Honda · 1972–present

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic (Japanese: ホンダ・シビック, Hepburn: Honda Shibikku) is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda's global passenger car line-up. It is one of the best-selling automobiles in history, with over 27 million units sold through 2021. The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive, the car provided good interior space despite its small overall dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Si, SiR, and Type R versions. It is currently in its eleventh generation, which has been produced since 2021. The Civic has often been rebadged for international markets, and it served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (which later became the Orthia) and the CR-V (which in turn was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V). The Civic is Honda's longest running passenger car nameplate, followed by the larger Accord.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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Background

After establishing itself in the 1950s as a motorcycle manufacturer, Honda began production of automobiles in 1963. Honda introduced its N360 minicar, compliant with Kei car specifications for the Japanese market, for the 1967 model year with a transverse-mounted front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) layout later adopted by the Honda 1300 (1970) and Civic (1972) models. The Civic gave Honda their first market success competing with manufacturers of compact cars, a growth segment as sales of kei cars plateaued and waned in the early 1970s. The Civic became an influential design of the 1970s, along with the Volkswagen Golf (1974), Ford Fiesta (1976), and Fiat Ritmo (1978) and following the Renault 5, which was introduced six months earlier. Honda would later expand the Civic's FF-compact design to produce the larger and more upmarket Accord (1976) and Prelude (1978) models. In Japan, the Civic was the first fully modern compact car in the European style, offering a level of prestige not seen in this market class. The Civic quickly inspired Japanese domestic manufacturers to respond in kind, with models like the Mazda Familia AP, Daihatsu Charade, and Mitsubishi Mirage. Previously a subcompact, since 2000 the Civic has been categorized as a compact car. US EPA guidelines for vehicle size class stipulate a car having combined passenger and cargo room of 110 to 119.9 cubic feet (3,110 to 3,400 L) is considered a mid-size car, and as such the tenth generation Civic sedan is technically a mid-size car, although it competes in the compact class. In Insurance Bureau of Canada's report on top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2005, 2000 Honda Civic Si 2-door, 1999 Honda Civic Si coupe, 1994 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback, 1995 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback were listed as ranks #1, #2,

First generation (1972)

The first-generation Honda Civic was introduced on 11 July 1972, but sold as a 1973 model in Japan. It was equipped with a 1,169 cc (71.3 cu in) four-cylinder water-cooled engine and featured front power disc brakes, reclining vinyl bucket seats, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, as well as optional air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The Civic was available as a two- or four-door fastback sedan, three- and a five-door hatchback, as well as a five-door station wagon. Because of the 1973 oil crisis, consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles was high, and because of the engine being able to run on either leaded or unleaded fuel, it gave drivers fuel choice flexibility over other vehicles. The Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) engine debuted in December 1973, with a cylinder head design that allowed for more efficient combustion, and as a result the CVCC system did not require a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet 1975 Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The Civic was joined by a platform expansion of the three-door hatchback, called the Honda Accord in 1976.

Second generation (1979)

The second-generation Civic was introduced in June 1979 as a 1980 model. It was larger, had a more angular shape, and came with increased engine power. All Civic engines now used the CVCC design, which added a third valve per cylinder; this introduced lean-burn swirl technology. This generation was available with a 1,335 cc ("1300") engine and with an optional 1,488 cc ("1500") version; power outputs varied considerably between Japan, Europe, North America, and other markets. Three transmissions were offered: a four-speed manual (on base models), a five-speed manual, and a two-speed semi-automatic Honda had previously called the "Hondamatic". The second generation Civic was offered as a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback and a five-door wagon.

Third generation (1983)

The third-generation Civic was released in September 1983 for the 1984 model year. The separate five-door hatchback and wagon models were merged into a five-door "shuttle wagon" or "wagovan" sometimes referred to colloquially as a "breadbox" because of its appearance, called the Honda Civic Shuttle. An additional two-seat coupe style—labeled CRX—was introduced, noted for its compact dimensions and light weight. The third generation Civic saw the introduction of the long running four-cylinder D series engine including a new 1.5 L (91.5 cu in) CVCC engine producing 57 kW (76 hp). 1984 also saw the release of a high-performance Si model for the Japanese market, featuring upgraded suspension and the 1.6 L (97.6 cu in) double overhead camshaft (DOHC) ZC engine which was rated at 96 kW; 130 hp (130 PS). Si models were offered in the U.S. as a 3-door Civic Si hatchback and the CRX Si variant with a 68 kW (91 hp) single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 12-valve engine with programmed fuel injection. A 4WD configuration with different transmission mounts was introduced for the first time in 1984, and later upgraded in 1987. In the United States it delivered a fuel economy of around 8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp (28 mpg‑US) highway. The 4WD system was push-button operated until improved in 1987 when the rear wheels would engage automatically once the front wheels lost traction. This new system was called "Realtime" which used a "viscous coupler" connecting two propeller shafts between the front and rear axles. The manual transmission featured a synchronized 6th gear, called "SL", or "Super-Low", which was used for high torque at very low speeds. The "Realtime" idea is still utilized to this day but includes technological improvements since the first system. Starting with 1985, Japanese Civics

Fourth generation (1987)

In September 1987, the fourth-generation Civic was introduced with increased dimensions and a lower hood line. A wide range of models and trim levels were offered for various markets around the world. The most notable of which was the Japanese market SiR (featuring the B16A 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine). All U.S. models featured electronic fuel injection, but carbureted models were still available elsewhere. The fourth-generation saw the introduction of a fully independent rear suspension across the entire model range. In addition, the Honda CRX continued to be part of the Civic family which included the base model, HF and Si model in the U.S.A / four door version called the Ballade was built, under agreement, by Mercedes-Benz South Africa / models were 1500 16V, 1600i 16V and 1600i 16V DOHC. The first 800 cars produced at the then brand new Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario, Canada were SE model cars. These Special Edition models included all white side molding that matched the white body and color matched dual mirrors. In the body molding was a wrap around blue stripe. Each car had interior upgrades as well as a chrome-tipped exhaust.

Fifth generation (1991)

Introduced in September 1991 for the 1992 model year, the fifth-generation Civic featured increased dimensions, as well as more aerodynamic styling. The wagon variant was now only available in the Japanese market where the previous generation wagon was carried over until 1995. The efficiency of the previous HF model was replaced by the VX hatchback which, with an EPA rating of 48 / 55 miles per US gallon (4.9 / 4.3 L/100 km; 58 / 66 mpg‑imp), was Honda's most fuel efficient model sold at the time. In North America, the Si featured a 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC valve train, whereas the VX featured the VTEC-E. The Japanese Si featured a 1.6-liter DOHC non-VTEC valve train D16A9. Continuing in the sporty tradition of the original Civic SiR, Honda sold several similarly equipped variants of the fifth generation car, still referred to as the Civic SiR, in Japan, Asia and Europe. In South Africa, MBSA (Mercedes Benz of SA) built the Civic as the Ballade only in 4-door sedan. A special model was the 180i with the B18B4, that was fitted to Ballade models. A new body style was introduced with this generation called the Civic Coupé, based from the Civic Ferio sedan, and was sold in North America, Europe and Japan. The fifth-generation remains popular among tuners and racers alike.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

Manufacturer

Honda

aka

Honda Ballade (1980–2001), Honda Integra SJ (1996–2001), Honda Domani (1997–2000), Honda Integra (China, 2022–present), Acura EL (Canada, 1997–2005), Acura CSX (Canada, 2005–2011), Isuzu Gemini (Japan, 1997–2000), Isuzu Vertex (Thailand, 1996–2001), Rover 200 (1984–1989), Triumph Acclaim (1981–1984)

Production

1972–present

Class

Subcompact car (1972–1991), Compact car (1991–present)

Body style

2-door fastback sedan/saloon (1972–1979), 4-door fastback sedan (1973–1978), 3-door hatchback (1972–2011), 5-door hatchback (1977–1983, 2000–2021), 5-door station wagon (1974–2006, 2014–2017), 4-door sedan (1980–present), 2-door coupé (1993–2020), 5-door liftback (1995–2001, 2021–present)

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1983–2005)

Predecessor

Honda N600, Honda Z600

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1626577CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CivicCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377703382 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_Honda_Civic_Sport_Touring_Hybrid_in_Blue_Lagoon,_front_left,_2024-09-24.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Elise240SX · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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