The Honda Civic is known among auto enthusiasts as one of the top selling vehicles of all time and has done well to represent the Honda brand throughout its production years. Decades of Honda Civics have shown vast changes in size, engines, performance, technology, and purpose. Many enthusiasts attribute the initial success of the Honda Civics to the oil crisis of 1973, with Honda arriving just in time to offer an economic, fuel efficient, compact vehicle at an accessible price point. Today, the vehicle enters its 11th generation, following an extensive timeline of previous models that helps paint a picture of Honda’s most well-rounded vehicle. Find out more with Premier Honda serving Jefferson Parish.
The first Civic was produced in Japan in 1973 as a 2-door model followed quickly by a three door hatchback. The first model featured vinyl seats, optional air conditioning, and an available AM/FM radio. The Civic saw growth in size at just the second generation of production in 1979. This model was also offered as a four-door sedan or a five-door wagon, in addition to the previous model’s three door hatchback.
By the 90s the Civic entered its fifth generation of production and shed a lot of its boxy exterior features in favor of a more aerodynamic shape with a larger interior. Along with the sedan model, the Civic coupe was introduced during this time and quickly became popular with racing enthusiasts.
By the Civic’s 8th generation in 2005, Honda separated the two model options into a coupe model and the sedan model. The Styling of the modern sedan began to take shape featuring a curved cabin with smooth and stylized front end with a shorter rear section. Today, the Civic enters its 11th generation, featuring a new bold look with a wider frame, lower profile, and expanded sports grill for more athletic lines.
The performance aspects of the Honda Civic have been of great interest to racing enthusiasts as they are cheap, lightweight, fuel efficient and have great handling. In fact, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R set a lap record as the quickest front-wheel drive vehicle on Germany's famous Nürburgring race track.
Historically, the Honda Civic has given their drivers a lot of power considering its small stature at the beginning of its production. By its second production year, Honda had already increased the horsepower of the vehicle from 50 to 52. The 10th generation of the Honda Civic saw some of the highest horsepower available. The Honda Civic Type R generates a massive 306 horsepower with its turbocharged engine.
In 2003, the Honda Civic became the first Civic with hybrid technology to come to the United States, a technology which was still in its infantry for the automotive industry. This vehicle was powered by an 85-horsepower 1.3L engine paired to a 13-horsepower electric motor. This Civic saw such features such as stop start technology, cylinder deactivation, and more, which gave it an astounding 46 miles per gallon.
Throughout its production years, the Civic has seen several variations under different names all over the world. Its initial reputation as fuel efficient made for high demand in several different countries, and has been rebranded under several different names for international markets.
With all of its varying models each purposed for a different function, the Civic has seen outstanding popularity worldwide, and has become synonymous with the Honda brand itself. The Civic fits nearly every lifestyle. From its midsize touring models to its sporty trims, there is something for everyone in the Honda Civic that is as true today as it was in its first model year.