USED Honda Civic Hatchback (00 - 06)

My car

This car is absolutely phenominal. With 197BHP, it's just itching to go faster and faster all the time.

When you're doing about 30MPH and you put your foot down, it's such a fantastic feeling. I would rate the Type R 5 out of 5.

My car

The car is an all-rounder, rather than an all-out hot hatch. With this in mind, it does come over as a pretty successful package.

Being without traction control, traffic light out-dragging is often a hit-and-miss affair, as the front wheels spin all too easily, especially if there is any damp on the road. Perhaps the original-fit tyres contribute to this.

You do feel, with it being a Honda, there might have been more of a top-end power surge, but then there is the Type R.

Overall, the car is pretty lively performance wise, well equipped, insurance is very attractive, good looking in a slightly conservative way,and it is a honda so should have the reliability and build quality that goes with the name.

My car

It is a really good car. Cheap on insurance for what it is! Have had really good fun driving it!

My car

I traded up from a Fiesta 1.4 16v Ghia to a Type-R in April 2004. I live in Northern Scotland where there are some excellent roads so top of my wish list is a car that's fun to drive with enough kick to safely pass all the caravans come summertime.

From a driving point of view the Fiesta would take some beating - honest! I looked at the Clio 182 (great fun but at 6'1" couldn't get comfy), Focus ST170 (superb handling but didn’t feel special, plus disappointing engine), Mini Cooper S (too small, didn’t like the supercharger whine), BMW 320td (too expensive, too refined) and the Civic.

It’s far from perfect but to me it just felt right. Superb driving position, practicality, build quality, handling and an engine/gearbox combo to die for. The acceleration is just stunning although the slightest hint of moisture on the roads causes the wheels to spin a bit too easily.

If you live in a city then avoid as ride around town is poor and the turning circle embarrassing. It’s not too bad on the motorway but there are better cars. If however, most of your driving is done on country roads then I cannot recommend it highly enough – make sure you fork out for air-con though.