DC5 Honda Integra Type R: JDM Masterclass! Throwback Review

DC5 Honda Integra Type R: JDM Masterclass! Throwback Review
Hello guys, welcome back to Car Obsession, and welcome to another Throwback Review, the series in which I review cars from yesteryear. This time it's the turn of a car that was never actually sold in the UK (a big D'oh from Honda if you ask me!), the Honda Integra Type R DC5.
Following on from where the DC2 left off, the DC5 used the same ethos, but added refinement, more power, an extra gear, and in my opinion, better styling. Like the JDM EP3 Civic Type R I used to own, under the bonnet is a 2.0 litre VTEC K20A engine producing 220hp, along with 206Nm of torque.
This power is fed to the front wheels via a slick-changing 6-speed manual gearbox and a standard-fit limited slip differential. 0-60 comes in 6.5 seconds, which even 20 years later, is still respectable, and the top speed is 150mph.
Built between 2001-2005, the DC5 Honda Intregra Type R, much like its predecessor, the DC2 is regarded as one of the best front wheel drive cars ever to grace the automotive world. 20 years has passed since then, though, so has this JDM wonder still got what it takes to be the ultimate driving machine? I was lucky enough to slip behind the wheel of a near-pristine example to find out.
0:00 Pre-Video Intro
0:12 Channel Intro
0:22 Video Intro
1:09 DC5/Owner Introduction
2:16 Performance/Driving Feel
5:22 This car will never be made again
6:09 Comparing to today's performance cars
7:32 Drawbacks of VTEC
9:07 Comparisons to DC2
10:16 Mods
12:28 General chat
14:32 Rear Wing
14:55 Ownership experience
17:48 Conclusion
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Music Credit:
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[@SectionSkyly]

Owned a DC5 since February, they really are amazing cars. If anyone's looking to buy one, make sure you check the boot for water/rust as the rear light seals fail often on them. Bolsters on the Recaros often sag as well. They're a do it all car; I use mine as a daily but have also had it on track. It does the daily stuff fine but on track it's incredible; having the LSD makes a huge difference. Prices are starting to go up though, just like everything else JDM.

[@whateverwhoever9613]

Bought my DC5 6 months ago, after looking for ages...I managed to find a very low mileage example (42k Kms), I've owned loads of fairly quick cars over the years, turbo and N/A, but the Teg just shines. Such an involving experience, if you want a real drivers car, you will be hard pushed to find better. A true classic.

[@CarObsession]

Thanks for the comment, and thanks for the comment!

[@elliot438bcfcVTEC]

Had mine for 4 years and will be putting it for sale very soon. Great cars though

[@CarObsession]

I'll bet you'll be sorry to see it go - thanks for watching.

[@piprobinson6575]

Hi Aaron, another interesting throwback review, what a great car, I'm sure cars had more character then, that's what I like about my 80 year old jeep. Looking forward to the next review, best Pip 👍

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Great review and a great car. Will become even more if a classic as time goes on. I've got my i30N back btw :) I think you could compare it with this car as 0-60 time is the same, manual, also loves to be revved as high as it will go and it's not a car that chases power, it gives you a great driving experience. Love the design of the integra, I need to try one some day.

[@PocketRockets]

Cracking video mate! 👌

[@CarObsession]

Thanks mate!

[@spoonracingk20a75]

I'v imported my one 2 years ago. It's facelift. Love prefacelift to❤, Love that car , no any new cars gives You so much driving feeling. Hope never have to sell it 🔰

[@Birmingham_racing]

Always hear good things about this car need to test drive one

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, they're cracking pal! Thanks for watching.

[@nick27j]

Nice review, I’m stuck between either buying one of these or the FN2 Mugen. Both great cars

[@CarObsession]

I'm yet to drive an FN2, I've heard mixed things about it... Thanks for watching.

[@ITSOVERZION]

As a usdm dc5 type s owner with k20z1 i wish i could drive this type R in my lifetime that car is amazing

[@CarObsession]

Yup, you're not wrong there! Thanks for watching.

[@stevehasler9538]

I always felt it a massive shame that the DC5 wasn’t sold in the U.K. I’m absolutely certain they’d have sold and not necessarily by stealing market share from the EP3. I had a facelift EP3, and rate it in the top 3 cars I’ve ever owned

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, totally agree Steve, and I reckon there is someone at Honda kicking themselves for not putting it on sale. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnCarlyle]

Looked into buying one of these around 15 years ago when they were £10K. Decided against it as I considered a 5 year old car still at 50% of it's original price a little steep. Had I known that they'd be worth even more when 20 years old..... kicking myself now.

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, I think they will only go up in value to be honest. Thanks for watching.

[@whateverwhoever9613]

I can see them going a bit crazy when they're suitable for USA import.

[@stevenvater8720]

It's all about POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO.!!! and then the integra makes a lot of sense

[@CarObsession]

Hi Steven, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@JKPham23]

What exhaust is this? Solid Fab? Squeaky clean DC5

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching, and thanks for the question. Jordan (the previous owner) has said it was a Fujitsubo RM-01A

[@cocosloan3748]

Never go for Turbo engines - always get NA ones (and don't even think about 3-cylinder engines)

[@CarObsession]

Hey, what's wrong with my SEAT Leon Cupra? 😋

[@cocosloan3748]

@@CarObsession Well I guess its a nice car , never had a chance to ride that car , its just i dont think turbo engines are good (too complicated system, somehow forced , no smooth power delivery ) and if you combine that with 3 cylinder engine - thats a recipe for a disaster On other hand this Honda - nothing wrong with it 😋

[@CarObsession]

I'd disagree on the power delivery, it all depends on the car and how it's been mapped. Old school turbo cars won't be as smooth as normally you get no power until 3K revs and you get hit in the face with it. Modern turbo cars, however, are more linear in their approach.

[@reza_dc2]

I have a chance to buy the stock suspension from a dc5 itr , I want to put it in my ep3. Has anyone done it

[@CarObsession]

Not as far as I know, best to have a look on forums or Facebook groups. Thanks for watching.