FN2 was on the runout car when I joined Honda of the UK Manufacturing at Swindon in 2011. Most of the Engineers there preferred the previous model EP3 and praised its handling over the FN2. EP3 had independent rear suspension. I was lucky enough to drive an early Japanese Spec EP3 with 225 BHP, crazy car for its time
Hondas marketing material at the time described it as being as close to a motorbike on 4 wheels. The high rev band and central rev counter position helping in that aim.
Such a good looking car, Honda were really doing it different to everyone else when this car came out. Shame they didn't stick to their guns with the later models, which seemed a lot more watered down style-wise. That said they sort of made up for it with all the craziness of the Type-R versions. Nicely produced video, great work :)
@@CarSoul Agreed, and even the non Type-R models. Not as revolutionary as the FN2, but nice that they at least tried to come up with something different!
@@JordzyBrev I know, it is crazy 😁 I have 2006 Mercedes E class as second car and it has less space for legs in the rear, than the fn2 🤦♂️ Tomorow, we will ride with fn2 780km to holiday by the sea for two weeks 😁 It is more than track car and I really love this car
I adore the FN2, but it does need modding. If Honda would have released it in 2007 with 225Bhp, LSD and better rear spoiler it would have been the hit it deserved to be.
Call me stupid (and you might)... but i kinda love that the fn2 isnt finished... YES, i agree 220... FIT THE CAMS AS STANDARD HONDA. and YES. this would be the best type R imo. BUT, i kinda like that its nor perfect and its got a huge mod scene, the car isnt any worse to insure or run than my old daily Vectra D 200bhp.
I adore the hell out of my fn2. It's practical, quick enough, mostly comfortable and it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I have a new kid on the way soon and it's going to be time to move it on. That will be a sad day.
@@CarSoul if I could fit 5 kids, my Mrs and Me into it, the car would be staying without question. I've moved into a Nissan pathfinder. Gone from being able to go fast to being able to anywhere (almost)
@@joshwaterfield2483 decent 7 seater's they are and can always fit a roof box pop up tent for camping too. Would you keep it if you had just the 1 or 2. 🤔🤔 probably without a debout.
@@mylesgoward5954 would definitely keep the civic if just 1 or 2 kids. The only other vehicle I would consider in that sort of category would be another Octavia vrs. But in terms of fun, civic everytime.
I don't agree, generally you can expect to par 1k more for one with an LSD... and be forced into buying one that hasn't been looked after. I would 100% do what i did, Find one that's been looked after... has legit honda or similar service history. save up for an hybrid intake and a LSD aftermarket swap... youll only pay 1k for the both and it will completely out perform any standard LSD model.
I couldn't resist. This video made me want to own a FN2 Type R. Unfortunately not a Mugen version, but I found a silver Type R 2010 with the LSD! it has below 150,000 km and a fully stamped service book. Wanted a black one but oh well. Can anyone advice me, any drawbacks by reducing the VTEC down to say 4800 rpm? that and a new set of tires, and going 235 in the front. maybe J's sway/strut bars and then just drive it :)
I take my FN2 to a Honda tuning specialist for all its work. My VTEC is set at 4000 RPM and the tuner insists that is nothing but beneficial to the car. The remap was already done so he wasn't trying to sell me anything.
@@1968leg Since we have E10 nowadays in Sweden and I want to set vtec at 4800 rpm, a tune even on a stock engine would be good? If nothing else it sets a baseline and I can shout veeeeeteeec more often 😂👌🏻
@@_TrueDesire_ yes, it makes a.big difference. You'll need the Ecutek or Hondadata software to be able to do it. Change the air filter and exhaust for the full effect 👍
This is where opinion comes in to play, the value of the EP3 over the FN2 speaks for itself, the older car is more expensive than the newer variant of the same model. The FN2 was just a let down compared to the EP3, not saying it is a bad car, the JDM version FD2 is brilliant, had we got that and been comparing the two right now it would be a completely different story. The EP3 was ahead of it's time, the FN2 was heavier, handled worse, and without the additional power to make up for these drawbacks you can see why people are going for EP3's. Typically the newer car should be better than the older one, this wasn't the case with the FN2. I think they're both great cars with great looks. They appeal to different people for different reasons however among the car community the FN2 is regarded as the worst variant of the civic type r to date, however there has to be a first and last place, that doesn't mean the FN2 is bad. Honda just didn't pour as much love for the FN2 as they did for the FD2. I've spoke to a few people who have owned Type R's and said they wouldn't get another and they tend to be people that have gotten a family and needed a bigger car, or owned the FN2. All comes down to preference and opinion and neither choice is wrong. The main thing is they're there to be enjoyed before these high revving Honda's go extinct!
I test drove the ep3 and fn2 although the ep3 was more fun I got the fn2 purely for the fact I could not get comfortable in the ep3 as I have long legs and the ep3 not having reach adjustments in the steering wheel also fn2 IMO Is much better looking and has mod cons like cruise control and much more
I don't actually disagree with what you said, apart from the FN2 not handling as well. The FN2 had a much better sorted front end, more direct steering and was more planted. I remember when Inside Line took both cars to the Hungaroring F1 circuit for the FK2R launch, with a pro driver the FN2 actually lapped slightly quicker than the EP3. There is really nothing between them, performance-wise. The EP3 was just a more raw and visceral experience, therefore arguably more fun. As you stated they are both different and neither are bad cars. The EP3 was definitely a game changer for its time, whereas the FN2 was just a more grown up version of the same formula that proved less popular at the time. I do think time has been kind and more people are starting to appreciate the "all round" capability of the FN2's approach though. I don't really compare the FD2 as it was developed for a totally different market...performance and 4 doors aside, it's not nearly as comfortable for daily driving duties with far stiffer suspension. They're all great at the end of the day and have their strengths and weaknesses. We're spoilt for choice is how I choose to see it.
Had an EP3 for 7 years and an FN2 for the last 2 years. The FN2 handles much better than an EP3. Much more planted and the steering is in a totally different league. As for the FD2, not actually driveable on UK roads. It's a track car.
Owned a Jap spec facelift lift EP3R (has all the extra bits and bobs, factory lsd, lighter flywheel, more aggressive cams, shorter gear ratios, more power 212hp JDM vs 197hp UKDM) Currently have a UKDM FN2R which missed out on all those extras. As much as I loved my EP3 it was almost scary in the front end, it seemed to float around and just didn't seem to want to track straight, will catch you out with lift off oversteer too if you're not ready for it. I did all the mods like shortened tie rod ends, offset lca bushes and rack sliders which helped but the steering didn't have much feedback and at times just felt floaty, torque steer was bad on it too. I never considered buying an FN2 ever to be quite honest I hated the look and just heard such bad things about them. Fast forward afew years and I found myself buying an FN2, simply because I needed a daily driver and EP3 are around 25k AUD (in Aus all our EP3 are JDM models) compared to an FN2which are around 15k, so I bit the bullet and bought the FN2. After owning one all I can say is all of the hate and criticism that it received is definitely rubbish, car handles great and interior is a beautiful place to be, sure it's a little heavier but I found with some basic bolt on mods intake, header, exhaust and tune it really woke the cars potential up. The steering has heaps of feedback, it's direct and the rear feels very planted. I absolutely adore the thing as it makes my 1hour trip to work a fun and exciting drive while far more comfortable and practical than an EP3. Perhaps old age has set in as I owned the EP3 in my mid 20s and now I'm in my mid 30s, but I honestly feel overall the FN2 is the better all round package and on a plus side, it seems that at the time the FN2 was released it was so far ahead of its time that now 15 years later the styling makes it look like current cars, so to me it actually doesn't look bad at all now. Strange to say the least lol
The fn2 is looking dated now,the EP3 has a timeless classic look, don't think the fn2 will be a future classic but the EP3 is already becoming collectable.
really?? id say the opposite...fn2 was ahead of its time in looks..a better daily than Ep3 . just as modern as todays cars in appearance 10 years later.
I have to say I couldn't disagree more! You don't have to even like the FN2's aesthetic, but only one of the two looks contemporary and it ain't the EP3! The FN2 had a design that was well ahead of its time, inside and out. If you look at the design of subsequent hot hatches (post 2011) it's pretty much the only hatch of that era that could still be mistaken for being released in recent times. The EP3 may have a classic look to an extent, but it was dated even before the FN2 was released and definitely looks like a 20 year old car (and then some).
FN2 is the worst civic Type R of them all….and I daily drive one. EK9 FD2 FL5 FK8 Fk2 EP3 FN2 And I wouldn’t say EP3 suffers from rust more either…..especially with the FN2 being so much newer there’s plenty with rotten rear subframes kicking about.
FN2 was on the runout car when I joined Honda of the UK Manufacturing at Swindon in 2011. Most of the Engineers there preferred the previous model EP3 and praised its handling over the FN2. EP3 had independent rear suspension. I was lucky enough to drive an early Japanese Spec EP3 with 225 BHP, crazy car for its time
Hondas marketing material at the time described it as being as close to a motorbike on 4 wheels. The high rev band and central rev counter position helping in that aim.
I love my fn2. Had it less than a week, though. So, early days.
I have the 2.2 diesel version of this and it's a mega car, so versatile and practical
Such a good looking car, Honda were really doing it different to everyone else when this car came out. Shame they didn't stick to their guns with the later models, which seemed a lot more watered down style-wise. That said they sort of made up for it with all the craziness of the Type-R versions. Nicely produced video, great work :)
The latest one is a bit more mental don't you think?
@@CarSoul Agreed, and even the non Type-R models. Not as revolutionary as the FN2, but nice that they at least tried to come up with something different!
FN2's were special, still are... get one while you can because soon they are going to become very expensive.
Not as light and fast then EP3's, its good enough of its own power
Always loved a ep3, recently a bought a fn2 and i perfer it over a ep3
I will always miss my ep3! I loved that thing but at the same time I really do enjoy my fn2!
Same
@@mr_george7761 so much more room inside then my 5 door mk7 1.6 civic 🤣
@@JordzyBrev I know, it is crazy 😁 I have 2006 Mercedes E class as second car and it has less space for legs in the rear, than the fn2 🤦♂️
Tomorow, we will ride with fn2 780km to holiday by the sea for two weeks 😁 It is more than track car and I really love this car
I adore the FN2, but it does need modding. If Honda would have released it in 2007 with 225Bhp, LSD and better rear spoiler it would have been the hit it deserved to be.
Took a while (and Mugen) to make it's ultimate form, I agree.
sounds about the FD2 👍🏻 remains my top CTR not to mention it was faster than the S2000 (stock vs stock) on circuits.
Call me stupid (and you might)... but i kinda love that the fn2 isnt finished... YES, i agree 220... FIT THE CAMS AS STANDARD HONDA. and YES. this would be the best type R imo. BUT, i kinda like that its nor perfect and its got a huge mod scene, the car isnt any worse to insure or run than my old daily Vectra D 200bhp.
it's a shame that the european emission standards bogged it down so hard so it could have been so much better but it didn't became because of Europe.
I adore the hell out of my fn2. It's practical, quick enough, mostly comfortable and it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I have a new kid on the way soon and it's going to be time to move it on. That will be a sad day.
Keep the car and struggle!
@@CarSoul if I could fit 5 kids, my Mrs and Me into it, the car would be staying without question. I've moved into a Nissan pathfinder. Gone from being able to go fast to being able to anywhere (almost)
@@joshwaterfield2483 decent 7 seater's they are and can always fit a roof box pop up tent for camping too. Would you keep it if you had just the 1 or 2. 🤔🤔 probably without a debout.
@@mylesgoward5954 would definitely keep the civic if just 1 or 2 kids. The only other vehicle I would consider in that sort of category would be another Octavia vrs. But in terms of fun, civic everytime.
Most beautiful car in history
Is there an FN2 review out there that doesn’t mention the EP3?
100% agree when buying an fn2 now it’s best to get a post April 2020 , m200 or championship white
Ya should defo do a video on one with lsd next
I’ve driven the Mugen M200 since this was filmed. So nice with the LSD!
@@CarSoul 2007 and 2008 will be great buys soon as most will drop below the £3k mark soon
@@danielhasahondaandtriumph afraid not. They all gone up over a grand in the last year!
I don't agree, generally you can expect to par 1k more for one with an LSD... and be forced into buying one that hasn't been looked after. I would 100% do what i did, Find one that's been looked after... has legit honda or similar service history. save up for an hybrid intake and a LSD aftermarket swap... youll only pay 1k for the both and it will completely out perform any standard LSD model.
Thinking about buying a type r fn2, are they still worth getting even tho the car is from 2007-2010ish?
Age is just a number. Fn2 has done a particularly good job of feeling modern. The dash is so out there that it just can’t age.
I couldn't resist. This video made me want to own a FN2 Type R. Unfortunately not a Mugen version, but I found a silver Type R 2010 with the LSD! it has below 150,000 km and a fully stamped service book. Wanted a black one but oh well.
Can anyone advice me, any drawbacks by reducing the VTEC down to say 4800 rpm?
that and a new set of tires, and going 235 in the front. maybe J's sway/strut bars and then just drive it :)
I take my FN2 to a Honda tuning specialist for all its work. My VTEC is set at 4000 RPM and the tuner insists that is nothing but beneficial to the car. The remap was already done so he wasn't trying to sell me anything.
@@1968leg Since we have E10 nowadays in Sweden and I want to set vtec at 4800 rpm, a tune even on a stock engine would be good? If nothing else it sets a baseline and I can shout veeeeeteeec more often 😂👌🏻
@@_TrueDesire_ yes, it makes a.big difference. You'll need the Ecutek or Hondadata software to be able to do it. Change the air filter and exhaust for the full effect 👍
@@1968leg cheers :)
That was something I forgot to mention in this - you need to get an aftermarket intake! Sounds soooo nice!
I ♥️ my Fn2!
Dc2 then ep3 then the old accord type r with the h22 and then the fn2. had the lot and that's my list
went for the lighter 100% more pointless one, love it ,having driven the correct GT one, I still prefer the pointless one
I have a pointless one too 👍🏻
I like my FN2, it's cheap, it's fun and it doesn't break. But the best CTR will always be the EK9!
❤❤
This is where opinion comes in to play, the value of the EP3 over the FN2 speaks for itself, the older car is more expensive than the newer variant of the same model. The FN2 was just a let down compared to the EP3, not saying it is a bad car, the JDM version FD2 is brilliant, had we got that and been comparing the two right now it would be a completely different story. The EP3 was ahead of it's time, the FN2 was heavier, handled worse, and without the additional power to make up for these drawbacks you can see why people are going for EP3's. Typically the newer car should be better than the older one, this wasn't the case with the FN2. I think they're both great cars with great looks. They appeal to different people for different reasons however among the car community the FN2 is regarded as the worst variant of the civic type r to date, however there has to be a first and last place, that doesn't mean the FN2 is bad. Honda just didn't pour as much love for the FN2 as they did for the FD2. I've spoke to a few people who have owned Type R's and said they wouldn't get another and they tend to be people that have gotten a family and needed a bigger car, or owned the FN2. All comes down to preference and opinion and neither choice is wrong. The main thing is they're there to be enjoyed before these high revving Honda's go extinct!
I test drove the ep3 and fn2 although the ep3 was more fun I got the fn2 purely for the fact I could not get comfortable in the ep3 as I have long legs and the ep3 not having reach adjustments in the steering wheel also fn2 IMO Is much better looking and has mod cons like cruise control and much more
I don't actually disagree with what you said, apart from the FN2 not handling as well. The FN2 had a much better sorted front end, more direct steering and was more planted. I remember when Inside Line took both cars to the Hungaroring F1 circuit for the FK2R launch, with a pro driver the FN2 actually lapped slightly quicker than the EP3. There is really nothing between them, performance-wise. The EP3 was just a more raw and visceral experience, therefore arguably more fun. As you stated they are both different and neither are bad cars. The EP3 was definitely a game changer for its time, whereas the FN2 was just a more grown up version of the same formula that proved less popular at the time. I do think time has been kind and more people are starting to appreciate the "all round" capability of the FN2's approach though. I don't really compare the FD2 as it was developed for a totally different market...performance and 4 doors aside, it's not nearly as comfortable for daily driving duties with far stiffer suspension. They're all great at the end of the day and have their strengths and weaknesses. We're spoilt for choice is how I choose to see it.
Had an EP3 for 7 years and an FN2 for the last 2 years. The FN2 handles much better than an EP3. Much more planted and the steering is in a totally different league. As for the FD2, not actually driveable on UK roads. It's a track car.
Handles worse? You've never driven an FN2 obviously. Just quoting Clarkson, sigh!
Owned a Jap spec facelift lift EP3R (has all the extra bits and bobs, factory lsd, lighter flywheel, more aggressive cams, shorter gear ratios, more power 212hp JDM vs 197hp UKDM) Currently have a UKDM FN2R which missed out on all those extras. As much as I loved my EP3 it was almost scary in the front end, it seemed to float around and just didn't seem to want to track straight, will catch you out with lift off oversteer too if you're not ready for it. I did all the mods like shortened tie rod ends, offset lca bushes and rack sliders which helped but the steering didn't have much feedback and at times just felt floaty, torque steer was bad on it too. I never considered buying an FN2 ever to be quite honest I hated the look and just heard such bad things about them. Fast forward afew years and I found myself buying an FN2, simply because I needed a daily driver and EP3 are around 25k AUD (in Aus all our EP3 are JDM models) compared to an FN2which are around 15k, so I bit the bullet and bought the FN2. After owning one all I can say is all of the hate and criticism that it received is definitely rubbish, car handles great and interior is a beautiful place to be, sure it's a little heavier but I found with some basic bolt on mods intake, header, exhaust and tune it really woke the cars potential up. The steering has heaps of feedback, it's direct and the rear feels very planted. I absolutely adore the thing as it makes my 1hour trip to work a fun and exciting drive while far more comfortable and practical than an EP3. Perhaps old age has set in as I owned the EP3 in my mid 20s and now I'm in my mid 30s, but I honestly feel overall the FN2 is the better all round package and on a plus side, it seems that at the time the FN2 was released it was so far ahead of its time that now 15 years later the styling makes it look like current cars, so to me it actually doesn't look bad at all now. Strange to say the least lol
The fn2 is looking dated now,the EP3 has a timeless classic look, don't think the fn2 will be a future classic but the EP3 is already becoming collectable.
Fn2 still holds itself as aggressive and it’s spaceship interior still looks cool. EP3 just looks like an old Honda doesn’t excite me at all!
really?? id say the opposite...fn2 was ahead of its time in looks..a better daily than Ep3 . just as modern as todays cars in appearance 10 years later.
🤣🤣🤣
I have to say I couldn't disagree more! You don't have to even like the FN2's aesthetic, but only one of the two looks contemporary and it ain't the EP3! The FN2 had a design that was well ahead of its time, inside and out. If you look at the design of subsequent hot hatches (post 2011) it's pretty much the only hatch of that era that could still be mistaken for being released in recent times. The EP3 may have a classic look to an extent, but it was dated even before the FN2 was released and definitely looks like a 20 year old car (and then some).
Good point. The FN2 has a crazy amount of space. Get those rear seats down and you pretty much have a van
FN2 is the worst civic Type R of them all….and I daily drive one.
EK9
FD2
FL5
FK8
Fk2
EP3
FN2
And I wouldn’t say EP3 suffers from rust more either…..especially with the FN2 being so much newer there’s plenty with rotten rear subframes kicking about.
Sell it
@@michaelwong9300 sell what?
@@seshelbow336 if it’s that bad then sell it
@@michaelwong9300 it’s not that bad, it’s great, just the others I listed are even greater. 👍🏻