The Honda Civic Type R is perhaps one of the best front-wheel-drive performance cars of recent years, providing the comfortable ride of its conventional Civic brethren when you want it but transforming into a real track star when you push harder – and you can push a lot harder. Everything from the willing turbocharged engine to the superbly tuned manual transmission to its everyday practicality and signature Honda reliability make it stand out, not only in its segment but among all performance cars.
2020 Honda Civic Type RHonda
The US got its first taste of the Civic Type R with the 2017 model year, and a redesigned version followed in 2023 with more mature styling but no less ferocity. Looking ahead, all signs suggest that the next Civic Type R will feature a hybrid powertrain, with the possibility it could even go fully electric. That means the era of pure gas-powered Type Rs paired with manual gearboxes could be drawing to a close. With early examples from the late 2010s now reaching more accessible price points, enthusiasts may find that there has never been a better time to buy one.
2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R: All The Specs
2017 Honda Civic Type R FK8 Blue Front Angled View DrivingHonda
The Honda Civic Type R is a legend of the hot hatch world, with the nameplate now into its sixth generation. However, the US only got its first official taste with the fifth-generation model, or FK8 as fans know it, as earlier versions were traditionally built on a different Civic platform than the one sold here. The fifth generation arrived for the 2017 model year and remained on sale through 2021. For those hunting performance bargains today, this is the one to get. There was no Civic Type R sold for the 2022 model year, with the current sixth-generation car finally debuting for 2023.
2020 Honda Civic Type RHonda
Power in the fifth-generation Civic Type R comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 equipped with Honda’s signature VTEC system, which optimizes valve operation based on engine speed. Coupled with a steep 22.8 psi of boost, the engine delivers both low-end grunt and strong top-end performance, with the official horsepower and torque figures widely believed to be underrated. For the record, the claimed figures were 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission that provides crisp, precise shifts and comes with a rev-matching feature to smooth out downshifts. For those who prefer a more undiluted experience, the system can be switched off, allowing drivers to heel-and-toe for themselves.
2017 Honda Civic Type R Engine BayHonda
Normally, a front-wheel-drive layout struggles to manage such performance, often resulting in dreaded torque steer, where the steering wheel tugs to one side during hard acceleration. To counter this, the Civic Type R uses a front suspension geometry that places the steering axis closer to the wheel’s vertical centerline, minimizing unwanted pull.
A helical limited-slip differential also plays a key role, distributing torque between the front wheels for maximum traction. Together with the 245/30R19 Continental ContiSportContact 6 tires, the setup ensures power is transmitted efficiently to the pavement without the inner wheel losing control during tight cornering.
2020 Honda Civic Type RHonda
The rest of the performance package is built to match this potent drivetrain. Brembo brakes with 13.8-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers provide serious stopping power, while the array of ducts, scoops, and wings offers functional cooling and downforce for high-speed stability – though they leave little room for subtlety. Inside, the story continues with deeply bolstered bucket seats that keep occupants securely planted through corners, accented by bold red trim that perfectly matches the car’s extroverted personality, but again, could be too flashy for conservative tastes.
The Floor Might Be In
2017 Honda Civic Type R FK8 Blue Low Rear ViewHonda
When it first arrived, the fifth-generation Civic Type R was a genuine bargain, costing only $33,900, or $34,775 including destination, though with dealer markups prevalent, it’s likely most original buyers paid more. There was only the single Touring trim, which eliminated the need for additional options or packages, though there were some carbon-fiber accents available, such as the side mirror caps and rear wing.
Looking at popular classifieds websites, high-mileage examples – we’re talking 100,000 miles and up – start from about $25,000 and range up to about $28,000, demonstrating how well the car has managed to retain value over time. It could even become a floor for prices, especially if predictions for future Civic Type Rs going the electrified route prove accurate.
2020 Honda Civic Type R Blue Front Angled ViewHonda
Examples with around 65,000 miles cost about $30,000, meaning there’s a good chance you can own one for a couple of years and recoup a lot of that cost when selling. That’s roughly what a brand-new Civic Si costs these days. Above this price level, you’re looking at more recent model years and mileage under 50,000 miles. The MSRP for the latest 2026 Civic Type R is $47,395, so buyers should be wary about paying too much for a used example.
Direct rivals on sale at the same time as the fifth-generation Civic Type R include the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI, and Volkswagen Golf R, which all come with all-wheel drive. Today, looking at prices for 2017 models, you’ll need at least $26,000 for the Ford, while the WRX STI can be had from about $22,000 and the Golf R from as little as $18,000. The higher price for the Ford makes sense, as the car bowed out after 2018 and Ford didn’t launch a direct successor.
Things To Watch Out For
2017 Honda Civic Type R, CockpitHonda
When considering a fifth-generation Civic Type R – or any generation for that matter – it’s important to recognize that this is a high-performance vehicle. Owners are likely to have driven these cars hard, possibly participating in track days or autocross-style events. As a result, wear and tear, or even accident damage, tends to be higher than that of a regular car. If you’re a mechanical novice, it’s well worth paying for an inspection to avoid potential headaches down the road.
Common areas where issues show up in the fifth-generation Civic Type R include the transmission, particularly worn synchros. Overheated turbocharger hardware is also a concern. It’s advisable to check the turbo plumbing, charge pipes, and cooling components for signs of stress, leakage, or prior repairs. The original new-car warranty of three-year/36,000 miles has long since expired on these models.
However, some late examples may still carry Honda’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Needless to say, heavily modified cars are higher risk (including voiding any warranty) and should generally be avoided, especially if you plan to resell down the track.
Looking at owner feedback on sites like RepairPal and CarComplaints, information specific to the Type R is hard to come by. However, for the regular Civic Hatchback on which the car is based, common problems relate to airbag occupant sensor failures and steering vibration under braking.
According to NHTSA, a key recall was issued on the fifth-generation Civic Type R, where low-pressure fuel pump failure could cause the engine to stall. Another was a defect in the steering system, which could cause increased friction, resulting in a sticky-like steering feel.
Buying One Could Be A Shrewd Move
2017 Honda Civic Type R, SideHonda
The fifth-generation Civic Type R is one of the best-driving performance compacts out there, and the combination of practicality and reliability just makes it a no-brainer. But there could be another reason to consider buying one in today’s market.
As electrification becomes more common among new cars, many enthusiasts are turning toward used models that still deliver an engaging, analog driving experience. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission are becoming especially desirable, as the tactile connection between driver and machine grows increasingly rare in today’s market.
2020 Honda Civic Type R Blue Front View DrivingHonda
This trend is already having a noticeable effect on prices. Used performance cars like the Civic Type R are holding their value impressively well, with signs that the price floor for clean, well-maintained examples with reasonable mileage may already be in.
Given the model’s proven performance, bulletproof reliability, and the likelihood that future versions will move away from pure gasoline power, buying one could be a shrewd move for anyone who values the classic driving experience before it fades into history.
Sources: Honda, AutoTempest, CarComplaints, NHTSA, RepairPal
