Buyer beware
Reliability: So far, most FL5 owners have reported flawless reliability, in typical Honda fashion. In the future, watch out for rattles and cracked or buckled wheels from the stiff suspension and low-profile tyres. Many cars will have been ragged and taken on track, so ensure the service history is bang up to date and the car has been generally looked after.
Modifications: Many modifications will be purely cosmetic, but some owners have fettled their cars’ mechanicals. Make sure that any such mod was done by a reputable company with history. Aftermarket 18in alloys are often fitted for improved performance and ride comfort rather than simply for aesthetics, because the standard wheels are quite heavy.
Aloof character: Owners liken the FL5 to serious Porsche 911 variants. It’s extremely capable and rewarding when you’re pushing on but much of the time lacks excitement and personality. The preceding FK8 had a more aurally interesting soundtrack (blame legislation) and more torque steer with which to entertain drivers.
Refinement: This may be a fantastic all-rounder, but if you’re looking for a quiet motorway cruiser, look elsewhere. Road noise in particular is pronounced, if not overbearing. The Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus ST are quieter. Owners report that lining the boot with sound-deadening material makes a big difference, however.
Also worth knowing
Honda sold the FL5 in just a single well-equipped specification in the UK and offered only three optional extras. These were paint colours other than grey, the Illumination Pack (comprising puddle lights and red ambient lighting inside) and the Carbon Pack (carbonfibre mirror caps, rear spoiler and diffuser, plus some interior bits).
In 2025 the UK received 10 of 40 Ultimate Edition cars, priced at £57,905. These were painted in signature Championship White with red racing stripes and gained extra carbonfibre, including for the rear wing, door sills and centre console.
Americans can buy the DE5 Acura Integra Type S, which is basically a rebodied FL5. It’s probably a better car more of the time, with a fruitier exhaust, nicer interior and more sound deadening. It will be going on sale in Japan soon, so expect some to arrive in the UK not long after as grey imports.