The Honda Civic is a line of subcompact and subsequently compact cars made and manufactured by Honda. The Civic, along with the Accord and Prelude, comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded. Having gone through several generational changes, the Civic has become larger and moreupmarket, and it currently slots between the Fit and Accord.
It was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door model,[1] followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With the transverse engine mounting of its 1169 cc engine and front-wheel drive like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.[2][not in citation given] Early models of the Civic typically included a basic AM radio, heater, foam-cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. As the years went by, it has become much more upscale with options such as air conditioning, power locks, power windows, leather upholstery, satellite-linked navigation, and a six-speed manual transmission. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Type-R, Civic GTi and Civic SiR.[3][4]
The Civic has been rebadged for international markets with such models as the Honda Ballade and Honda Domani/Acura EL. The Civic platform also served as the basis for theCR-X sport compact, the CR-X del Sol targa convertible, the Honda Concerto, the first generation Honda Prelude, the Honda Civic Shuttle (later to become the Honda Orthia), and the CR-V compact SUV. Starting in 1985 until 2006, the Civic was dedicated to Japanese dealership Honda Primo, with Civic variants sold at Honda Clio, and Honda Verno locations.
As of 2006, a total of 16.5 million Civics had been sold worldwide, with 7.3 million of them in the United States.[5] By 2010, Civic has been the top-selling car in Canada for thirteen years.[6] With high gas prices and a weak economy in June 2008, the Civic supplanted theFord F-Series to become the top-selling vehicle in the United States for that month.[7][8]
In Japan, production of non-hybrid Civic for domestic market ended in August 2010, production of Civic hybrid for home market ended in December 2010. In recent years, customers shifted to minivans and compact cars likeHonda Fit. Honda launched Fit hybrid in October in Japan. However, production of Civic and Civic hybrid for export markets will continue.[9]
[edit]First generation (1973–1979)
Main article: Honda Civic (first generation)
The first generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1972, but sold as a 1973 model. Equipped with a 1,169 cc (71.3 cu in) four-cylinder engine, the first generation Civic was designed to compete with American compact vehicles and offered features such as front power disc brakes and reclining vinyl bucket seats and AM radio. The Civic was available as a coupe, both a three- and a five-doorhatchback, as well as a five-door station wagon. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles was high.
The CVCC engine debuted in 1975. Offered alongside the standard Civic engine, the 53 hp (40 kW; 54 PS) CVCC engine displaced 1,488 cc (90.8 cu in) and had a head design that allowed for more efficient combustion. The CVCC did not require a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet emissions standards. The advantage of the CVCC approach allowed drivers to use whatever fuel was available, be it leaded or unleaded. As the previously mentioned 1973 oil crisis explained, fuel rationing was commonplace in North America during that time, and as some regions were making the transisition from leaded to unleaded fuel, the CVCC Civic offered options that other vehicles couldn't provide in terms of fuel usage flexibility. Only the CVCC engine was available in California due to stricter emissions standards.[10]
- EB1- 1169cc, black interior, honeycomb grill
- EB2- 1240cc, same body as the EB1, several choices for interior color
- EB3- 1240cc, revised hood, head rest on front seats, revised bumpers with plastic end caps, horizontal running grille, revised tail lights.
The first generation Honda Civics were notorious for rusting in less than three years from purchase where salt was used in the winter. The U.S. importer, American Honda Motor Company, signed a final consent decree with the Federal Trade Commission that provided owners of 1975-1978 Civics with rusted fenders the right to receive replacements or cash reimbursements.[11]
Hondas were so vulnerable to corrosion that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also issued a safety recall because lateral suspension arms, front crossbeam, and strut coil spring lower supports could weaken with exposure to salt.[12] A total of 936,774 vehicles built between January 9, 1972 and January 8, 1979 were subject to extensive repairs since Honda had to replace the suspension components, or the automaker bought back entire cars with serious body corrosion.[13] By 1981 about 10% of Hondas were to be inspected by a dealer and the automaker had 180 days to replace front fenders and supporting parts that showed rust within the first three years of use.[14] At the time, Honda's rust recall was the largest safety action among all the brands imported into the U.S.[15]
[edit]Second generation (1980–1983)
Main article: Honda Civic (second generation)
The second generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1980. 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 3rd valve per cylinder; this introduced lean burn swirl technology. The base 1335 cc ("1300") engine made 55 hp (41 kW; 56 PS), with an optional 1488 cc ("1500") engine producing 67 hp (50 kW; 68 PS). Three transmissions were offered: a four-speed manual (on base models), a five-speed manual, and a two-speed semi-automatic that was unique to the industry.[16][not in citation given]
[edit]Third generation (1984–1987)
Main article: Honda Civic (third generation)
The third generation was released in 1984. The separate five-door hatchback and wagon models were merged into a four-door "shuttle wagon" or "wagovan" sometimes referred to colloquially as a "breadbox" due to 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. 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) DOHC ZC enginewhich was rated at 130 PS. Si models were offered in the US as a 3-door Civic Si hatchback and the CRX Si variant with a 91 horsepower (68 kW) fuel injected SOHC 12-valve engine. A 4WD engine with different transmission mounts was introduced for the first time in 1984, and later upgraded in 1987. It delivered a fuel economy commensurate with today's AWD SUVs of around 28 mpg highway. The AWD system was push-button operated and called "realtime" because it could be engaged and disengaged while driving. The manual transmission featured a synchronized 6th gear, called "SL", which was used for very low speeds. Starting with 1985, Japanese Civics were now exclusive to Honda Primo, with variants sold at Honda Verno and Honda Clio.
[edit]Fourth generation (1988–1991) - EC, ED, EE, EF
Main article: Honda Civic (fourth generation)
In 1988, the Civic was redesigned 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 include The Japanese market SiR, the European VTi (both featuring the new B16A DOHCVTEC engine), the UK/European 1.6i-16 (DOHC D16A9 engine) and the New Zealand market GTi(featuring full leather interior and a tuned version of the successful SOHC D16A7 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.[17][not in citation given] In addition, the Honda CRX continued to be part of the Civic family which included the HF, DX, and Si model in the U.S.
[edit]Fifth generation (1992–1995) - EK1, EG, EH, EJ1, EJ2
Main article: Honda Civic (fifth generation)
Introduced in 1992, the redesigned 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 MPG, was Honda's most fuel efficient model sold at the time. In North America the Si featured a SOHC VTEC valve train, where as the VX featured the VTEC-E. The Japanese Si featured a DOHC non-VTEC valve trainD16A9. In New Zealand the powerful Civic GTi was revised. 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.
[edit]Sixth generation (1996–2000) - EK9, EK4, EK5, EK3, EJ6, EJ7,EJ8, EJ9, EM1
Main article: Honda Civic (sixth generation)
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The sixth generation featured updated styling although less radical than previous redesigns. Suspension and engine options were available along with their first Natural Gas Powered Civic, the GX. In 1996–2000 they made the CX, DX, EX, EXR, HX, LX, and Si; all base models were made with 1.6L engines. The EX-CX are all SOHC (Honda D engine). The CX, DX, and LX all have D16y7 non-VTEC engines; whereas the EX and Si have a D16y8 VTEC, and the HX has D16y5 VTEC-E. The Sir came with a DOHC (B16A2 VTEC). The first civic SI coupe EM1 was introduced in 1999. Europe saw a DOHC 1.6 VTI hatch and sedan and a DOHC 1.8VTI engine was available for the Domani related five-door liftback and estate. In Thailand, the EK3 sedan was also sold as the Isuzu Vertex, Isuzu's last passenger car ever for that market. (This followed Isuzu's practice of selling Honda models as Isuzus which started with the Gemini; while Honda also selling Isuzu's sport utility vehicles in Japan and North America, and pickup truck in Thailand.)
[edit]Seventh generation (2001–2005) - EM2, ES1, EP2, EP3, EU1
Main article: Honda Civic (seventh generation)
The seventh generation was released in 2001. While the redesign retained the previous generation's exterior dimensions, interior space was improved in part by using a flat rear floor thus bumping up Civic to a compact car size segment. The front suspension was changed from that of a double wishbone to a MacPherson strut, in order to lower costs, as well as allow more engine bay room for the newly introduced Honda K-series engine. Power was also increased on some trim levels.
In North America, coupe and sedan body styles were available, except for the Si (SiR in Canada) which was offered only as a three-door hatchback.[18] The rest of the world received three and five-door hatchbacks. The Type-R was redesigned as well this time using a more powerful i-VTEC motor and using the three-door hatchback body style. This generation saw Honda introduce their first Civic Hybrid, powered by a 1.3 litre engine.[19]
[edit]Eighth generation (2006–2011) - FD2, FA1, FG1, FG2, FA5, FK, FN
Main article: Honda Civic (eighth generation)
For the 2006 generation Honda split the model into two different platforms, one primarily for the home market and North America and the other designed for the European market using a simpler rear suspension from the Honda Fit and more aggressive styling. As of 2006, a total of 16.5 million Civics had been sold worldwide, with 7.3 million of them in the United States.[5]Although the North American and the home market model differ externally, they are mechanically identical. The European model is available as a three and five-door hatchback while the Japanese/North American model is available as either sedan or coupe. Both Si and Type-R trim levels continue although the Japanese and European Type-R while sharing the same size engine are mechanically different. In the US an improved version of the Si tuned by Honda tuner Mugen is offered featuring cosmetic alterations and changes to the suspension and exhaust system. The Acura version of the Civic not only received the design change, but also saw a new nameplate, changing from the Acura EL to the Acura CSX. In Japan starting March 2006, the Honda dealership sales channels called Honda Primo, Verno, and Clio were disbanded, and combined into one retail dealership called Honda Cars.
In Europe this Civic has a 3 or 5 door hatch featuring a 1.4 VTEC, 1.8 VTEC also a 4 door hybrid saloon with a 1.4 petrol engine(5.5–9 km/litre in city, 11.2–13.7 km/litre on highway), or 2.0l (Type-R) engines (5.5–8.1 km/litre in city, 8–10 km/litre on highway), as well as a powerful and economical 2.2 N22A i-CTDi diesel (140BHP) which does 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds and fuel economy is 38.3 MPG 10–12 km/litre in city and 11–14 km/litre on the highway. There is also a saloon version for the Hybrid, which has a 1.4 IMA engine giving 61MPG with 0–60 in 12.41 seconds. The Irish market has 5 different models. A 4 door saloon built in Japan which come with a 1.8 svetec 140 bhp engine delivering 6.4(l/100 km) Combined,5.4(l/100 km) Extra Urban and 8.2(l/100 km) Urban with a Maximum speed — 210 km/h and a 0–100 kph comes in at 8.6 seconds. Ireland also has the above mentioned 2.2 l diesel Civic, the 1.8 petrol Civic, the 1.4 petrol Civic and lastly the Hybrid Civic also.
[edit]2009 facelift
For 2009, the Civic received a minor face lift, including a slight redesign to the front and rear. The exterior changes include a new honeycomb-designed grill in the front, as well as revised wheels, with many more spokes than the original five-spoke rims, and a bar of chrome trim above the license plate area for the sedan. The chrome strip where the Honda front logo is was also refined with sharper edges on both ends. The design for the area of the grill where the fog lights are placed was also slightly revised to include differing designs for Civic models with fog lights and those without. The rear turn signals were changed from red to amber. The interior changes included bluetooth compatibility and an optional leather wrapped steering wheel in the LX model. A sportier LX model was also added, called LX-S. This trim level adds a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, and black sports seats.[20][21] The car retains many of its design cues and technical specifications from the pre-2009 model, including its 1.8 liter inline-4 engine and two-tier dashboard with a digital speedometer.
[edit]Ninth generation (2012–)
Main article: Honda Civic (ninth generation)
[edit]North American market
On December 13, 2010, Honda unveiled a sketch of the new ninth-generation Civic which was described as "energetic, sleek and aerodynamic." Both coupe and sedan concepts were shown on January 10, 2011 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The production version of the ninth-generation Civic based on the revealed concept went on sale in the U.S. on April 20, 2011.[22]
Gasoline (DX, LX, EX, and EX-L), hybrid and natural gas variants will be offered. The gasoline-engined lineup includes a sedan, coupe and two Si performance versions which also can be configured into a coupe and sedan. Honda has also released the Civic HF, which stands for High Fuel Economy, and is based on the new Civic Sedan. It features a 1.8 Liter Inline Four-Cylinder engine and a 5-Speed Automatic transmission like the regular gas-powered models, but it has been tuned so that it returns 41 highway miles per gallon (MPG), however, it still has desirable features like an A/M-F/M stereo system with a single-disc CD/MP3 player, four speakers, the Intelligent Multi Informational Display (iMID), sixteen-inch alloy wheels with fuel-saving tires, a deluxe cloth interior, and keyless entry with a security alarm. The HF also features an Eco Mode button that reduces torque and allows for better mileage. It comes in two colors, Polished Metal Metallic or Taffeta White Clear Coat with a Gray interior. The Civic GX NGV (Natural Gas Vehicle) will be available in late 2011. All models (except for the base model DX), will come with the Intelligent Multi Informational Display (iMiD) that displays information about the car, such as current odometer mileage, current trip mileage, current time and date, current fuel economy readout, audio information (radio station, CD track info, radio data system info, climate info, and more, and will also allow you to upload two photos to the internal storage unit that can be displayed when the audio system is powered off. The DX (base) model will not feature a radio, yet will feature audio pre-wiring with four speakers, so the iMiD cannot display properly, therefore, it is not equipped with this option.
Honda's Eco Assist technology will be added to most models, and will become the first gasoline-only powered Honda to employ such technology in North America. It is an information system to help the driver adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style,[23] and is proven to improve fuel economy by about 10% for Honda's hybrid vehicle in Japan.[24]
All models now come standard with ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Systems), VSA (Vehicle Stability Assistance) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution). Further improvements include a new multilink rear suspension to further reduce road feel on particularly battered roads and highways.
[edit]European market
The European market Civic will not be like the Civic sold in North America. It is a hatchback and not a saloon/sedan sold outside Europe. Based on the previous European Civic platform, it will have the same dimensions as the previous European Civic (4.3 metres long) and will have 2.2 litre diesel engine and a hybrid petrol engines.
[edit]Japanese Market
The Japanese version of the Honda Civic was a newer model, that was designed on April 2011 to sell it to all Japanese markets, but this was delayed until 2012 due to earthquake and tsunami. The JDM model will be available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.
[edit]International marketing and platform derivatives
While the Civic is sold in largely the same form worldwide, differences in the name of the models exist between markets. In Japan, the hatchback Civic is just called "Civic" while the sedan model was called the (Japanese: Civic Ferio) during the fifth to seventh generations. The sixth-generation sedan was also sold as the Integra SJ. In Europe and the United States, "Civic" generically refers to any model, though in Europe the coupe is branded the "Civic Coupe". A four-door station wagon model called the Civic Shuttle (also Civic Pro in Japan) was available from 1984 until 1991 (this brand name would later be revived for the mid-1990s Honda Shuttle people carrier, known in some markets as the Honda Stream). In South Africa, the sedan (the only model sold there until the 1996 launch of the sixth generation sedan and hatch) was known as the Ballade.
Other models have been built off the Civic platform, including Prelude, Ballade, CR-X, Quint,Concerto, Domani, CR-X Del Sol, Integra, and CR-V.
Also, at various times, the Civic or Civic-derived models have been sold by marques other than Honda – for example, Rover sold the 200, 400 and 45, each of which were Civic-based at some point (first 200s were the second generation Ballade; from 1990 the 200 and 400 were based on the Concerto; the 400 was the 1995 Domani), as was their predecessor, the Triumph Acclaim, based on the first Honda Ballade. The Honda Domani, an upscale model based on the Civic, was sold as the Isuzu Gemini in Japan (1992–2000), and confusingly the 5-door Domani was sold as the Honda Civic (along with the "real" hatchback and sedan Civics) in Europe from 1995 to 2000. In Thailand, the sixth generation Civic was available as the four-door Isuzu Vertex. The sixth-generation station wagon was sold as the Honda Orthia, with the Partner as the downmarket commercial variant. The seventh generation minivan model is called the Honda Stream. In Canada, the sixth and seventh generation Civics were mildly redesigned to create the Acura EL until the advent of the eight generation Civic, which was used to create the Acura CSX, which was designed in Canada. Honda Japan adopted the CSX styling for the Civic in its home country.
The three-door hatchback body style has been somewhat unpopular in the United States, but has achieved wide acceptance in Canada, as well as popularity in Japan and European markets, helping cement Honda's reputation as a maker of sporty compact models. Starting in 2002, the Civic three-door hatchback has been built exclusively at Honda's manufacturing plant[dead link] in Swindon, England - previously the five-door "Civic"/Domani and the Civic Aerodeck (based on the Japanese Orthia) were built in this plant for sale in Europe along with the Japanese Civics. Accordingly, all instances of the current model (left or right hand drive, anywhere in the world) are British-made cars designed with Japanese engineering, except for the US-built two-door coupe and the sedan version built in Brazil for the Latin American market.
In North America, the Civic hatchback was dropped for 2006. The 2006 model year standard Civics for North America are manufactured in Alliston, Ontario, Canada (sedans, coupes and Si Coupes) and East Liberty, Ohio (sedans), while the Hybrid version is manufactured in Japan.
In Brazil, although being considered for local manufacturing since the early 1980s (it was illegal to import cars in Brazil from 1973 until 1990), the Civic wasn't available until 1992, via official importing. In 1997, production of the sixth generation Civic sedan started in the Sumaré (a city near Campinas, in the state of São Paulo) factory. The only differences between the Japanese model and the Brazilian model were a slightly higher ground clearance, due to the country's road conditions and adaptations to make the engine suitable to Brazilian commercial gasoline, which contains about 25% ethanol (E25). The seventh generation production started in 2001, displacing the Chevrolet Vectra from the top sales record for the mid-size sedan segment, however it lost that position to the Toyota Corolla the following year. In 2006, the eighth generation was released and regained the sales leadership. Identical to the North American version, it lacks options such a moonroof, and standard security equipment like VSA and side and curtain airbags were removed due to lack of car safety laws in the Mercosur. Furthermore, the Brazilian subsidiary began producing flex-fuel versions for the Civic and the Fit models, capable of running on any blend of gasoline (E20 to E25 blend in Brazil) and ethanol up to E100
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