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Honda Accord Type-R
by spikycat
It might seem an odd choice, but after my daughter was born we needed a bigger car and were in the market for something practical and spacious, while at the same time satisfying our craving for a little fun once in a while. Having previously owned Hondas, we were keen to stick with the brand having come to take their bullet proof nature ... for granted. Given the higher maintenance costs and potential for things to go wrong with a high performance saloon, the Accord Type-R seemed to make a lot of sense. The only slight concern was the image of the car. Not that I didn't like it, because I did, but because it seemed like a car that could attract the wrong kind of attention. However, when comparing to other Type-Rs, I decided that, besides the gigantic rear wing, the Accord actually looked relatively tame/mature in comparison.
Once I was decided in getting one, the next big challenge was finding one as in comparison to the ten-a-penny Civic Type-R, and even the less common Integra Type-R, the Accord Type-R is bordering on an endangered species; not least because the line ended in 2003. I looked at 2 or 3 cars before deciding on a silver one with relative low mileage. It was a 2001 plate, which was the year the car was face-lifted. This meant I got (what I considered) a slightly better looking front end, but the downside being that, although the car still featured a twin exhaust system, they dropped the twin chrome tips, meaning the rear profile of the car is slightly less impressive. That said, with the aforementioned rear wing, there is no chance anyone will mistake the car with any other in the Accord range. The car sits on 17" alloys, complete with low profile Bridgestone tyres, completing what is a very pleasing profile from any angle of the car. It also came with A/C, front fog lights and HID head lights, the latter of which I believe is standard trim for the car, but the others were optional extras so I was glad to find a car with these.
Inside the car there are various trims available, but I was more than happy with the alcantara trim in mine, which looks very nice indeed, and not nearly as overstated as some of the other variations I'd seen (e.g. bright red). The car is kitted out with branded Recaro seats for the driver and passenger (which are very comfortable as well as practical in keeping you firmly planted), and a leather Momo steering wheel and titanium gear knob ensure you don't forget that what you're driving. The driving position is good, and there is plenty of room in both the front and back, as well as a generous boot space.
So what about the drive? Well, this is where the car truly shines. As a family car, it's practical around town and comfortable on the motorway for long journeys. The ride may be too firm for some given the stiff springs and low profile tyres, but in my opinion the payoff in added stability and grip more than justifies this. If you're in the market for a Type-R you probably already know a little about Honda's VTEC engines, and that something interesting happens around 5500-6000 revs. However, the 5-speed gearbox allows you to have a perfectly fine (if somewhat subdued) driving experience without ever exceeding 4500 revs, and this will certainly give you a better return on your miles per gallon. However, this car is a Jekyll and Hyde, and you'd be completely missing the point of buying one if you don't explore its dark side on a regular basis. The first time takes a bit of courage, and a suspension of disbelief. Your natural reaction if you've never driven a Type-R before is to change up a gear long before you get anywhere near the 5800 revs. It feels unnatural, but you need to leave your foot firmly planted to the floor and wait for the fireworks. When the VTEC kicks in, you'll be forgiven for thinking there is a turbo charger under the bonnet, as you are pushed backwards into your seat. The engine note changes distinctly at the same time, and fills your ears with a sound that, if you closed your eyes (don't!), you'd swear you were in a 300BHP touring car blazing around Silverstone (the reality is a 210BHP with a 0-60 time of just over six seconds, but it feels quicker). This goes on right up to the redline around 8000 RPM, although you'll hit the rev limiter before this. If there is a criticism of this car, it's that you have to drive it on the absolute limit to get the best out of it, and you'll wish for a six speed gearbox to drop you just a little closer to the sweet spot each time you change up. As it is, the 5 speed box, while very capable and smooth, doesn't really allow you to quite do this consistently. Of course, it does mean you get to feel the kick in every gear each time you reach 5800 RPM. Of course, it's not all about straight line speed, and the Accord also has sublime handling thanks to its lowered stance on stiffer springs and low profile tyres, not to mention the limited slip differential. Going around corners doesn't seem to be a concern at any speed, and the car seems to excel in the wet also. Never once did I feel anywhere near the limit of grip, which inspires a huge amount of confidence. The car comes with driver and passenge airbags, but the car never leaves you feeling that you might ever need them. The steering is also very responsive, and you get just the right amount of feedback from the road. I'd sum up the driving experience in one word - addictive, and the sound of the VTEC engine in full flow is utterly exhilarating (enhanced by the fact that sound proofing in the engine bay has been removed from the Type-R Accord to keep the weight down).
I should mention running costs I suppose, although I'm not sure you really buy a car like this is you are too concerned about the pounds and pence of running it. I averaged around 30MPG, driving the car in a balanced way, but you'll probably get significantly less than this is you can't stay out of the VTEC zone. The car also requires a minimum of 98 octane fuel, as a sticker next to the filler cap reminds you. Personally I always used Shell Optimax (now V-Power) which is 99 octane. Insurance was group 17, but quotes were not as steep as I expected. Recommended service interval is around 9 thousand miles, and not overly expensive. However, watch your oil levels. When I bought the car they recommended checking the oil every two fills of the petrol tank as a minimum. I thought this sounded over the top, but believe me it isn't. These cars drink oil like I drink cider and you can get into serious problems if you let them run low and drive them hard. Reliability-wise the car was as bullet proof as any other Honda I've ever owned before or since, but the pressure inside these VTEC engines is immense so you have to look after them in line with the manufacturer's guidance.
The Type-R Accord is undoubtedly the dark horse of the range, and having owned a Civic Type-R since I can say hand on heart that the Accord is the superior car. That's a serious compliment as the Civic is a very capable all-rounder too, but for that raw edge, the thrill of the Accord when it's in the zone is something I can't adequately describe in words - seeing (or feeling) is believing. Obviously it's not a 911 or anything close, but I'm willing to bet you can't have this much fun in any other car in this (or any other) class for under £10k. It's the best car I've ever owned, and I wish I still had one. I sincerely hope Honda eventually get around to re-instating the Type-R or something similar to the Accord range, as it's sorely missed. If you get even half a chance, drive one.
(Review also posted under the same name on another review site).
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Honda Jazz 1.4
by diddums10
Despite the embarassment of being probably the youngest people to ever drive one of these cars, it is a lovely car to drive about. The ride is smooth, gear changes smooth, the seats are very comfortable especially on long drives which is already a useful aspect.
The engine is very quiet, apart from its Cold start up feature ... which is where it revs the engine slightly higher when you first start it up so that no performance is lost when you first get going. This feature is visible from a blue "C" on the dashboard.
The price you pay for this, is represented in the quality of this vehicle. The car has a very good quality engine and every aspect of its drive is of a high standard.
The car is very spacious and no one has trouble fitting in the seat behind me when i have it all the way back. One small trouble i find with this car is that the Gear stick could do with being a bit closer. Though i am 6ft, so sit quite a way back, so if you are shorter than me then chances are you wont have this issue.
The storage space in the car is very good, with all the rear seats folding flat. Even when the back seats are full, you can store bags under the rear seats, as unlike other cars, there is a large space under the backseats, where they fold down. A very practical car for people with lots of luggage and that need the extra space.
For the price this car is, it is definately worth it with its drive quality and all the aspects it has.
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Honda Civic 1.4i Sport 5dr
by eye_doo
The Honda Civic sport is powered by a 1.4 engine, and the Sport trim includes half leather interior, a leather steering wheel, alloy wheels, and a spoiler. The car also comes with anti lock brakes, front electric windows, power steering and air conditioning.
Driving:
I found the 1.4 engine slightly sluggish for the size ... of the body, however it was excellent on fuel consumption. Similary acceleration is not amazing unless the car is pushed. The car drives very well on the motorway and easily cruises at high speed. The steering is light, and the car is easy to maneuver and park. Although this car is a "sport" model I would have expected improvements in handling or performance, but unfortunately it is the same as the standard 1.4 model.
Features:
For the price, this car is extremely well equipped. The Sport trim is a must as it provides a much better look and feel to both the interior and exterior. The build quality is as expected on a Honda, and everything is of great quality. Another great thing about this model is that it comes with air conditioning as standard. Front airbags are also included.
The seats are comfortable, especially for the driver. They have good support and hold the driver firmly in place. However the car may not be suited to long journeys with passengers in the rear.
Maintenance:
As usual with Hondas, this car is extremely reliable, and nothing went wrong during the ownership of this car. It is very cheap to run and easy to maintain.
Overall, if you need a low cost, reliable, cheap to run and full loaded family vehicle with a sporty feel, this is an excellent choice.
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