Honda Civic History 1973-2016
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Civic is Honda's longest-running automotive nameplate and its largest selling model globally. Its U.S. introduction came in 1973, when Civic was heralded for its refined driving dynamics, quality construction and world-class fuel efficiency. The revolutionary CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine debuted in Civic and cemented Honda's place in history as a leader in powertrain innovation. Over the course of ten generations, the Civic has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of Honda customers in North America and around the world, and has consistently set the bar for fuel efficiency, driving performance and design innovation in an affordable compact-class vehicle.
Civic Quick Facts
- Honda has produced and sold nearly 35 million Civics globally
- Cumulative U.S. sales of Civic reached 10,245,020 at the end of August 2015
- Civic is the most popular vehicle in its segment with individual car buyers in America – and has led the segment in each individual year since 2007
- Civic is the second most popular car with under-35 U.S. car buyers over the past decade, surpassed only by the Honda Accord in 2014 – Civic was the most popular car with young buyers in each individual year 2007-2013, and so far in 2015CYTD through June. Accord is the only car in the industry to have surpassed Civic with under 35 year olds in any individual year since 2004.
- Approximately 75 percent of Civics sold in America since 1991 remain on the road to this day; Civic is the most durable, longest-lasting car in its class1.
- Nearly 7 million of the 10 million Civics sold in America have been produced at the company's plants in the U.S. and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts.
- North American production of Civic began in 1986 in Marysville, Ohio, and has now surpassed 9 million units.
Civic U.S. Model History
| Gen | Model Years | Body Styles | Engine | Notable |
| 1st | 1973-1979 | Hatchback | 1.2L, 1.4L | Fully independent suspension, CVCC (‘75), 55-63HP |
| 2nd | 1980-1983 | Hatchback (1980) Sedan (1981) Wagon (1981) |
1.3L, 1.5L | +2” wheelbase, 67HP, 2-speed AT, Sedan and Wagon introduced |
| 3rd | 1984-1987 | Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon | 1.3L, 1.5L | CRX & CRX Si ('85) U.S. production in Marysville, Ohio (1986) |
| 4th | 1988-1991 | Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon, CRX | 1.5L | Double-wishbone suspension, ‘88-‘89 Car and Driver ”10Best”, start of production at East Liberty Plant (1989) |
| 5th | 1992-1995 | Hatchback, Sedan, Coupe (1993) | 1.5L | VTEC (Si 125hp), first Coupe, passenger airbag standard, VTEC, DOHC and
55mpg rated Civic VX with VTEC-E |
| 6th | 1996-2000 | Hatchback, Sedan, Coupe | 1.6L | 103” w/base, 45mpg rated HX with VTEC-E, Civic GX ('98), Canada Plant 2 (1998) |
| 7th | 2001-2005 | Sedan, Coupe, Hatchback (2003) | 1.6L | First affordable small car to earn NCAP 5-star safety ratings (‘01 Coupe), 46mpg rated Civic Hybrid ('03) and 1st AT-PZEV |
| 8th | 2006-2011 | Sedan, Coupe | 1.7L | One-motion cabin, 1st Si Sedan, start of Indiana production (2008), 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Yearand North American Car of the Year |
| 9th | 2012-present | Sedan, Coupe |
1.5L, |
Cab forward, premium features, return of Si Coupe (with LSD), Civic HF, 3rd-gen Civic Hybrid |
1 Durability based on longevity. Longevity based on IHS Automotive: Polk U.S. vehicles in operation registration statistics 1992-2014 for Civic and competing models on the road for the entire time period.
Civic Generation Images*
