Civic all the way, owned 2 one modified a lot but not that you be able to see
, also had the Integra DC5 , Mitsubishi FTO, Leon CupraR to name a few others. I would pick the Honda's over any other make i have had. Build quality is excellent, and performance out of the box is far superior. You have to chip the Golf to get it in the same area as the CIvic, if you drop a supercharger in th eCivic you have something that will all but keep up with an M3.
Golfs are nice but, how can i put this without being flamed. They are comfy
The CTR is crisp and sharp. Oh and the seats are FAR!!!!! better than the golf recaro's. Also the gearbox is one of the best gearbox's you'll have th epleasure of using.
I like and enjoy my Golf, i love Honda's and VTEC, sorry