Honda Civic

The Honda Civic, which was initially a subcompact, is a compact car manufactured by Honda from 1972. It took six generations of changes for it to move to the compact car segment. It had its introduction in 1972 as a two-door model in July and a three-door hatchback in September. It became famous for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and environmental friendliness. However, later iterations have become famous for their performance and sportiness.

First Generation (1972-1979)

In 1972 in Japan, Honda introduced the first-generation Civic equipped with a 1,169cc 1.2L four-cylinder water-cooled engine with a maximum power of 45 kW and a torque of 95 N.m. For the coupe, you'd either find one with a 2-speed automatic transmission or a 4-speed manual gearbox. The hatchback (1200) came fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

It featured front disc brakes, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, and reclining bucket seats. You also had the option of buying one fitted with air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. In1973 during the oil crisis, Honda introduced its CVCC engine system, which made the Civic more fuel-efficient.

Second Generation (1979-1983)

The second generation had a more angular shape and was larger than its predecessor. The Civic was offered as a four-door sedan, three-door, and five-door hatchback and a five-door wagon with their engines now using the CVCC design. Each cylinder now had a third valve leading to the introduction of lean-burn swirl technology. The available engines were a 1,335 cc base engine that produced 41 kW of power and 98 N.m torque and another with 1,588 cc capacity producing 50 kW. Three transmissions were available - 3-speed and two-speed semi-automatic, and a five-speed manual gearbox.

Third Generation (1983-1987)

For the third generation, a new model arrived with the merging of the hatchback and wagon to become the shuttle wagon called Honda Civic Shuttle, but also endearingly referred to as the "breadbox" due to its appearance. The CRX trim, a compact dimension lightweight two-seat coupe, was also introduced. In 1984 a 4WD engine fitted with different transmission mounts was introduced. Initially, the 4WD was push-button operated until an upgrade in 1987 when Honda introduced the "Realtime" system. Now, the rear wheels would engage automatically when the front wheels lost traction.

The Civics manufactured during this period were fitted with a 1.5L, 1488 cc 4-cylinder 63 kW, 12 N.m CVCC engine. The transmissions offered included a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox. 

Fourth Generation (1987-1991)

The fourth-generation Civic was a redesign of its predecessor. It now had a lower hood line and an increased dimension. The trim levels offered in Australia were the Si, GL, and Breeze. The Si featured a 1,590cc 1.6L DOHC ZC 4-cylinder engine that reached a peak power of 96 kW and a torque of 144 N.m. The Breeze, on the other hand, was fitted with a 1,343 cc 4-cylinder engine that produced 55 kW in power 102 N.m torque with the GL model using a 1.5L, 1,493cc 4-cylinder (72 kW, 122 N.m) engine which was an improved version of the one used in the third-generation Civics. 

Fifth Generation (1991-1995)

The fifth-generation Civic, introduced in 1991 as a 1992 model, was redesigned to a more aerodynamic styling with increased dimensions. In Australia, it was available in eight trim models, namely, Breeze, CXi, GLi, GLi Special Edition, VTTi, VTi Special Edition, VTi-R, and VEi.

This generation utilized two engines:

1. A 1,493 cc 4-cylinder engine that achieved peak power of 66 kW and a torque of 129 N.m
2. A more powerful 1,590 cc 4-cylinder engine that delivered peak power of 88 kW and a torque of 145 N.m

Honda offered three transmission options: a four-speed automatic transmission, CVT auto transmission (used exclusively in the VTi sedan), and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Sixth Generation (1995-2000)

The sixth-generation model featured updated styling with very minimal changes as compared to previous generations. The trim models for the fifth generation were carried over. All the base models came with a 1,590 cc 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that reached a peak power of 93 kW and a torque of 145 N.m.

Honda carried over the transmissions used in the fifth generation, which were four-speed automatic, five-speed manual gearbox, and a CVT automatic transmission for the VTi. 

Seventh Generation (2000-2005)

The seventh-generation design changes, specifically improved interior space, saw the Civic move to a compact car size segment. Though it retained the previous generation's exterior dimensions, the front suspension was changed to a MacPherson sturt to lower production costs and to allow more room for the newly introduced Honda K-series engine.

Some of the trim models used in the previous generation were discontinued mid-production. Only the Vi, GLi survived, and the Indy and Hybrid were released. The hybrid came with additional features including 14-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, a rear spoiler, and front fog lights, among other features. Honda used two engines, namely:

1. 1,339 cc 1.3L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 69 kW and a torque of 146 N.m used exclusively for the hybrid
2. A more powerful 1,668 cc 1.7L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 88 kW and a torque of 150 N.m

Honda still went with the four-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual gearbox options with the CVT automatic transmission only available for the hybrid. 

Eighth Generation (2005-2011)

The eighth-generation was released in 2005 as a 2006 model. Honda decided to split the model into two platforms, one for the coupe and sedan and one for the hatchback tailored explicitly for the European market. The hatchback platform used simpler rear suspensions similar to the one in the Honda Fit but with more aggressive styling. The VTi and the VTi-L were reintroduced. In Australia, the trims included the Sport, Hybrid, GLi, and Vi. There were four engines used in cars manufactured during this period, viz.:

1. A 1,668cc 1.7L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 96 kW and a torque of 155 N.m
2. A 1,799cc 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 103 kW and a torque of 174 N.m used in higher trim models
3. A 1,998cc 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that attained peak power of 114 kW and a torque of 188 N.m used in the Sport variant
4. The 1,339cc 1.3 L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 69 kW and a torque of 146 N.m used exclusively for the hybrid

Ninth Generation (2011-2015)

The ninth-generation Civic sketch was introduced in 2010. Honda described it as "energetic, sleek and aerodynamic" and went on to showcase the coupe and sedan concepts in the 2011 North American Auto Show. It went on sale in April 2011 and later received upgraded interior and exterior trims in 2012.

Honda’s Eco Assist technology (which is an information system to assist the driver in employing a more-fuel efficient driving style) was added to most models, making the Civic the first gasoline-only car to utilize such technology in North America. The Anti-Lock Brake System was now standard in all trims, and so were the Electronic Brake Distribution and Vehicle Stability Assistance. The improved multilink rear suspension reduced road feel, making the car more comfortable in battered roads. 

In Australia, the ninth generation is available in trim models; DTi-S, VTi, VTi-L, VTi-LN, VTi-S, Hybrid, and Sport. The engines used for ninth-generation Civics are:

1. A 1,798 cc 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 104 kW and a torque of 174 N.m
2. A 1,597 cc 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 88 kW and a torque of 300 N.m
3. A 1,997 cc 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 114 kW and a torque of 190 N.m used in the Sport variant
4. The 1, 497cc 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 82 kW and a torque of 172 N.m used exclusively for the hybrid

Honda used four transmissions; a six-speed and five-speed automatic transmission, a five-speed manual gearbox, and a CVT automatic transmission for the hybrid. 

Tenth Generation (2015-present)

The tenth-generation Civic, which was first unveiled in 2015, is based on the Honda compact global platform. It features a fastback exterior design with the front featuring a new chrome wing design with the C-pillar flowing into the tailgate. The interior also features a couple of new changes. Higher trim models have the speedometer and tachometer consolidated into a customizable all digital DII (Driver Information Interface) on a 7-inch LCD screen positioned behind the steering wheel. 

There are four variants; the sedan, coupe, five-door hatchback, Type-R, and Si trim models. For the tenth generation, Honda used three engines: 

1. A 1,799 cc 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that reached peak power of 104 kW and a torque of 174 N.m
2. A 1,996 cc 2.0L engine that attained peak power of 228 kW and a torque of 400 N.m used in the Type-R variant
3. The 1, 498cc 1.5 L engine that reached peak power of 127 kW and a torque of 220 N.m

The Civic Is Popular Among the Modification Community

Honda Civics, specifically those manufactured from the fourth generation all through to 2000, is a popular platform for modification and customization. These were equipped with front double-wishbone suspension (replaced by the MacPherson strut in 2000) and rear semi-training suspension which provide superior handling. The ready parts interchangeably also allow for easy engine swaps, among other upgrades. In case you would wish to upgrade your Civic, you can easily find spare parts at Carpart.com.au. We can help you find used cars and parts at reasonable price. Contact us today or visit our website! 

- Eric Anyega