2023 Honda Civic Type R | A Mix of Pleasure and Pain 

The review we've all been waiting for. The markup we've all been dreading.

Thanks for addressing the mark up issues. People need to hear it. As long as people keep paying mark ups, dealerships will keep charging. It’s simple, just say no to the mark up and move on. Just be patient guys

It's that golden age of insane cars-- Civic Type R, Golf R, GR Corolla, WRX, GR86, Nissan Z -- but also the dark age of inflation and dealership mark ups

“In the US direct manufacturer auto sales are prohibited in almost every state by franchise laws requiring that new cars be sold only by dealers” This is the problem dealerships have way too much power in the US causing all these ridiculous markups the Laws need to be changed.

Final suspension tuning for this generations Type R was modeled after Turbowski’s “intimidator” Sebring.

At $44k the FL5 is already on the edge of what would be considered a fair price, any markup would be insane.

Nailed it on all the points! Btw I did confirm that the pedal dance to turn off VSC outside of +R mode works on the FL5. The sequence is: 1. Turn off e-brake and turn ignition on 2. Press and hold brake pedal, press VSA off, then VSA on 3. Put e-brake on, release brake pedal, then VSA off, VSA on 4. Press and hold brake pedal, VSA off, VSA on A little tedious but ideal if you want to track the car in individual mode with everything off👍

I got my 2021 at MSRP and if I get the newer one some day I will do the same. Never buy anything too many people want at once. Patience is a virtue.

This is going to be the best review out of everyone. I don't even have to watch it know. The one and only channel that does a deep dive on the suspension, engine, chassis, and driving characteristics in the segment. Cheers my friends.

I love it when Mark turns into a child that just got to try out a new toy that he is to have later. It's so pure!

You guys make THE BEST automotive reviews on RU-vid, keep up the awesome work. Looking forwards to this review (although I'll never be able to afford it haha)

“Do not pay over 45k for this car.” All the guys on the forums that already paid 60-70k for their CTR: “😮….bUt iTs aN iNvEsTmEnT.”

Mark 2017-2021 : It seems crazy to pay $45K for what is still a Honda or a Subaru, it’s just too much. Also Mark in 2022: I’m now going to pay no more than $45K for a Honda Type R, actually. 🔥 🔥 🔥 So glad to hear this thing really hits the mark. Best review of this car so far ! 👏

The last bit is why I ended up buying a new integra. I couldn't even get into an si without getting charged 5k over msrp. I knew the type r would be worse. The gr corolla is the same way. Attainable cars becoming unattainable. Ridiculous

17:37 PLEASE TAKE THIS TO HEART!!! interest rates are awful right now and banks are not loaning anywhere near as much as they have the last two years. STOP paying huge markups and they will go away

Shocked mark is buying one, it must be that good!

I haven't watched a singe Type R review. This is the one I have been waiting for.

Love the detail you guys bring to every single video! Very well done!

This was such a heartwarming vid to watch; y’all’s enthusiasm and happiness is infectious. Love that you’re getting one Mark and I can’t wait to follow along with the ownership experience. And thank you so much for that warning at the end; the last dealership I spoke with all but admitted that they keep pulling this shit because people keep being willing to pay it. Gotta stop the cycle somehow. Amazing vid guys.

I am so jealous of your guy’s garage. Civic Type R, C8 ZO6, and the 86!

The best review on RU-vid. Can't wait 💪🏾

Excellent first-take review and Honda needs no apologies for making it harder and edgier. Also, Hideki Kakinuma has better hair than most of his customers.

Didn’t expect nothing short of greatness! Great job guys! I’m definitely waiting till summer of next year.

100% with you on markups -- it tends to push the cars out of their competitive zone. At $45K this is a great car. At $55-60K there are better options. Thing is, that won't stop dipshits from paying too much or taking out high interest loans to do it. Makes no sense at all but I'm sure the suckers will be lined up and the dealers will be ready to take their money.

such a well put together video. thank you for addressing the dealer markup situation at the end. we have to put a stop to it!

My 2022 Si is stiff, I can't imagine how hard this things is on your body!! Great video, thank you!

Thank you for addressing the mark up! And I love that part where you had just the driving video before the final impressions. Keep up the great work! I love you guys.

Been holding out until your review to watch any media on the car. Worth the wait as always

Wow, you guys. The true driving joy you experienced really shines trough in this video. It looks hard to capture emotions like that and put it out on video. Great information segment, very coherent and professional with just enough detail. Impressive work again to you guys. Production and editing really are top notch. Thanks for the most enjoyable Type R video I've watched today. Love from Norway.

I absolutely enjoyed this review. Thanks guys. 👍

This is a very meaningful review. Thank you! Answers so many questions that others barely touch on, if at all.

Refused to watch any other review except for yours. Thank you so much for the great content, guys!

Man, you were flying!!! What a great car and can’t wait for more videos!

Excellent, just excellent watching another TypeR video feels good knowing that Mark is getting one. I do prefer this TypeR over the previous generation. Great review

Thanks for talking about the markups, this is very much appreciated.

Thank you for the extra seconds at the end...such a nice cool down....

Thank you for putting this together and addressing the mark up issues. Can’t wait to see how you find it as an owner using it day to day.

I've been waiting for this episode! I am so glad Honda kept this type R away from electrification. Bravo Honda.

Thanks for the video, looking forward to the deep dive on the car when you get it in your shop and for the updates on the ownership.

Thanks guys, another great review with great info as always! Patiently waiting for mine.

Great car, for the right price, but for even a small markup at $45k, it’s F87 M2 all day. And that’s what I did - great driving dynamics and practicality.

The only review on the FL5 I have been waiting for. Gonna have my morning coffee ready for this one.

Truly the best car channel on YT. No garbage clickbait fluff. Car guys that obsess on every detail…this is your channel. These guys are after my heart with their real world impartial honesty.

Gotta go to work, will watch the video tonight, first thought is the front end has a subtlety that I like

Comments section is full of disgust over how Honda dealers have screwed everyone over already, my dealership still doesn't have one and probably won't ever get one even though they are one of the few dealers that doesn't mark up their inventory which is keeping their supply extremely low. Thanks Honda, screwing over the enthusiasts here like a German manufacturer, build hype, build hype, build hype, no you don't get one.

I’m definitely considering one in the future, it doesn’t have the daft 20 inch wheels the FK8 had and it’s a far better looking car. The ability to have the individual drive mode as well is a huge bonus, the roads where I am are amazing, but the road surface is pretty bad in parts. Being able to have the full fire breathing drivetrain mode but with the suspension softened off is a massive plus over the old car.

cant wait to see the journey mark has with his, great video as always

Fantastic video guys, can't wait to see these in person at the car meets/shows next summer.

Massachusetts FL5 pricing so far. Ocean Honda: 15,000 over sticker Kelly Honda: 30,000 over sticker Rensselaer Honda: 20,000 over sticker Crazy town. Thanks for the video Savagegeese. You rock

Looking forward to the daily driving comparison b/w the gr corolla and this a year later! Thank you SG!! ❤

As always, incredible video. This deserves a lot more views!

Great honest review, as always. I am hyped!

You have to applaud Honda and its engineers. I'm an owner of an 07 Civic type R and they should just record the sound I have coming out of my engine and exhaust and then pipe that into the interior. No one would ever get bored of that VTec sound .I just wish they spoke to top journalist like yourself and just tweek the little things it needs but these can be done if you said. I think with software changes people like Hondata I will probably already be working on all the little tricks of making it even better than the already great car it is.

I was looking at getting a FL5 Type R but the markup was 35k, final price being 79k plus taxes. I then contacted my local BMW and got my name in line for a M3.

Quality content as always! Looking forward to the in depth review!

Excellent video and summary! Great advice on not paying markup. I remember when I was looking at the 1997 ITR, but balked when I saw two other parties trying to outspend each other on the dealership floor for one ITR. Fast forward to 1998, and a different nearby Acura dealership was flat out overstocked with Seven 1998 ITRs literally gathering dust. They could not get rid of them. I purchased one of those seven ITRs below list later the same week. No BS.

This just looks stunning 🤩

Anxiously awaiting video for a car with a 20k markup!

Enjoyed making this video for once, interesting way to go out. Great content as always though you guys inspire us.

This channel's reviews are outstanding and really next-level.

Mark sounds like he has a second outlook on life since driving this car. He's a completely different person. That or his misses has finally allowed him to have a race car bed in the bedroom. What the small things can do to a person.

Thanks for highlighting the markup issue, something missing from many videos. I'd love to buy this car, but this is going to be unobtanium at MSRP for almost all people, which is so frustrating. If anyone has tried to buy a high demand enthusiast car recently, you know how much work you have to do to contact dealers to try to get an MSRP deal. In the end, I went up market and put a deposit down on the G87 M2, it's not a competitor to this car, but I can get it at MSRP from my local dealer and can order it to my specs. I'd like to spend less money for something like the CTR, but I don't have the time or energy to scout out a fair deal.

I hope one day, when im older ill be able to come across one of these to own. love the video guys. looks like alot of fun!

Best review of the new type R hands down! Thank you.

Looking forward to this review, will Jack be scared by Mark? Will Mark survive Jack's adrenaline rush............stay tuned 😳

the exterior design looks really nice

Thanks for sharing awesome review again. Awesome new type R and so was previous type R.

Great review. Best one I have seen today on the Type R. 👏🏼

Thanks for bringing the markup issue. Too many “adults” act like children and must have something right away. Some people have expendable income to burn and the markup doesn’t matter, others just go into debt even more since the car will basically be their personality. Regardless, markups are tricky, especially since people will buy these new and people will still pay markups via the price the sell on C&B or BaT

Damn this thing is looking solid.

great review as usual guys! .. and thanks for addressing the mark ups! I fully agree with you!!! Thank you!

17:25 This message is very important and I truly hope we as consumers, as car fans, as honda fans can come together and say "No" to these dealerships charging markups. It needs to end and it won't if people continue to support them by paying.

Congratulations Mark on the new CTR. I know it's been a long time coming. As soon as I seen the styling, I immediately knew you'd get one being a Honda guy. I'm getting ready to trade the ole FK8 for one myself.

Living in the Chicagoland area I have zero interest in a FWD car. For me I enjoy a bit of throttle steer and it’s also helpful to have it when the conditions are less than ideal. But I watched because you guys just make excellent videos and I do like the idea of this car for others. Congrats on ordering one and maybe we will get to hear about your decision making process that lead you so plunking down this kind of coin for this. As always, thank you!

I love the production quality of your videos

Great information! Thanks for translating Jack

This car now has the same wheelbase length as the 7th gen accord and the overall dimensions are similar to the 5th gen accord. So for all the people that wanted an Accord Type R. Well here you go.

Awesome review as always. Have been enjoying my FL5 for a week and echo your sediments...it's a brilliant do-all machine.

Another fantastic video! Really looking forward to driving one.

Great video. Thank you both!

I have a feeling that this car will become quite the collectable. Cheaper driver focused cars like this one is very rare and always sought after. Especially since cars are becoming more and more electronically controlled.

So stoked for the Integra Type S now…

Amazing you guys got to tear it up on Sonoma Raceway … reminds me of Gran Turismo back in the day. Making virtual reality a reality !! Thanks for the buying advice.

Your advice to wait is spot-on. Just saw a RU-vid video today that shows a $26k dealer mark-up on one of these.

Omg this Premiere. I have to endure 10 hours of blue balls.

Excited to see this! Does a high powered FWD platform stack up against the Golf R and GR Corolla? Let's see!

What a great video and real review. You are the best guys!!!

Great video. This car looks like it's an instant classic. Kudos to you for the dealer message at the end. I hope everyone listens. I just tried to buy a new RDX from the dealer I've bought and serviced Acura's from for 19 years. They smiled with a marked up price. I walked and found the same car at another dealer $0 above MSRP.

It looks so much better than the last one. Still aggressive but not to the corny extreme lameness of the last.

Should be interesting seeing these things going for $100,000, when they come out.

Pretty cool and fair first impression review.

Love the video, thanks guys!

Great review as always. The FL5 is definitely growing on me, but I still prefer the looks of the FK8. The boy racer looks speak more to me than this which while nice looking doesn't look aggressive enough and the wing just looks tacked on. Hopefully Honda or another aftermarket company will release a color matched wing that flows better with the car's lines. To me the car isn't even worth $45k let alone the dealer mark ups. At this point I'll likely wait until the FK8s drop to the mid 30k range and pick one up.

From a performance perspective, I think its awesome Honda built this car. Brand bias aside though, I feel the Golf R for the money?? Is the car to buy. The Golf just seems more upscale, is a true hatchback, and is about the same price as this plus you have an DSG option in the VW for those that want a fast car, but can't drive a stick (cough cough my wife). These cars no matter which you choose, the GR, Civic or Golf, they are getting very expensive. The whole point about these cars is "Affordable" performance, and in a day and age where basically $50k is considered "Affordable" ( i say $50k because be honest, OTD that is what either of these cars will cost you if not more). Average person puts less than 10% down on a car, so if your financing $45k for 72 months? That's $650-$700 a month folks plus gas, insurance and maintenance. OUCH!!! You definitely have to "Pay" to "Play".

One of the gauges of how much Mark likes a car is how often his tongue is out Charlie Brown style. Great review - watching this in my super soft Gentleman Goose 2.0

Bang on with the final comments!

18:12 is a new car reveal surprise. Volume shipments of this new Type R might get the Si back down to selling for MSRP.

Glad to see you enjoyed it! Any dealerships in the Chicago area that you recommend will not price gouge?

Thumbs up for helping us get a fair price or even discount for cash buy. That and fake engine noise will have me looking at other rides. 👍👍

big props for letting that last lap run out after calling for final thoughts. Clocked a 2:05