Is The Honda Civic Type-R FN2 Unfairly Judged? | Driven+

In this video, we dive into the Honda FN2 Type R, the misunderstood hero of the hot hatch world. Often criticized for its rear torsion beam suspension and softer approach compared to the beloved EP3, the FN2 never really got the respect it deserved. But was it judged unfairly? We explore why this naturally aspirated, high-revving VTEC machine still delivers thrills and why it’s more than just a "watered-down" Type R. From its everyday practicality to its raw driving experience, let's uncover why the FN2 deserves a second look!

If you love hot hatches and think the FN2 Type R deserves more credit, smash that like button and let me know what you think in the comments below!

[glitch]

I've had the FN2 for nearly a year now, and its one of the, if not the BEST car i've owned. So much fun to drive and they look great too.

[andrezejobuch]

In my humble opinion this was a great car... comfortable for a long drive, everything you needed and pretty swift. Good review buddy 😊😊

[cluk]

I had one. Great little car. I much prefer driving this everyday than when I owned my ep3

[jimkennedy]

Drove lots of cars but do love driving my FN2. Sticks to the road like a go kart and love the revving engine. Looks great also. 👍🏼

[Birmingham_racing]

Top gear definitely influenced my and many peoples opinions on these but still love the vtec sound

[paullewis]

From an owner of one of these for 6.5 years now (supercharged) and 2 dc5s 1 supercharged, 3 dc2 type rs including a turbo one and a total of near 20 years of driving all the type r's apart from newer turbo models or the nsx., I believe I have a solid opinion on them. Basically all type rs need something modified to make them very good. Either suspension, brakes or at least alignment and some gearing. But the fn2 is a stonking car once modified. Even good tyres an alignment and a map makes huge difference. They all need a dif at the bare minimum and a smidge more power. Weight is the fn2s biggest downfall but once u get that down they really are excellent cars. My friends one is na at 260hp with just bolt ons and cams and weight down to 1150kg. Laps faster times than a lot of 350+hp cars and not once has the rear beam been an issue. Its very stable and pointy ( really helps with a decent rear anti roll bar ). Too many people judge them without ever having driven one...and I kinda like the underdog status and the surprised look on people's faces when they see its lap times

[matta]

Dont forget the Fk2, the car that launched the R into turbo realms 😉 (for better.. or worse) keep up the good work guys 💪

[glenhallworth]

Had 2 ep3s when new they were fantastic

[bazaboy]

Love the review I have a Honda Civic TI limited edition they are very fun

[EvoBeard]

Regarding the VTEC engagement, the Z4 in the FN2 did indeed have a lower crossover point than the A2's in the EP3, but as the one you were driving is mapped, it's probably had the engagement point brought lower, likely to the mid-high 4000's, for extra fun times. 😁

[bigkaswrx]

All I know is this: right now in the UK this is the cheapest Type R civic's will ever be in the world. £3-4k gets you in a half decent one. No where else on earth can you buy a K20 R car that cheap. I would say to everyone buy them now while you still can. Remember when the GC8 wrxs were £1500? And the Evos were £8k? And the e36 M3s were £4k? Grab em ! 🤷‍♂️😄

[TypeR-Seb]

I just got one fn2 a month ago and its impressive.

[JordzyBrev]

Had mine 2 years best car I’ve ever owned

[billionbear]

I had an EP3 followed by 2 FN2s one of which was the Mugen200. I much preferred the EP3.

[TheLmkPL]

I have never understood the phenomenon of EP3. It was like previous civic generation with better engine and more nervous rear end than EK chassis. I also preferred the look of older hondas than van-style in EP3. It was neither race car in its stock form nor comfy car. But FN2 was new quality for me - nicer looking, much nicer interior, stiffer than stock EP3, more stable in high speeds, had better steering ratio. I have champ white FN2 for more than 8 years now and I really like driving it as a weekend car. Recently I had a chance to replace it with FL5.. But I have chosen to take Audi RS5 and to keep FN2. FL5 would be just another FWD honda that doesn't even sound right..

[RB-xjzv]

I have had the Fn2 for 4 years now, this is the best type R.

[SEGASaturnLad]

Some of your stats are off mate, the FN is approx 50kg on the EP3 and the Mugan edition was still a 2.0 not a 2.2 and made 240bhp, not 256. But otherwise a solid review.

[TikTok-toqq]

This car is a MAGIC AND DREAM TO DRIVE and CLUTCH AND GEAR SHIFTS ARE BUTTER JUST BUTTER

[cocacolaholic]

Having owned the dc2, ek9, s2000, ep3, and now a champ white fn2 I think the fn2 is the best daily car out of them all, it's the more refined grown up type r and is a nice place to be, if you track the type r then obviously the older ones are more involving and raw

[ibziahmed]

iv had 3 ep3s but not this one but sonething makes me wanna get one now