History of the Honda Civic
January 09 2023 - Jake Korach

 

How it became a HOUSEHOLD NAME…

The Honda Civic and the term “icon” are synonymous, with this reliable sedan carrying forth a legacy and becoming, throughout five generations, a household name. With a reputation that proceeds itself, including one rooted in affordability and dependability, the Honda Civic is moving deftly toward its 11th generation. There have been numerous body styles since its 1973 debut, and size and features have run the gamut, but its excel-lence has remained constant as one of the best-selling retail passenger cars in the na-tion. From accolades and awards to rave reviews from consumers and industry experts, alike, all thanks to its commitment to fuel economy and modern technology, this Civic follows a true path to greatness….See what the small-car performance movement is all about!

A look back….

First gen: 1973-1979

It was in 1973 that the first generation of the Honda Civic arrived. Its creation fittingly coincided with the oil crisis of the time and the new 1975 EPA emissions standards that resulted in Ameri-cans desperately searching for fuel-efficient vehicles. Enter the Honda Cviic —with its first year debut being a coupe, hatchback and station wagon.

It’s no surprise considering its current reputation that the Civic was incredibly popular from the start, giving Honda its first major foothold in the United States.

 

Second gen: 1980-1983

In its second generation, the Civic took on the appearance of what consumers are accustomed to today. The model itself increased in size, with the four-door sedan body style making its de-but. This generation marked the introduction of a special fuel economy trim which was designed to boost gas mileage and a sport S trim.

Third gen: 1984-1987

Size increased once again in this generation, which also saw the addition of the fastback coupe body style with two seats and named the Civic CRX. Fuel economy continued to improve during this time, with Honda also boasting a sportier look for the model. Si models saw their release in this generation, giving performance enthusiasts nationwide what would become a Civic all their own.

Fourth gen: 1988-1991

Major changes marked this decade for the Civic, with perhaps the greatest and most important being the addition of the double-wishbone suspension for the front and back. This resulted in not only superb handling, but allowed the Honda Civic to finally be considered a sports car. This generation also included an increase in size and performance, as well as represented the last generation for the two-seat CRX model.

 

Fifth gen: 1992-1995

This generation saw a vehicle that continued to modernize, marked by such key features as standard side air bags on all models and the introduction of anti-lock brakes on some trims. New Honda Civic styles were presented during this time, including a four-seat, two-door coupe. But it was the two-seat coupe featuring a lowered rear window and removable roof that gave it the appearance of a convertible. Honda also added during this generation their variable-valve timing VTEC engines to the Civic.

Sixth gen: 1996-2000

Some restyling took place during this generation, but nothing particularly major, with the Civic firming up its place as one of the greatest options for fuel-conscious drivers. This generation also saw the introduction of a natural gas-powered Civic.

Seventh gen: 2001-2005

A dramatic redesign was realized during this generation, with a switch from the double-wish-bone front suspension to McPherson struts. This ultimately resulted in a much more spacious interior and a move from the subcompact to the compact car class. This generation also experi-enced an especially notable addition of the very first Honda Civic Hybrid, showcasing yet an-other way Honda provided variety of fuel-efficient choices for their devoted fans.

Eighth-gen: 2006-2011

Accolades rolled in for the Civic, with the eighth-generation marked by the vehicle’s recognition as both the 2006 “North American Car of the Year” and the 2006 Motor Trend “Car of the Year.” Honda continued with its Hybrid, Natural Gas and Is models, but changed how they approached the coupe and sedan body styles. Also, during this time, the automaker began using different platforms for the coupe and sedan which resulted in varying driving dynamics.

 

 

Ninth-gen: 2012-2015

Modernization took root thanks to a redesign of the 2012 model, with the Civic for 2013 marked as the first to boast such modern features as Pandora Internet radio, Bluetooth and a rearview camera as standard. Those upgrades grew further in 2014 and in the area of design and perfor-mance. The 2015 Honda Civic model resulted in even more options for drivers with the new SE level trim, as well as impressive fuel ratings at up to 41 mph highway and 31 mpg city. Of note is that this generation of models are excellent and wise choices to consider if you are in the mar-ket for a used Honda Civic.

 

Tenth-gen: 2016-present

Continued rich history is found here, with the same reliability as earlier models but with the re-lease in the North American Market. During this time, the first turbocharged engine can be real-ized under hood as well as the infamous Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which now come standard in all body styles, trims and configurations. This generation was also marked by the unveiling of the Civic Is and Honda Civic R performance models.

Eleventh-gen: Introduced for the 2022 model year

Celebrating its debut last year, this Honda Civic saw significant upgrades from previous models, most notably in the area of size. Strikingly similar to the Honda Accord in styling and comfort, the new 11th generation Civic is also slightly wider than past generations by 0.5 inches. Models in this generation have the same motors as the 10th generation, which is a 4-cylinder engine with the capability to give off 158 hp and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out up to 180 hp.

Only one transmission option is available in this generation —the CVT.

Honda has its sight set on offering the new 11th generation in sedan, hatchback, Is and Type R trims. This new Civic also boasts a premium feel and is undoubtedly a welcome addition to an already extraordinary vehicle.

There is no doubt, when reviewing its history, that the Honda Civic is truly the solid, best choice when it comes to a vehicle rooted in fuel economy, modern technology, afforda-bility and dependability. From its easy-to-park size to its desirability through the dec-ades, the Honda Civic has remained the best of the best. History speaks for itself in what has undoubtedly become a true household name!

 

 

 

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