Awesome!! (Honda Integra TypeR)

Member Name: ianclark

Product:	Honda Integra TypeR
Date:	25/09/01 (1530 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Performance, Rarity, Looks

Disadvantages: Fuel economy, Not relaxing!!

I have driven many cars (I was in the motor trade) however I owned an Integra Type R for 12 months and would say that it is the finest car that I have ever driven.

The handling and performance defy belief, it really does give some idea of how a F1 car would feel (havnt had the chance but I have raced carts and TVR).

Fuel economy is dire for the first few weeks, you just keep driving it harder and harder!!! I had mine during the fuel crises and driving it economically is hard work (and not very rewarding). When you are pottering along you notice the noise from the engine and tyres, the note from the engine (when not being pushed) is a little annoying, indeed 30mph is not quite right for 3rd gear and a little too slow for 4th (an excuse for speeding?)so progress can be a little uncomfortable. The car transforms totally driven in the manner of which it is intended...

Build quality is beyond reproach, everything is solid and well made, the seats offer superb "sideways" support, necessary during fast conering.

The service from the dealership was outstanding, the car being perfectly prepared for collection, however the required air conditioning (the cabin gets hot due to engine output) was not yet dealer fitted. It appears that this was not a fault of the dealer but of Honda UK who do not always control the supply of parts correctly. To get the parts, my dealer had to write to Honda and inform them that I would hold off an order for 20 civics if the parts were not supplied (the dealers idea not mine)...the parts were sent rapidly!!! Of course I wouldnt suggest to other dooers that this is the way to get things done, but the same trick works with Ford ;-)

I would choose another Honda without question (I want a Civic Type R, please). Honda really know how to make a great car, it is such a shame that they have not a clue about promoting the product...a dealer friend tells me that they bang their heads against
the wall talking to Honda, the maker is simply content in the fact that they make great cars hence the "whisper" of a promotion for the new civic and the logo.

So, the Type R, it is not to everyones taste (my wife loved driving it but hated being a passenger - too scared), it takes total concentration...but what fun!!!

Summary: