Honda FD2 Civic Type R Review - Perfect FF Touge Machine!

I rented a Honda FD2R during my trip to Japan and drove it on the legendary Hakone touge!
Check out Omoren's wide selection of rental cars: www.omoren.com/en/
Follow me on IG: / zygrene
Email me if you'd like me to review your car: [e-mail]

[@coldvaper]

Out of all the type Rs we didn't get here this is the one I wish we did the most.

[@Dots4knots20]

I've driven dozens. They are harsh af for a daily driver.

[@glitchspeed]

we rented this exact same car from them last year, loved it. enjoy the trip

[@TheBb6prelude]

A few fun facts. The evolution of the civic Fk2. It was faster than all of the older top japanese cars around Suzuka circuit. That includes the NSX,evo,STi,RX7 and a few other cars. It was faster than the s2000 as well.

[@J.B.7.4]

My favorite civic body style era.

[@tommynobaka]

You shouldn't have put the website in the description because now on my trip, I'll be renting like three different cars we can't get in the states 🤣

[@JPAnglers]

You always bring good content.. keep it up

[@Ken888]

I just drove on Mt. Hakone several days before this video was posted! It truly is an amazing experience

[@FizzyMotors]

good to see this car being featured also, Omoren is indeed super awesome

[@jn4988]

FD2 CTR! Such a JDM legend, member berry when these would keep up on almost everything on Best Motoring. If I recall correctly it was even able to keep up with NSX/s2000 on occasion if not surpass them….often.

[@f4rensabri]

FD2R uses K20A, not K20A1 K20A1 are those low power ones in Honda Stream

[@wojtekp3212]

I hope you are able to rent some more JDM cars!!! So cool!! On bucket list to rent some kool cars in the next trip!!

[@iheartgs400]

As former 8th Gen Si owner so glad you chose the FD2R. Now I just need to get my left hand to practice shifting lol😂

[@30hours51]

fav type R, shame we never got it in the states

[@ryanclevinger2408]

YESSS!!!

[@hydro5580]

Fun Fact: Zygrene is actually driving this FD2 Civic on Nagao Pass, the same place where Kai races Takumi in his new MR-S

[@importenthusiastchannel]

finally a real type r and not a fake type r every person does in the us

[@justing888]

You guys should both try and collab with ALBO. He's a Japanese car culture guy who goes to and shows local car meets.

[@saviorstyles9148]

That would be awesome!

[@sushpants]

Hakone was the first place I drove in Japan! I rented the r34 from fun2drive and it was a very memorable experience. Omoren has been really cool to rent from. I took their red s660 out and fell in love as soon as I heard the little turbo pshhh . What are you thinking about renting next time?

[@douglaskrueger357]

Steering feel was so good on those period cars and so much better than the new FL5. While not bad .. wish they could have dialed more of that magic in.

[@tigerrider6711]

The best part about this car is you’re able to enjoy perhaps 99% of the driving experience with an 8th gen SI and a few mods for 1/3 of the cost.

[@Spotter-]

Literally, on paper my fa5 is better than an FD2 Lol.

[@XOX-fs4ww]

But it'll never be a type r

[@whitegr86]

You can’t ever replicate a true type r without altering the chassis. That’s what makes the difference. Type r’s had extra spot welding and rigidity from the factory.

[@iheartgs400]

@@whitegr86 for track usage nothing will beat the Type R but granted that’s how good the 8th Gen Si was it came very close to CTR performance minus chassis improvements.

[@TassieLorenzo]

A 8th-gen Si will be WAY less than a 1/3rd of the price! These FD2s are crazy expensive now, here in Australia they are about the same price as a 10 years newer used FK8 Type R. They used to be quite a bit cheaper (back then they were allowed for NZ import but not allowed for Australian import, the rules changed in Australia to allow a wider variety of Japanese imports in 2020). In some ways, the FN2 (detuned European market Civic Type R hatchback) is a little bit closer to the FD2 as it also had the updated cylinder head and updated gearbox and flywheel like the FD2, but the FG2 & FA5 are not bad! It's splitting hairs, you can always put in the 5.0 final drive and a lighter flywheel (be it the factory one or an aftermarket one) in the Si if you want. The only big advantage in the JDM engine is the higher compression pistons, everything else you can get pretty close (fit the same oil pump to remove the balance shafts, fit the same intake manifold, a good header, drop-in cams etc).

[@svstem6992]

The Mugen RR version of this is in my opinion the best FWD car ever.

[@blakebucknall4008]

And a steep price tag!

[@fkhothatchi]

I hope you can find someone in the US that's done the "FD2" conversion so you can compare

[@Unicornpirate]

You can do a "FD2" conversion here but it won't be a real Type-R. Type-R's have additional seam welding in the chassis that affects handling characteristics.

[@Pookgai420]

I rented a Bayside blue R34 GTR from Omoren! Great company!

[@fkhothatchi]

the best civic type R ever made I would trade my fk8 in a heart beat

[@jn4988]

Whoa! That’s some FD2 love! I would trade my kidney for a 2021 civic type r limited edition, those go for crazy money

[@blakebucknall4008]

I've spoken to many fk8 owners who have wanted to go to a FD2. I simply tell them... you will be backwards, the handling of the fk8 is nothing to joke about, it is a very well planted car. You get an fd2, there's alot off the bat that'll be wrong with mainly suspension, the bushes don't hold well to time. Just like this one in video, no doubt those cluncking noises is all suspension. You'll also loose the power the fk8 provides. The fd2 in its stock form isn't that great coming from an fk8. You just go backwards in every possible category other than one. That would be soul. You got Honda Japan's full cooperation into the FD2 and makes a driving experience like no other. Put an exhaust with headers, cold air intake, a tune, wider rims and throw on some semi slicks and I can go up against so many newer cars that struggle in the corners when fd2 being the small rigid thing it is, can go through corners without braking or lifting off throttle. But then again, an fk8 can do just that as well. So you'll always be at a loss. You just can't rev to 8600rpms and have that true K series sound.

[@neelparmar6690]

So YOU hired the FD2! That’s why I had to opt for renting an AP2 in Japan instead. Was absolutely brilliant.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Such a shame. 😜 Did you like the Japanese-spec AP2? It still has the F20C from what I understand, but with the updated suspension and other bits.

[@neelparmar6690]

@@TassieLorenzo F22C in this case. It was a lot of fun especially as the weather held out. Plenty of grip and very controllable. Ideal for the tight Japanese mountain roads.

[@KeenanStyles]

Yooo you in Japan hit me up! Let’s go out tomorrow night! I’m headed to the Shibuya crossing and Daikoku PA tomorrow with a couple of friends

[@blakebucknall4008]

For one, it's just k20a, no number after it. The true JDM K series. You're saying you aren't getting alot of feedback through steering is because it's a 17 year old car (dunno what year this one is) and also a rental no doubt the tie rod ends and LCA bushes are all worn and cracked because that's how they all are when I see them imported. The massive thing with these is all the oem bushes are pretty gone by now if haven't replaced. Some hardened bushes and rigid collars alone will get an fd2 alive again. Just replacing the crappy factory steering wheel for an aftermaket lighter racing wheel makes a huge difference. Get a decent exhaust and headers and cold air intake, pair it with a tune and you got yourself a well performing, last true all manufactured in Japan Type R. I own a 2007 FD2 Type R feel free to ask questions as theres so much mystery to these things.

[@TassieLorenzo]

"Just replacing the crappy factory steering wheel for an aftermaket lighter racing wheel makes a huge difference." Removing the driver's airbag on a road car doesn't seem like a good idea?

[@blakebucknall4008]

@TassieLorenzo if you track it like I do yea it does. The factory wheel has good weight to it, a boss kit and momo wheel gives a good feeling. Don't need an airbag going off when I have a racing harness too.

[@ibrahimjubayer8373]

Amazing amazing car

[@Razyre]

Interesting you're saying the EP3 had a poor suspension setup because all I ever hear is that the EP3 was great because it had the multi link rear suspension and the FN2 Type R that was widespread in the UK swapped out the multi link for a torsion beam rear. I had one of those for a few years, the K20 was great, the rest of the car not so much lmao. I'm not sure just how different the FD2 is from the FN2 but it's obvious to see they're cars of the same gen since they share a lot of the interior parts/styling cues.

[@TassieLorenzo]

The EP3/DC5 trailing arm rear suspension is a lot worse than the EF/EG/EK trailing arm rear suspension. It was redesigned to provide more trunk space, so the spring over shock sits under the bootfloor with a 0.5 motion ratio (and very short stroke) and has poor control over the wheel compared to the older IRS. You need a really stiff shock to control the really stiff spring (since the wheel rate is only half of the spring rate), it's not good. The front suspension has other problems too! Realtime Racing eventually gave up and switched from the DC5 to the TSX. Despite having re-engineered the EP3/DC5 pickup points considerably, they were still unhappy with it. I don't think the Honda Fit beam rear end on the FN2 (or FK2) is that bad -- it provides for heaps of boot space, plus the chassis is stiff with a double layer floorpan. Spoon Sports were a big fan of both the Fit and the FN2! The RenaultSport Clio and RenaultSport Megane are all beam rear end, after all. I have wider wheels on the front of the FN2 and just run 3psi more tyre pressure in the rear (you could do 4-5 psi more if you want, that almost feels like too much), and that seems to negate the understeer balance and give the FN2 that RenaultSport pivoting feel to it. [It's the later version with LSD which helps too.] No need for a rear swaybar or rear beam geometry shims for road use I think -- I dunno. I really didn't like my DC5, I thought it was terrible. It was like the worst of both worlds between old and new. No match for the handling of the EG (which is obviously relatively light as well), yet not as controllable and predictable as the FN2 either.

[@sohaibyounus]

I had a 08 civic SI and the engine and transmission were the best out of all the cars I have had so far. I just bought a gt86 and man my dream would be to drop a K20 motor and transmission in it and it would be the perfect match for this light weight car. I would have gotten a S2000 but the prices are kinda nuts plus the fact that the 86 is CPO and has 100k miles powering warranty so it was a simple decision due to that at the end.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Wish we had these in the uk

[@AnotherMotorist]

Did you land at Narita and make your way west? There were some roads before or after the castle east of hakone turn pike entrance. I got stopped by cops twice there and they were giving the locals tickets. Fortunately got nothing and let go each time with enough nonsense. Seems common, each time the cops had locals pulled over in rows. If I can paint the picture it's a left turn that requires stopping to check for vehicles/pedestrians and people get pulled over along the wall to the left. Probably more than you want to read or care but I miss Japan and the whole Hakone / Yamanashi region

[@daxiongBaoli-xu8in]

What type of driver’s licenses needed for rent a car in japan ?

[@WarningHPB]

As an owner of the FD2R I love mine :D however the deep violet pearl paint on mine is not great (loads of stone chips :( ) last of the NA Type Rs

[@churchofbrap876]

One way road?

[@loszeyeung]

I have seen many people rent the FD2, S15, but I don't see people renting the R33 or 34. Is it because of the cost or are there other limitations to those JDM cars? Just curious.

[@honda4185]

Best looking Civic after the Civic Vti (Eg9) at first place!!

[@Iakovjp]

I've rented some cars from them during last years, (as the EVO 6 on my propic). Some were actually well taken care of (A red 2016 STI, Bayside Blue R34) but some others like the Evo itself were in really terrible conditions, with crazy engine and diff noises or unaccettable alignment\suspension problems. Not really sure I'd go for their service again actually... Other than that the FD2R is my dream FF Honda, so bad that here in Europe we never had the sedan chassis but only the FN2 which is kinda ugly

[@racsowang]

The steering wheel definitely bears some damages from Duct Tape Deathmatch.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

how long did you rent for? and how long did it take from getting from their office to hakone?" I want to rent from them for a similar drive to Mt.Fuji later this year haha

[@Zygrene]

Rented for 24 hrs. Drive from their Noda location to Hakone was a trek. Close to 3 hours with traffic.

[@mulamulelilumadi4717]

Nihongo Jouzued yet?

[@VG22.]

The greatest looking compact sedan ever produced. I had this Bodystyle in India and Philippines. This was such a beautiful car.... I like the looks of the current civic as well but this was something else. The interior quality was so nice as well....

[@SleeperHonda]

IMO. The last True Rip Roaring DOHC VTEC Civic! Probably my favorite generation of all time! Happy for you being a Honda guy, you re finally understanding the appeal of FWD. =]

[@blakebucknall4008]

Because it is the last high revving Type R having to stop production of the K20a from not meeting emissions which made way for the fk2 and fk8's k20c turbo engine. But other lower compression k series continued till 2016 in odyssy Odyssey's and CRV's.

[@NitroAdventure]

No way 😭 bring me one

[@jnunez9771]

How does it compare to a 8th gen civic si usdm version

[@blakebucknall4008]

True FD2 is a different beast in every category in terms of power and handling. You'd have to throw some decent coin into an Si to perform like an FD2 especially with Rigidity.

[@barryd86]

How does this car compare to the fiesta st?

[@TassieLorenzo]

Good question!

[@cpcxgsr]

Why keep slamming it into 1st gear while in the tight turns? I would have left it in 2nd and ride out the power. Slamming it into 1st is causing all sorts of jerky motions

[@iamatlantis1]

1:40 thats what she said my good sir. last night.

[@TheBb6prelude]

Just my opinion. Civics ranked..#1 eg hatch, king. Most versatile #2 ek9 type R 3# Fd2 type R # ep3 type R.

[@Zygrene]

I've yet to drive an EG or EK. Hopefully soon.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@Zygrene Honda guy yet to drive an EG! No way. I wouldn't expect a big difference from a (modded) EG to a DC2 though, people who drive both say they basically drive the same. 🙂

[@TheBb6prelude]

@@TassieLorenzo not the day. I had a h2b swap eg hatch with cams and my buddy had a GSR DC. There's a difference

[@honda4185]

Filthy carpet with stains and that steering wheel looked shatterd 😔 They need to give it a detailing day!

[@sanglee7782]

Glad you didn't meet shinigami GTR 😂

[@Shawnrraines]

YOU'RE IN JAPAN? LET'S LINK

[@Shawnrraines]

Hakone is nice and the FD2 Type R is probably one of the most competitive sedans on the market for most JDM enthusiasts into grip,gGreat to see Omoren get business too!

[@carsonj4031]

I would be terrified of getting pulled over or breaking the law in japan. Its really interesting, if you watch some japanese youtube videos you NEVER seen any japanese person push their car on the street. theres probably a cultural difference there about recording yourself technically breaking the law, or maybe they simply never do it.

[@TheBb6prelude]

You haven't looked hard enough then. There's many videos.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

uh so the street drifting scene?

[@carsonj4031]

@@TheBb6prelude the ratio of people breaking the law to people not breaking the law in videos is so much lower is what I'm getting at. I would say about 85% of car YT videos I click on when I'm signed into my japanese only YT account never show stuff like that. Of course, this the internet you can find anything.

[@carsonj4031]

@@ShaiyanHossain you will notice that all of those videos are people recording watching on the street. No one is willing to post videos of themselves street drifting let alone uploading consistent content of themselves going all out on the street because the punishment is far greater and more importantly, japanese police are more likely to try and figure out who you are based on videos posted to the internet.

[@Unicornpirate]

The side mirror shake is kinda worrying.

[@ItsBunCha]

Legendary car , but just buy a same year Si With some light mods and you have the same car

[@deet4895]

Nope 😅

[@TassieLorenzo]

/pedant The Si uses some of the older parts: older cylinder head casting that flows a little less, older intake manifold design, older heavier flywheel, older gearbox & diff ratios etc. In some ways the detuned European Type R, the FN2, is closer in terms of using more of the updated engine and transmission parts (i.e., the newer cylinder head, the newer gearbox, the newer flywheel etc). Of course neither "export" model gets the Brembos or the non-balance shaft oil pump, and they both have lower compression pistons than the Japanese car etc. But obviously the 8th-gen has the same IRS layout as the Japanese car (FN2 uses a widened Honda Fit rear platform) and in terms of how the cars drive, you can get no doubt get it very close. I think the seam-welding thing is overrated, I'm sure Honda said they already considered the Type R in the design of the 8th gen sedan chassis and therefore the they are all the same (seam welding not needed anymore)? Need to go back and check Best Motoring on that... Apparently this is the list of chassis changes (compared to base model Civic, so Si may already have some of these...?): 1. Adhesive added to the front bulk head. 2. Thicker upper cross member 3. Subframe thickness increased 4. Rear floor frame reinforced, more weld/gluing points 5. Rear cross member reinforced, rear stabilizer thickness increased. Honda said they used gluing rather than welding to increase the chassis strength.