Hey guys! Let's talk about the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo. This car was a real game-changer when it hit the market, and even today, it's still a popular choice for many car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. This review will delve deep into what made the RS Turbo so special, covering everything from its performance and features to its overall driving experience and potential downsides. Buckle up, because we're about to go for a ride!

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's start with the heart of the matter: performance. The 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo packs a punch thanks to its turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine. This little engine is surprisingly energetic, producing a respectable 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Now, those numbers might not sound mind-blowing on paper, but trust me, in the real world, the Civic RS Turbo feels pretty darn quick. The turbocharger provides a noticeable surge of power, making for brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. It's a car that's fun to drive, offering a sporty feel without sacrificing everyday usability.

One of the standout features of the RS Turbo is its responsive handling. Honda has always been known for its excellent chassis tuning, and the 2017 Civic is no exception. The car feels planted and composed through corners, with minimal body roll and precise steering. This makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads, giving you the confidence to push it a little harder. The suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and sportiness, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling overly harsh. The Civic RS Turbo also features a well-weighted steering system, providing good feedback and a connected feel to the road. This enhances the overall driving experience, making you feel more in control and engaged with the car. The transmission options are also worth noting. The RS Turbo typically comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which some people aren't fans of. However, Honda's CVT is one of the better ones out there, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. For those who prefer more control, a six-speed manual transmission was also available, offering a more engaging and sporty driving experience. The manual transmission allows for greater driver involvement, letting you fully exploit the engine's potential and enjoy the thrill of shifting gears.

Furthermore, the engine's fuel efficiency is a significant plus. The turbocharged engine delivers impressive gas mileage, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. You'll find yourself spending less time at the pump and more time enjoying the drive. The Civic RS Turbo's performance characteristics make it a versatile car that can handle various driving situations with ease. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the open highway, the car feels capable and responsive. The combination of the turbocharged engine, responsive handling, and comfortable ride makes the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo a well-rounded and enjoyable car to drive. It's a car that can put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel, making it a worthy contender in the compact car segment. So, if you're looking for a car that offers a blend of performance, practicality, and fun, the Civic RS Turbo is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to Honda's engineering prowess and commitment to delivering a great driving experience.

Interior, Features, and Technology

Now, let's hop inside and check out the interior. The 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo boasts a modern and well-designed cabin. The materials used are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive. You'll find a spacious and comfortable environment, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and provide good comfort, even on longer journeys. Honda has done a great job of creating a cabin that feels premium and well-appointed.

When it comes to features, the Civic RS Turbo is loaded. It comes equipped with a range of standard and available features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features. The infotainment system is user-friendly and offers smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your phone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The rearview camera provides added convenience and safety when parking and reversing. Automatic climate control ensures that you and your passengers can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the drive. Honda also packed in advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. These features enhance the safety of the car and provide a more relaxed driving experience. The Civic RS Turbo also has a generous amount of cargo space, with a spacious trunk that can easily accommodate luggage, groceries, and other items. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more cargo capacity when needed. This makes the car practical for everyday use and adaptable to various situations. The thoughtful design of the interior, combined with the abundance of features, creates a comfortable, connected, and enjoyable driving environment. The Civic RS Turbo is not only fun to drive but also a pleasure to spend time in. The combination of quality materials, modern technology, and user-friendly features makes it a standout choice in its class.

Technology is another area where the 2017 Civic RS Turbo shines. The touchscreen infotainment system is a central hub for controlling various car functions, including audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system is responsive and easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features is a highlight. This suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation braking system. These features use advanced sensors and cameras to monitor the car's surroundings, providing assistance to the driver and enhancing safety. The adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the car in front, making highway driving more relaxed. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the car starts to drift out of its lane. The collision mitigation braking system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. These technological advancements make the Civic RS Turbo a safe and enjoyable car. The integration of advanced features and technologies showcases Honda's commitment to innovation and driver convenience.

Styling and Design

Let's talk styling. The 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo received a major redesign, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The car has a low-slung profile, with a sporty and aggressive stance. The front end features a bold grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted bumper, giving it a distinctive and eye-catching look. The side profile is characterized by a flowing roofline and a well-defined character line, adding to its overall dynamic appearance. The rear end features stylish taillights and a sporty rear spoiler, completing the car's sporty and modern design. Honda has done a great job of creating a car that looks good on the road and turns heads. The RS Turbo trim often includes sporty design elements, such as unique wheels, a rear spoiler, and subtle badging. These details enhance the car's sporty appearance and give it a more aggressive look. The exterior design is not just for show; it also contributes to the car's aerodynamic performance. The sleek and streamlined shape helps to reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance. The Civic RS Turbo's styling and design choices make it a standout car in the compact car segment. The combination of a modern and sporty design with practical considerations makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers. The car's sleek and stylish appearance is a testament to Honda's commitment to design excellence and innovation.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: reliability and ownership costs. Honda has a well-deserved reputation for building reliable cars, and the 2017 Civic RS Turbo is no exception. It's known for its dependable performance and low maintenance requirements. You can expect years of trouble-free driving with proper care and maintenance. Of course, like any car, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly. This includes routine tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Fortunately, Honda parts are readily available and relatively affordable. This can help keep your maintenance costs down. The fuel efficiency of the Civic RS Turbo contributes to its overall low ownership costs. The car's impressive gas mileage means you'll spend less money at the pump, saving you money in the long run. Insurance costs for the Civic RS Turbo are generally reasonable, making it an affordable car to own and operate. Honda's reputation for reliability can also positively affect your insurance premiums. The car's value retention is another benefit. The Civic RS Turbo tends to hold its value well over time. This means you can expect a good return on your investment when you decide to sell or trade it in. The combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, and reasonable ownership costs makes the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo an economical car to own and operate. It's a practical choice for those looking for a dependable and affordable car. Honda's commitment to quality and engineering excellence shines through in the Civic RS Turbo's reliability and overall cost of ownership.

Common Issues and Potential Problems

No car is perfect, so let's touch upon some common issues and potential problems. While the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo is generally reliable, there are a few things to be aware of. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as slow response times or occasional glitches. These issues can usually be resolved with software updates. There have also been a few reports of issues with the turbocharger, although these are relatively rare. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent these problems. Like any turbocharged engine, it's important to use the correct type of oil and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. There have also been some reports of premature brake wear, especially in cars that are driven aggressively. Regularly checking your brakes and replacing them when necessary can help prevent any safety issues. Another thing to consider is the potential for carbon buildup in the engine. This is a common issue with turbocharged engines. Regular use of high-quality fuel and periodic engine cleaning can help mitigate this problem. It's also important to be aware of any recalls that may have been issued for the 2017 Civic. Honda is committed to addressing any safety concerns, and recalls are a way to ensure that any potential issues are resolved promptly. Overall, while there are some potential issues to be aware of, they are generally manageable and can be addressed with proper care and maintenance. The Civic RS Turbo's overall reliability makes it a solid choice in the compact car segment.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture:

Pros:

• Sporty Performance: The turbocharged engine provides peppy acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience.
• Responsive Handling: The car handles well, with precise steering and minimal body roll.
• Fuel Efficiency: The engine delivers impressive gas mileage.
• Modern Interior: The cabin is well-designed, spacious, and comfortable.
• Loaded with Features: The car comes with a wide range of standard and available features.
• Reliability: Honda's reputation for reliability is well-deserved.
• Good Value: The Civic RS Turbo offers a lot of car for the money.

Cons:

• Infotainment System Issues: Some owners have reported occasional glitches.
• Potential Turbocharger Issues: Although rare, some problems have been reported.
• CVT Transmission: Some people don't like CVTs, although Honda's is among the better ones.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo Right for You?

So, is the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo the right car for you? If you're looking for a sporty, stylish, and practical compact car, the answer is a resounding yes! This car offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. Its peppy turbocharged engine, responsive handling, and fuel efficiency make it a joy to drive. The modern and well-appointed interior, along with its abundance of features, adds to its appeal. The 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo is a great all-around car that excels in many areas. It's a car that's well-suited for both daily commuting and weekend getaways. However, if you're particularly sensitive to infotainment system glitches or have concerns about the CVT transmission, it's something to consider. Overall, the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo is a fantastic car that deserves a spot on your shortlist if you're in the market for a compact car. Go test drive one and see for yourself! You won't be disappointed.