USED Honda Civic Hatchback (00 - 06)

My car

I've had this car for two-and-a-half years and often wonder why I've still got it. It is very average in most respects. Good points are the interior space and build quality. It always starts and I get 60mpg on runs and 49mpg in town.

However, the steering is awful. The electric power steering motor lurches at parking speeds and Honda says this is normal. The turning circle is ridiculously huge - three-point turns are a regular occurence where my Volvo V70 and BMW 3 Series can swing a U-turn easily.

Noise is intrusive from engine and road. The engine has a flat spot at 1500rpm which is unlike VW or Ford diesels. It causes many tense moments at roundabouts.

Servicing at the main stealer is more expensive than my Volvo (but not BMW!). Despite beautiful build quality, it is made of tin - door handles resonate if you drop them. Open welds show up on the door pillars. However, there are no rattles or creaks to talk about.

As others have mentioned, reliability is good but my headlight adjuster motors failed within warranty, too.

Overally, it's my first Honda and probably my last. I bought it on price and the reputation that Honda supposedly has. Anyone who compares this to a Focus, Astra, Octavia, Leon or Golf will see what I mean. It's back to Germany for me next time. Sorry.

My car

I've just recently bought my CTR, and having wanted one since Honda launched the Type R.

I bought a second-hand run-out version of the CTR in gunmetal grey, and everytime you pop the key in, it puts a big smile on my face. Insurance isn't bad even though I'm 21.

It has a slick six-speed gearbox, figure-hugging seats, and is king of the hot hatches (I'm still getting to know the CTR's full potential).

My car

I've had this car for a while now and have to say its probably the best i've driven so far. The speed and torque of the car is amazing and the styling is even better.

A lot of reviews say that this car is thirsty. If driven normally (i.e. not too much VTEC) then its actually quite an economical car with regards to a 2.0 litre engine (approx 310 miles per tank - which is slightly smaller than the average car's tank) but take it past 5800 revs regularly then it will eat fuel, tyres, brakes, road etc.

The handling is superb but the steering seems to have a mind of its own. It can be a bit noisy but for me that adds to the appeal of the car. The interior is plain and simple but could have done with a few extra touches (such as auto window for the passenger side). The turning circle is very poor but hey, i didn't buy this car to be doing three point turns!

My car

I love this car! Having driven a seven-seater MPV for the previous five years, I wanted something fun and light to drive.

Having looked at Vauxhall Astras, Volkswagen Golfs and so on, I still couldn't decide what was right for me. Then I saw a red, sporty, great-looking Civic.

I took a test drive in it and was smitten. She is so responsive, and is spacious yet compact. I do wish she used less petrol, seeing that fuel prices are so high, but still it's not a problem.

I have no complaints at all - I'm very happy with it and love the dashboard gearstick and the space on the back floor in particular.