Why the Honda Civic Type R should NEVER be AWD // 2018 Type R: A Masterclass in FWD

This week I test the 2018 Honda Civic Type R and realize that its essentially perfect exactly as it is. There are a few very annoying quirks, but watch the video to find out why this FWD hatch is KING.

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[brandondan]

This guy gets it. You read a lot of complaining about how FWD is inferior, despite all of the objective performance data on this car. You just need to drive one once to understand how well engineered it is. The styling is aggressive for sure, but I get a lot of interest and positive comments IRL. You shouldn’t let other people’s opinions determine your life choices. Just do you.

[TypeR-]

Yes this car looks silly. It's silly looks caught my attention, and its performance convinced me to buy one. I absolutely love it.

[jamesdiburro]

I bought one a few months ago...one of the most impressive cars I've ever driven. Some people thinks $35K for a Honda Civic is high...I think this is an incredible bargain.

[timkozak]

Actually I just bought a new Type R. Everything you say is spot on. I am an old guy who likes high performance Cars. I am an amateur driver, but tracked my 2017 ZL1 Camaro. A beast, 676 Hp 650 + ft.Lbs of torque, but maybe too much for me. Powerful, but stiff and twitchy no what matter the suspension mode you put it in.The Type R is so easy to drive at high speeds on a track or road. 3 modes nicely modulated and midrange pull that is very impressive. Now it is not a ZL1, but I bet my track times would be better driving the Type R. A great car for the price. Nicely engineered. Recommend this vehicle.

[suilujre]

probably the best review regarding the CTR driving dynamics on youtube

[stereopathic]

I bought one and really do love it. One annoyance I haven't seen mentioned is that with all the cracks, crevasses, nubs, fins, vents and such, it's really time-consuming to wash and wax.

[ousi]

The car actually looks pretty good. It's not a 0-60 machine but lemme tell you this... This is one of the best cars in terms of turning in and tuning in with the rhythm of a road, and I owned FR, MR, 4WD. It's simply just turn and you know exactly how much it will turn. Suspension setup is just spot-on in the Type R. It's FWD but so what? As long as you don't hit a pot hole or a man hole cover, you won't even notice.

The way it accelerate makes it feel very fast, felt faster than my M5 at lower revs.

Yea, the look is polarizing. The 0-60 maybe not that great. But it's just fun. I have an F10 M5, and used to have Subaru WRX STI (GR, hatchback); Honda S2000 (very pointy, but prone to too much oversteer); Acura NSX (NA1, still the best connection with the driver); Honda Civic SiR (EM1) and Honda Civic Si (FA5).

[liudxdx]

This car draws too much attention lol. I own mine for about a month now. Kids about 4 y/o tell me oh your car is so cool look like a Lamborghini. Couple guys 60+ y/o come up to me oh Sir is this a civic?? It comes like this with a wing? Is this all standard? Lol. Thumbs up from other drivers all the time. A truck beep me from behind just want to give me a thumbs up lol. Teenagers screaming “Type as I drive passing by😐😐😐

[YousafNO]

Bought one a couple weeks ago, best decision I made. Drove a bunch of cars like the new Mustang GT, m240i, BMW M4 - This was extremely fun. A complete package. Coming from a G37xS coupe (and a 2001 Honda Prelude before that), I really enjoy the efficiency and the power through the gears. If you disregard 0-60 time, this car really out plays its competitors and more. I was looking for a great driving experience first and foremost, and then practicality, this does both beautifully. Tossed my bike in the back the other day, I can’t say that about any other car I’ve owned or looked at lmao. The only thing is it gets a lot of attention (I don’t mind), sometimes it’s not always good attention though (got pulled over 2x already), that’s the only downside so far. But overall, I’m happy about it!

[GibbysGarage]

I thought I was the only person that's self conscious about my music choice at red lights.

[loubarelectroplus]

Tsch, tsch, :D got me giggling all around. I've seen every video on the Type R, there's something in common, that special feeling it provides, that smile, that crazy shiver, hate it or like, this is phenomenal!

I'm in love with the Civic Type R.

[Sebash]

I owned a 2018 Subaru WRX STI and I traded it in for my 2018 Honda Civicy Type R. I love them both, but the Type R is just a whole different class of car. Yeah, I miss AWD sometimes. But the Type R is not over hyped at all.

[GMCL]

I bought one about a year ago. Still as much fun to drive as the day I got it. Love the practicality as a daily driver (huge cargo area with the seats down, great mileage, rear seats comfortable for full-sized adults) and the performance is just outstanding. Looks have totally grown on me, and my kids love it. Great review!

[sagemajestic]

My dad has a civic type r, and I love it! It’s a work of art

[desirefrogman]

I absolutely love everything about the type-R. I love the style including that rear wing. I know its not for everyone but thats what i love about it. I will definitely get one after my Si.

[mirzaster]

Just got it a few weeks ago. It's a typical Michigan winter. The car has been tremendous fun with all weather tires. Very comfortable. And the drive....just puts a smile on my face. The shifter is so sweet. Coming from a very powerful Mustang that I have to fight with to change gears, this was such a blessing.

[ChrisHale]

Your videos are the kind of in-depth review that I've been missing. Thanks so much!

[twixxmiles]

I got my Type R 3 days ago. I have never driven anything so fun and responsive in my life! I am excited to drive again. This car is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!

[JohnE]

I bought one of these 10 days ago. I had always disliked the "in your face" styling, but I mellowed & thought about how Honda's engineers spent time ensuring that the vortices created at the back of the roof created actual downforce in conjunction with the rear wing as opposed to merely mitigating lift. This led me to think that I don't see the spoiler when I'm driving so why worry about it when it's producing desirable aerodynamic effects.
I now LOVE the look of the car because I appreciate the results of the design and I am truly buzzing whenever I drive it!

[weduhpeople]

Being a former gdb 04 sti owner which was the rawest model from Japan can tell you once I first tested the turn in performance it understeered badly in stock form. Fast forward to end of 2018 when I took ownership of a 2018 cbp type r I was amazed how the turn in performance was. It oversteered in a very planted controllable way but gripped the road better than an awd sti.