit a full size mountain bike in the back too.
Meanwhiles, people who want to drive fast (lets be honest, that is what a Type R is supposed to be for) will evade this car like the plague.
Bet you're one of those people who will tie a roof box to a Ferrari "Because it's practical"...
Look, I get it, you're happy with your car, but what if I told you the previous version going back to 1988 are ALL faster, handle better and have far more potential?
I get it, you prolly think I'm just being salty. But with each successive model, performance has gone down, not up. The EP Sacrificed double wishbone for McPherson struts. The FN2 sacrificed the double wishbone it had left in the rear for a solid axle. _A Solid Axle_ ...
I will have you know that in 80's, the understanding was you would only put that technology on the cheapest, most un-sporty cars you could find. Fast forward 30+ years and here we are, back at start.
But why would Honda do that? I hear you ask.
The problem with the actual fast versions of the civic was basically the gearbox and steering. The gearbox was too smooth, the steering wheel too light. And thats how an expensive car marketed at the younger generations ended up being bought almost exclusively by pensioners. The only problem was the low seating position, but with the gearbox being that smooth and the steering wheel that light, the pensioners all bought it en-masse anyway. The devious people at the Honda marketing department saw this happen and told the design department to focus more on old people.
Thats how the EP got its high seating position, lost the double wishbone in the front for the sake of "space and practicality" and why the gearbox is no longer on the floor.. It's also the reason why the EP3 gained a whopping 200+ kg's despite equipping lighter McPherson struts in the front: With the focus shifting away from supension and handling towards practicality and creature comforts, they needed to stiffen up the chassis to at least get a hint of sportyness and added a metric ton of electronics.
This trend continued with the FN2. This time around, the handling/suspension department got sent home indefinitely. The rear double wishbone got ditched as well. After seeing the pensioners being happy with the EP3, the marketing department stated that the Civic was to mainly become a people carrier, forgoing all sportyness. In order to try and please people like me, they kept a Type R version in the hopes it would still cement the Civic as a sporty car in the hearts and minds of the Honda fans.
Alas, you can take schoolbus and strap 4 Veyron engines in it, but that does not a sports car make.
I LOVE these fn2's and I love the fact most people don't know how much of a gem they are so I can selfishly enjoy it to myself, don't see many on the road where I live and I love it
I love my FN2 and am pleased I bought it over an ep3. It can be a rewarding car on the right roads. Only criticism is that the ride is ridiculous solid in stock form. Good review👍
hello there!nice video!I own an FN2 in Greece and I find it ...flawless!!
Refreshing to see the UK Type R, I owned a 2007 Civic Si sedan in US, watching this reminds me how fun that car was and that I have to come to the UK and experience the type R's myself. I've always felt here in the states we were always playing catch up to what was available in the UK, though sounds like those earlier years the lsd perhaps was one extra we got that you didn't. Honda nailed the suspension on my 2007, going from 17" to 18" wheels would not change much if anything handling wise without also modifying the suspension.
Angelo Mandato I love the 2007 SI also and find a good one for 6000 and you have a gem and a monster!
underrated car. owned for 2 years and just sold for a 4x4. had one of the better examples with low milage. a hidden gem and thankfully a low price than what it could have been if it was a popular "last true type R"
Owned an EP3 from 65k to 113k then moved to the FN2 and still enjoying it 3 years later, it did feel like moving to a slightly grown up version but love both cars :)
I like it. It drives like its on rails, it is fun and very reliable. Looks good too!
Fn2 is the more mature intelligent man's Civic Type R,👍 ok I might be so nice cos I actually own one on a GTnav spec that actually has things like voice control it way head of any car from that era and the sat nav is very good. Ive Driven every Civic Type R in carnation including the new ones and this one is by far more fun around town and country lanes and all usable if you'd like a stiff suspension. And you can fit loads of stuff on it and my 3 kids who loves the car compared to any boring normal family car. The interior still space age compared to most hatchbacks not boring looks like the golfs. Yes has a few querks but this is already becoming a classic hot hatch. The GT spec I have dual climate control a cold glove box sat nav cruise control hands-free Bluetooth and as I said voice control all in all a great package. EP3 whas his daddy I'm really grateful but that was a dinosaur compared to this car car and the VTEC kicked in to late in that one find little track car not really a usable one, face my fn2 at Brands Hatch and it had a fantastic sounded awesome with a few mods like HKS and I'm 48 years old and have a massive smile on my face every time I drive it👍👍👍👍
Such an excellent channel! More people need to find this!
Been waiting for this! Great review as always.
I loved this car. I lusted after it but we never got them here in Canada. The interior is great and the shape I find wonderful. Add k20. All good things.
It has a k20
I've had a fn2 and loved it tbh ( also had a ep3) easier to live with , like cruise control and bigger boot ect , if you look to get one and have the money go for a mugen edition ( 230ish hp I believe and a lsd ) if nit go for a later one with the lsd then with that alone that would make it a better car then the stock ep3
I have a Milano red 61 plate, one of the last made and it has the LSD. Only has 54k miles and i plan on keeping it a long time. Sometimes it's not always about how fast the car is, Honda knew that competition were going forced induction, however they knew that the car would still put a smile on your face, especially with the beautiful engine note.
Had 2 ep3s and 2 fn2s plus a dc2 integra in our family. All of them were brilliant. The fn2s were a much better planted ride a very very high speed, far more stable than an ep3, that was because the suspension was much stiffer but the downside was a very very harsh ride which would shake you fillings out if you say in the back. If I had to pick from the 3 it would be the Integra for me (more old school) Whilst it hadn't got the physical BHP of the other 2 its performance was magic and went round corners on rails. Happy days!!!!!!
Honestly the EP3 was so stiffly sprung at the back that it felt like it had a solid axel anyway. I lost a rear arb drop link mid lap on the ring and it was barely noticeable. I’ve only ever driven an fn2 on 18s but I suspect if you do what the owner of this car did and go down to 17s with bigger sidewalls it would have made it a much more pleasant car.
seanek9 Went from a ep3 to Cw fn2 and im happy with the decision I made, Ep3 interior was worst than a 96 camry
Bigger tyres make a crazy amount of difference on the FN shapes
I have a Ep3 and when I arrive to a speed bumper I have to literally stop the car. Its made for drive in perfect tarmac. Driving in potholes and country roads is a torture. That why so much people buy suvs nowadays.
@@elaxel1469 believe it or not a set of lowering springs might help,I don't think Honda used progressive springs as standard
@arshad mahmood don't have an EP3 or FN2, but for the FN2 the suspension setup was the same as the other mk8's aside from springs. Eibach pro springs with new bilstein shocks and genuine Honda mounts, ARB bushes, with Meyle drop links seems to be the go to.
As for wheels and tyres, it's down to personal preference. I preferred 17" wheels, some preferred 18's and a few 19's. I quite liked my tyres to be stuff if that makes any sense, I don't know much about tyres but there are certain tyres I preferred more than others because they gave more road feedback.
Obviously I've never tracked my car or anything - but for a road setup this is pretty good
Still looks absolutely amazing and fresh after almost 15 years. Very few cars age this well. There are newer cars that don't even come close to Honda's design from 15 years ago.
Haters gonna hate no matter what... but let's be honest, 8th Gen Honda cars are aging pretty well.
I couldn't agree more. Not many cars designed in 2006 that could just about pass for a car released today. A design far ahead of its time IMO!
I always preferred the SI styling over the Type R for this gen. The Type R bodykit always looked too bloated to me.
+1 on actually adding smaller wheels, on crappy roads it probably even has more grip because the tyre can deform to the bumps and keep contact.
Just picked up a 2009 fn2 with 73k miles, currently come from mk7 1.6 civic
Shame, I always though it was by far the best looking Civic, even today! Especially in white!
Woodrow Mayes looks terrible
@@MxMax-iu9dt ok
The white Mugen version looks insane
Yet Japan kept their FD2 for themselves.
😭
So what we got the fg2 si
@@upnorthviking823 not in Europe.
Great review in one video i learned alot about this car in many different areas.
Championship white FN2 owner for nearly 7 years. Would have it over an EP3 any day no question.
Induction kit not required. Unlike the EP3 these are not mute from factory.
Always liked the championship white edition of this version for some reason. 🤷♂️ Go figure. Great review 🙌
Love it - the LSD makes a big difference 👌
My Sister has one, love driving it🔥
Yeah I had one, 9 years ago :p
@@Mil_Sim_Matty The later ones have this. Its just white so you pay more mine is 2011 Red
@@bluenose007 Yep, I was aware of that before I bought it, 2010 onwards also came with LSD, I just wanted a white one 😎
I always preferred the SI with this generation.
Sold mine 3 weeeks ago! Only had 4970 Miles on it, if im calculating that right and still had the plastic on some places from when it was new! I had it for 3 years, very nice car but a bit out of date in terms of performance etc, the interior still goes hard today, and if you change the standard radio for a navigation/touchscreen it looks like a totalt up to date car inside at least! My first car and the first car i fell in love with 💕 Now ive upgraded to a Seat Cupra 290 - 2017 model. Which I also love aaaaalot.
After months looking for a nice Type-S and seeing only tatty ones a Type-R appeared 15 miles away from my house for a great price, and it was immaculate inside and out. I'm loving it. After 8 years of driving turbo-diesels I do miss the deep wells of torque, and I'd like more going on below 4,000 revs, but it actually pulls adequately in any gear, it just takes some getting used to that to overtake you're probably going to have to drop 3 cogs. Huge space, cruises well, and screams when you want it too. A good task for any new owner is uprating the puny lightbulbs 😁
Although they are slightly heavier than the EP3, I preferred the engine and chassis, at least on the ones I test drove
Umm same engine??
It's not the same engine.. It's slightly different on the inside and engages vtec sooner. I myself have an EP3, I sold my first one 6-7y ago but just wanted it back so bought me another. Now I'm constantly thinking about buying an fn2 but the misses doesn't like the look. 😢
@@carolusdero6663 Divorce !
Carolus De Ro remind her that you can fit a grocery store in the back!!
Hi Jay can you please do a review on the FD2R it's the JDM spec type R 4 door version and it's supposed to feel like a race car. . 👌
Yep, it's brilliant. Connected ripping drive, as any true Type R should be.
Had one for 7.5 years. It's the best Type R I ever owned. I have a S2000 now, but I still think the FD2R is the best Type R.
@@timeoy All that's missing from the S2000 is the Type R badge! :)
@@Audidude yup!
When the dodgy clutch was mentioned (5m30ish) I started day dreaming about the pros and cons of my next car being a manual or auto, I ended the day dream picturing how I used to like driving thru cople and turning at a pub called the 5 bells then dropping car into 2nd and listening to the exhaust note echo off the church wall... thought I was having a stroke when I looked back at the video.
Glitch in the matrix!!!
Probably going to buy one this weekend. Can't wait 😁
“It has more weight to carry” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Especially if you consider the demented assholes in the driver seat...
your wrong for this 😭😭😭🤦🏽♂️
See?
All you Guys keep comparing cars by how they feel at flat out speeds. So in other words the EP3 is better in the last 5% of its capabilities. But who cares, I would never take my hard earned money and buy a car with rock hard rear suspension and old basic interior. I do not own either car. But i would buy a FN2 which feels planted to the road and is comfortable on the motorway. Honda would have had to add a Turbo to increase the power, but they did tune more torque into the engine, Real drivers know that on the road Torque counts.
Had the champ white Edition with the LSD and made such a difference. Loved this car.
2 things that never get mentioned about this car. Incredible stability at high speeds and also Incredible handling in the wet (With good tyres of course)
FN2 is a great car looks and drives very well still looks modern.Mine is really good never had a moments trouble and is cheap to fix,much better than the EP3 which looks like a van.
mark weller agreed
Always amuses me how time changes opinion. When the ep3 came out it received a VERY luke warm reception in the honda community, now it's a historical great.
I will keep my dc2 thanks.
It's easily the best looking Civic by a country mile.
Cracking video i have fn2 in the process off finishing it off i love it , iv always wondered which model i had as mine is basic stock , now i know becasuse off this video i got base stock cheers fella
Clarkson ruined this car with his review
LOL. Taking car advise from Clarkson is like taking medical advice from a drug dealer, or finance advice from a bank.
Verge Cryptocurrency. That’s very true, in the same time top gear magazine gave it hot hatch of the year, and the stig loved it..
Clarkson really genuinely knows next to nothing about cars, his reviews are pointless.
@@barryfowles-zl5ib
His reviews are, well they are not reviews, they are simply entertainment.
I have come up with a term, "top gear syndrome"
It describes something that is successful because it's good at being crap.
Like certain fast food restaurants for example.
@@barryfowles-zl5ib yeah, its all just his own opinion at the end of the day. He is only 1 man.
I remember testdriving it, and indeed it wasn't too bad at all. My main gripe was that for motorway cruising, the short gearing and subsequently the noise that came with the 4000 odd RPMs it was doing simply made it too loud for everyday use. To me it's a shame these cars don't come with longer 6th gears.
FN2 has the 5.1 final drive That's how they managed to get a heavier car with the same power as the EP3 to keep a similar 0-60. I loved my FN2, toured around Europe in it and never found it too loud/droney
Strictly speaking a Type-R isn't the car for you.
@@tommac19921 I like the idea of fiddling with your gear ratio's to achieve your goals, but I never understood why the 6th gear is so long in naturally aspirated cars. My simple Fiesta 1.6 also did 4000 rpm on the highway. I know they choose 6th gear in such a way as to have the highest possible top speed, but why not have that in 5th gear? And use 6th gear for comfortable cruising and improved fuel economy.
I know this car isn't meant for me, I drew that conclusion that very day. But the same holds true for me for a lot of other hot hatches. I like sporty handling as much as the next guy, but oftentimes I feel like comfort suffers too much. Luckily nowadays a lot of the hatches allow for various drive modes, and are generally pretty comfortable for cruising.
Leroy de Leeuw If they made 6th gear longer the car wouldn’t have been able to actually achieve its top speed. Other than with a tail wind or down hill. It’s making the most of what it’s got - it’s not supposed to be a quiet motorway muncher.
@@TregTube It could make it in 5th gear. 6th is often only slightly longer than 5th so yea. But I guess this discussion is in a stalemate. I see your points, and I praise Honda for ever building these NA-monsters :) But I still don't understand some design decisions.
Had mine from nearly new. Absolutely love it.
Had a Type S version with the diesel engine.
Was a great car in my opinion.
Gave it to my cousin when I left Europe.
I prefer the fn2 because the new type rs are five door the type r must be 3 door hatch
FD2R: hold my beer 🍺
Finally subbed Jay, keen on one of these.
One of the most satisfying engines to ring out ive ever driven
The FN2 is probably great on perfectly smooth roads but my mate had one for 6 months and got rid of it because the suspenion is a nightmare, it just shakes your fillings out. A great fun car wrecked by the very flawed, rock solid suspenion.
I won't disagree, I didn't like the stock setup, but as mentioned in this vid it's easily sorted with an aftermarket setup
@@HerbsmanRevs I did say to him that if there's a more supple set up available then I'd fit it and keep the car because to me it was the only main flaw, although I'd have liked a rear wash wipe too but that's not a deal breaker. He got rid though and went back to a 320d, each to their own.
Graeme W i agree mate, Stock suspension on the fn2 is very very stiff and crashy
I’ve ordered tein lowering springs hopefully it will make it more comfortable
Haha that's exactly what I like about it
@@thatpersiandude7386 🤞🏻 mate because really speaking its the only thing that spoils a damned good car, its quick enough when needed, economical (when not being thrashed) and practical too.
Currently looking for one!
Go get one mate. I've had mine for over a year now. Great motor. Not perfect but I paid £5000 for mine with 50000 miles and full service history. It needed a service last month and that was £300. Fuel and tax are expensive but it very cheap speed..
Safe driving
Oddly enough this has been this most intriguing Type-R for me and I’ve wanted one ever since I first came across it. There is something so special about it! ...unfortunately, I live in the USA though sooooo...yeah...it’ll be a while 😂
I had a standard model with 1.8 Vtec , best car that I've ever owned , no problems , it was a brilliant car in comparision with the previous peace of junk Golf MK5 that I had
Once you get Hondata and a proper Tune... By far my personal favorite Honda
Hondata vs marlin Ecutek tune? Which would you go for?
@@rturner1321 not sure.... Not familiar with ecutek.... But hondata is great... If your tuner knows what's happening and has knowledge... I am unable to give a direct comparison opinion
I can't wait until this is 25 years or older so I can import one to the states. I am a diehard Honda guy and want to own one of each gen of the Type-R - but I really want to own the ones that didn't come to the states like the FN2 and FK2!
I’ll keep my 2008 silver FN2 for you until it’s 25 years old.👍😜
@@Shane-zx4ps OMFG I will hold you to that! Thank you! only got like another 13 years to go!
Mike Normandy, ha ha, you’ll be happy to know I just put 4 new Michelin pilot sport 4 tires on it and new discs and braided hoses.
@@Shane-zx4ps well, if you don't drive it for the next 13 years it will prob have the same tires on it! lol - Thanks for doing the maint on my car! lol
I've got my fn2 for 3 years now currently making 187.6kw. I love this car so much wouldn't trade it for anything else
Which generation is better is purely subjective.
We are all on the same side. At 46 and having just bought my first ever EP3...I love everything about it.
We drive them because they deliver a smile EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!
Always liked the look of these. Looks brilliant on the 17”s, always prefer a smaller wheel and more tyre - looks more race car...!
I would love one wish I could get one here in the USA
I work in the US alot and one of my colleagues over there has a Honda Si of the same vintage. I think they make 175bhp ?. So a little less than the EU spec Type R. However the US got the Japanese Coupe body which we didnt get. I think it looks better personally.
Driving around Bedfordshire I noticed 😁
Dunstable and the old pub you passed on the right at 6:10 are difficult to miss 🍻
I always loved the way this car looks.