Honda Civic

Honda Civic
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1972–present
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact car (1972–2000) Compact car (2000–present)
Related	Acura EL Acura CSX Acura ILX Honda Ballade Honda Quint Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Civic GX Honda Civic Type R Honda Civic Si Honda City (1996–2002) Honda Concerto Honda Domani Rover 200 / 25
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda N600 Honda Z600

The Honda Civic is a line of compact cars manufactured by Honda. Originally a subcompact, the Civic has gone through several generational changes, becoming both larger and more upmarket. It currently falls between the Honda Fit and Honda Accord.

The first Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door model,^[1] followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With an 1169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.^[2] 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 VTi, Civic GTi and Civic SiR/Si.^[3][4]

The Civic has been repeatedly rebadged for international markets, and served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Honda Concerto, the first generation Honda Prelude, the Honda Civic Shuttle (later to become the Honda Orthia), and the Honda CR-V.

As of 2006, a total of 16.5 million Civics had been sold worldwide. With 7.3 million bought in the United States,^[5] it has been a top seller both there^[6][7][8] and in Canada, where it had placed No. 1 for 14 years through 2012.^[9]

In Japan, as customers increasingly shifted to minivans and compact cars like Honda Fit, production of non-hybrid Civic ended in August 2010 when it no longer complied with Japanese Government dimension regulations in the width category. However, production of Civic and Civic hybrid for export markets continued.^[10]

Background

After a period of developing idiosyncratic automobiles such as the lukewarmly received domestic Honda 1300, Honda considered pulling out of automobile manufacturing altogether by the early 1970s. However, the more conventional Civic's release in 1972 immediately changed things, thanks to its economy, reliability and low cost in an era of rising fuel prices. Honda's CVCC technology helped it make it affordable, meeting 1970s and early 1980s emission standards without an expensive catalytic converter.^[11]

First generation (1972–1979) – SB1, SG, SE, VB

First-generation Civic hatchback

The first generation Honda Civic was introduced on 11 July 1972, but sold as a 1973 model in Japan. It was equipped with a 1,169 cc (71.3 cu in) four-cylinder water-cooled engine and featured front power disc brakes, reclining vinyl bucket seats, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, as well as optional air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The Civic was available as a coupe, both a three- and a five-door hatchback, as well as a five-door station wagon. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles was high, and due to the engine being able to run on either leaded or unleaded fuel, it gave drivers fuel choice flexibility over other vehicles. The CVCC engine debuted in 1975 and had a head design that allowed for more efficient combustion, and as a benefit the CVCC system did not require a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet 1975 Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The Civic was joined by a platform expansion of the three-door hatchback, called the Honda Accord in 1976.

Second generation (1979–1983) – SL, SS, SR, ST, VC, WD

Second-generation Civic hatchback

The second generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1979 as a 1980 model. 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 Honda had previously called the "Hondamatic". The hatchbacks came in three or five doors and four door version called the Ballade was built, under agreement by Mercedes Benz South Africa.

Third generation (1983–1987) – SB3, SB4, AG, AH, AJ, AK, AT, EC

Third-generation Honda Civic GL hatchback (Australia)

The third generation was released in 1983 for the 1984 model year. 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 engine which was rated at 130 PS (118 HP). 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 of around 28 mpg highway. The 4WD system was push-button operated until improved in 1987 when the rear wheels would engage automatically once the front wheels lost traction. This new system was called "Realtime" which used a "viscous coupler" connecting two propeller shafts between the front and rear axles. The manual transmission featured a synchronized 6th gear, called "SL", or "Super-Low", which was used for high torque at very low speeds. The "Realtime" idea is still utilized to this day but includes technological improvements since the first system. Starting with 1985, Japanese Civics were now exclusive to Honda Primo, with variants sold at Honda Verno and Honda Clio. A four-door version called the Ballade was built, under agreement, by Mercedes Benz South Africa, models were 1300, 1500, 1500i, and 1600i DOHC 1.6 injection.

Fourth generation (1987–1991) – ED, EE, EF, SH

Fourth-generation Civic LX sedan

In 1987, a redesigned Civic was introduced 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 was the Japanese market SiR (featuring the B16A DOHC VTEC 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.^[12] 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.A / four door version called the Ballade was built, under agreement, by Mercedes Benz South Africa / models were 1500 16v, 1600i 16v, and 1600i 16v DOHC.

Fifth generation (1991–1995) – EG3, EG4, EG5, EG6, EG7, EG8, EG9, EH1, EH2, EH3, EH9, EJ1, EJ2, EJ3, VX

Fifth-generation Civic Ferio sedan

Introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year, 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, whereas the VX featured the VTEC-E. The Japanese Si featured a DOHC non-VTEC valve train D16A9. 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. In South Africa, MBSA (Mercedes Benz of SA) built the Civic as the Ballade only in 4dr. A special model was the 180i with the B18B4, that was fitted to Ballade models. A new bodystyle was introduced with this generation called the Civic Coupe, based from the Civic Ferio sedan, and was sold in North America, Europe and Japan. The fifth generation remains popular among tuners and racers alike.

Sixth generation (1995–2000) – EK2, EK3, EK4, EK5, EK9, EJ6, EJ7, EJ8, EJ9, EM1

Sixth-generation Civic hatchback

The sixth generation introduced in 1995 for model year 1996 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 the US, model year 1996 to 2000 the Civic was sold under the CX, DX, EX, EXR, HX, LX, and for Canada, SE, and Si trims; all base models were made with 1.6-liter engines. The EX-CX are all SOHC (Honda D engine). The CX, DX, and LX all have D16Y7 non-VTEC engines; whereas the EX has a D16Y8 VTEC, and the HX has D16Y5 VTEC-E. The USDM Si and Canadian SiR came with a DOHC (B16A2 VTEC). The first Civic Si coupe EM1 was introduced in 1999 until 2000. Europe saw a DOHC 1.6 VTi hatch and sedan and a DOHC 1.8L engine was available for the Domani related five-door liftback and estate.

Seventh generation (2000–2005) – EM2, ES1, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, EV1

Seventh-generation Honda Civic sedan (US)

The seventh generation was released in September 2000, for the 2001 model year. 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. The four main trim levels were DX, LX, EX, and HX. The Civic Coupe was no longer sold in Japan starting with this generation.

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.^[13] 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-liter engine.^[14]

Eighth generation (2005–2011) – FD1 FD2, FD7, FA1, FG1, FG2, FA5, FK, FN, MK8

Eighth-generation Civic LX sedan (US)

Eighth-generation Honda Civic hatchback (Europe)

For the eighth generation, Honda split the model into two different platforms, one for sedan and coupe, and one for a hatchback designed primarily 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 hatchback is available as a three and five-door. Both Si and Type R trim levels continued although the Japanese and European Type R, while sharing the same engine size, are mechanically different. In the US, an improved, sportier version of the Civic Si 4-door tuned by tuner Mugen was offered, featuring cosmetic alterations and changes to the suspension, wheels, slight exterior differences, and exhaust system. A Canadian only Acura model received a new nameplate, changing from the Acura EL to the Acura CSX. The end of this model generation also marked the end of the Civic Type R in Japan. There is currently no Japanese Civic Type R successor.

Ninth generation (2011–2015) – FB4, FG3, FB2, FG4, FB6

North American market

Ninth-generation Civic sedan

Ninth-generation Honda Civic hatchback (Europe)

On 13 December 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 10 January 2011 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The production version of the ninth-generation Civic (previewed by the concept) went on sale in the U.S. on 20 April 2011.^[15] In late 2012, Honda updated its Civic model with new exterior and interior trims for the 2013 year.^[16]

Honda's Eco Assist technology is added to most models, and became 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,^[17] and is proven to improve fuel economy by about 10% for Honda's hybrid vehicle in Japan.^[18]

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.

Following its launch, the new model was widely panned by the automotive press due to the poor quality of its interior and ride, and for the first time, it failed to earn a Consumer Reports recommendation. In an unprecedented move, Honda made significant interior and exterior redesigns the following year to address these issues, but market share in the compact car segment showed a marked decline from the previous generation.^[19]

Tenth generation (2015–present) – FC1, FC2

Honda unveiled the tenth generation Honda Civic as a concept car at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The Civic will be based on an all-new Honda compact global platform.^[20]

Tenth generation (FC)
Overview
Production	October 2015–present
Model years	2016–present 2018– (Japan)
Assembly	Canada: Alliston, Ontario Thailand: Kabin Buri District Prachinburi Province United States: Greensburg, Indiana China: Wuhan (Dongfeng Honda) United Kindgom: Swindon
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L R18Z1 I4 2.0 L K20C2 I4 1.5 L L15B7 I4 (turbo)
Transmission	CVT automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	Sedan: 4,630 mm (182.3 in) Coupe: 4,490 mm (176.9 in)
Width	Sedan: 1,800 mm (70.9 in) Coupe: 1,800 mm (70.8 in)
Height	Sedan: 1,410 mm (55.7 in) Coupe: 1,390 mm (54.9 in)
Curb weight	Sedan: 1,121–1,326 kg (2,472–2,923 lb) Coupe: 1,241–1,308 kg (2,735–2,884 lb) (coupe)

North America

2016 Honda Civic

Honda unveiled the 2016 Civic sedan in September 2015, production began in late October,^[21][22] with sales beginning on 12 November. The Civic coupe debuted at the LA Auto Show in November,^[23] with sales beginning in March.^[24]

Civic variants include sedan, coupe, 5-door hatchback, Si trims, and Type-R models.

The exterior features standard LED DRLs and C-shaped LED taillights. Headlamps with LED low and high beams along with amber LED turn signals are optional.^[25]

Two I4 engines are available: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter DOHC paired to either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission, or an optional turbocharged direct injected 1.5-liter DOHC engine. The sedan's 2.0-liter engine paired with the CVT has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined).^[26]

The sedan's wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer with rear disc brakes made standard. The Civic is based on an all-new platform which utilizes higher grade steel, the unit body is 68 pounds lighter than the prior model and the center of gravity has been reduced 0.6 inches. To minimize NVH the Civic adds fluid-filled suspension bushings. A dual pinion steering system is introduced along with a thicker and more rigid 30 mm diameter steering column for improved steering feel, additionally the steering gear ratio is variable, with 2.2 turns lock-to-lock compared to 3.1 turns lock-to-lock from the previous model and a quicker 10.93:1 steering ratio.^[27]

Coupe

2016 Honda Civic coupe

At the 2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show Honda revealed the Civic coupe, which was heavily inspired by the Civic coupe concept revealed at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Sales of the new Civic coupe are scheduled to begin in North America in late 2016.

Hatchback

The Civic hatchback prototype was unveiled in March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show. The production version is expected to go on sale towards the beginning of 2017 and will be assembled at Honda's UK manufacturing plant.^[28]

Thailand

Honda Automobile (Thailand) has successfully debuted the all-new Civic on 12 March 2016 and immediate sales took place at the same date.^[29] Four variants are on offering namely E, EL, Turbo and Turbo RS; two engines options - the dated and re-developed R18Z1 1.8-liter naturally aspirated producing 141 hp (105 kW) and 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) and the new 1.5-liter produces 173 hp (129 kW) and 220 N·m (160 lb·ft), achieved with the employment of turbocharger, and unlike North American models, it is equipped with VTEC. Both engines are mated to seven-speed continuously variable transmission.^[30]

Indonesia

The tenth generation Civic was launched on 7 April 2016 at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2016 in Jakarta by Honda Prospect Motor. It will use the newer 1.5-liter L15B7 I4 i-VTEC engine with turbo.

Japan

Honda has reported that the standard Civic model will be revived for the Japanese market in 2018, after an eight-year hiatus that entirely skipped the ninth generation.^[31]

Engines

Engine Capacity	Type	Power (Horsepower)	Torque	Acceleration 0–100 km/h	Transmission	Notes
1.8 I4 i-VTEC	Petrol	141 hp	174 N·m		7-speed CVT	Thailand
2.0 I4 i-VTEC	Petrol	158 hp @ 6,500 rpm	187 N·m @ 4,200 rpm	8.2 secs	6-speed Manual or CVT	North American
1.0 I3 VTEC TURBO	Petrol	130 hp	200 N·m	8.6 secs	7-speed CVT	China
1.5 I4 VTEC TURBO	Petrol	180 hp	222 N·m	6.7 secs	7-speed CVT	China
1.5 I4 VTEC TURBO	Petrol	173 hp	220 N·m	6.8 secs	7-speed CVT	Thailand
1.5 I4 TURBO	Petrol	174 hp	220 N·m	6.8 secs	CVT	North American
1.5 I4 VTEC TURBO	Petrol	201 hp	260 N·m			European

Safety

NHTSA

NHTSA 2016 Civic sedan:^[32]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:	/ 9.5%

International marketing and platform derivatives

The Civic is sold in Brazil since late 2006 with a flex-fuel engine capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol or any blend of both.

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.

First-generation Honda Civic Hybrid (U.S.)

Other models have been built on 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.

Ninth-generation Honda Civic GX (U.S.) with the blue diamond CNG sticker and the new natural gas badging.

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 in Swindon, England^[33] – 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.^[34]

Safety

USA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda Civics of different model years.^[35][36]

Model year	Make	Model	Type	Curb weight (lb)	Front driver	Front passenger	Side driver passenger	Side rear passenger
1979	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,166
1980	Honda	Civic	2-DR HBK	2,298
1981	Honda	Civic	2-DR HBK	2,160
1981	Honda	Civic	4-DR HBK	2,456
1984–1987	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,311
1984–1987	Honda	Civic	4-DR wagon	2,510
1988–1989?	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,542
1990?–1991	Honda	Civic	4-DR	2,252
1992–1993	Honda	Civic	2/4-DR	2,348
1994–1995	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,498?
1994–1995	Honda	Civic	4-DR	2,317
1996–1997	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,337
1996–1997	Honda	Civic	4-DR	2,313
1998–2000	Honda	Civic	2-DR	2,313
1998–2000	Honda	Civic	4-DR	2,379
2001–2005	Honda	Civic	4-DR w/+w/o SAB	2,522
2001–2005	Honda	Civic	2-DR w/o SAB	2,502
2001–2005	Honda	Civic	2-DR w/SAB	2,502
2002–2005	Honda	Civic	2-DR HBK w/o SAB	2,502
2006–2011	Honda	Civic	2-DR w/SAB	2,640
2006–2011	Honda	Civic	4-DR w/SAB	2,749
2012	Honda	Civic	4-DR w/SAB	2,672
2013	Honda	Civic	4-DR w/SAB	2,815

The eighth-generation Civic sedan's crash test performance has been rated highly by both the US government's NHTSA^[37] and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS awarded the Civic sedan with a rating of "good" on both frontal and side impact crash tests^[38] and lists the Civic as the second-best 2007 small car in overall crashworthiness.^[39] The Civic coupe is rated "acceptable" in the side impact test.^[40]

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings^[37]

Frontal impact:

Side impact front seat:

Side impact rear seat:

Rollover:

Australia

In Australia, 1984–2005 Civics were assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 on their level of occupant protection regardless of size or era.^[41]

• (1984–1987) – "significantly worse than average"
• (1988–1991) – "average"
• (1992–1995) – "average"
• (1996–2000) – "better than average"
• (2001–2005) – "average"

Modifications and the enthusiast community

Despite being a modest car, the Civic is popular as a platform for modification and customization by the enthusiast community. Starting with the fourth generation and continuing through the 2000 model year, Civics had front double wishbone suspension and rear semi-trailing arm suspension. Ready parts interchangeability allows easy engine swaps (primarily with more powerful B16A (Civic SI), B18C (Acura Integra GSR), and various K20 Civic motors) and many other upgrades.^[42]

More recent seventh and eighth generation Civics, now rated as compacts rather than subcompacts, remain generally attractive as tuner projects in spite of added weight (mostly due to U.S. government safety mandates, such as airbags and ABS) and higher centers of gravity. Particularly unwelcome among the tuner community^[43] was the replacement of the front double-wishbone suspension with MacPherson struts, which provide inferior handling primarily due to limited dynamic camber angle control.^[44][45]

Awards

Honda Civic EX was International Car of the Year in 2005. From 1972 to 1974, the Civic was awarded Car of the Year Japan. In 1973, the Civic ranked third in the European Car of the Year awards, the highest ranking for a Japanese vehicle at that time. It also was awarded the U.S. Road Test magazine's "1974 Car of the Year."^[46] The Civic was the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1980^[47] as well as its 2006 Car of the Year. In 2006, the Civic earned the 2007 "Semperit Irish Car of the Year" title. In 1996, Automobile Magazine honored the Civic as its Automobile of the Year. The Civic has been on Car and Driver magazine's yearly Ten Best list six times, in 1985, 1988–91, and 1996. The Civic Si was named "Best New Sport Car" and the sedan was named "Best New Economy Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. The Civic also won the North American Car of the Year and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Car of the Year awards for 2006. In November 2006, the Civic received the prestigious "Car of The Year" award from Brazilian magazine Auto Esporte. The four-door Civic VXi sedan won the South African Car of the Year award for 2007.

Racing

Touring car racing

Civics have been used for racing ever since their introduction.

Civics contested the Up to 1300cc class in the Bathurst 1000 touring car race at Bathurst in Australia each year from 1973 to 1976, with a best placing of second in class in both 1974 and 1976.^[48]

In recent years the Civic has been used in a wide variety of racing series, particularly in Japan. It is also used in touring car races in Europe and the United States. The Civic has been used in the UK in endurance series by teams such as Barwell Motorsport and Cartek Motorsport.

In 2002 JAS Motorsport entered the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) with a Super 2000 spec Civic and was used until restart season of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2005.

In December 2005, on the date of the new 2006 Civic Si's launch in the USA, Honda's R&D Engineering Team completed 645 laps in an eighth generation Civic Si coupe (FG2) to place first in the E1 class of the famous '25 Hours of Thunderhill' marathon race. The drivers on Honda's team were Road & Track journalist Kim Wolfkill, Lee Niffenegger, Chad Gilsinger, Sage Marie, John Sherk, Rich Hays, Andrew Frame, Matt Staal and Car and Driver journalist Tony Swan.^[49]

BTCC

Matt Neal's Eighth-generation Civic Super 2000 at Snetterton in the 2007 BTCC season

In the UK, the Civic has been used in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for several years and is still highly competitive. The Civic Type R made its debut in the 2002 season with the 'Works' team run by Arena Motorsport. Built to BTC-T specifications, it gained the team third in the manufacturers championship. In the same year Synchro Motorsport won the BTCC Production Teams Championship with a pair of Civic Type Rs.

The 2003 season saw the 'works' team Civics secure an impressive second in the manufacturers championship. The 2003 BTCC Production Teams Championship also went to the Civic again, this time in the hands of Barwell Motorsport.

Such was the competitiveness of the Civic in its first two season, 2004 saw five teams enter Civics, allowing the model to secure second in the manufacturers championship.

Although manufacturer support from Honda for the BTCC ended in 2005, several teams still found success running the Civic in 2005 and 2006.

Gordon Shedden's Eighth-generation Civic Super 2000 at the BTCC Media Day at Rockingham in March 2009

For the 2007 BTCC season, Team Halfords ran the new eighth-generation Honda Civics, built to the latest S2000 regulations, for Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden with limited success and continued to use the Civic into the 2008 and 2009 season. In both 2007 and 2008, the Civic allowed the team to finish 3rd in the Teams championship, behind the two manufacturer backed teams.

In 2010 Honda returned to the BTCC as a 'works' team with Team Dynamics using Civics to win the 2010 manufacturers championship.^[50]

In 2011 the team returns with its Civic to defend its Team and Manufacturers championship again with the Neil and Shedden pairing.

Honda Racing Team swapped to the brand new ninth generation Honda Civic, built fully to NGTC rules, for the 2012 BTCC season. They are the first manufacturer backed team to announce their intention to run fully to the NGTC specification.^[51][52] The drivers continue to be Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, who are the 2011 and 2012 BTCC driver champions respectively.^[53][54] Andrew Jordan, driving for his family-run Eurotech Racing team, won the BTCC title in 2013 in their NGTC Civic, whilst Honda retained the manufacturer's championship.^[55] However, in 2014, Honda were unable to retain their title, which was won instead by MG.^[56]

WTCC

Honda won the 2013 World Touring Car Championship Manufacturers' Championship.

Honda announced plans to enter the 2012 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with a racer built on the 2012 Euro Civic five-door hatchback. The car is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, developed by Honda R&D, and would later race in Japan, China and Macau before a two car team joined the 2013 championship racing.^[57] Honda won the 2013 Manufacturers' Championship in their first full season in the series, six races before the end of the season.^[58] However, Honda was unsuccessful in defending their title in 2014, as Citroën dominated the series in their first season.^[59][60]

Others

The car has also been used in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, and won the 2011 Asian Touring Car Series. It also competed in both the Touring and Super-production classes of the Russian Touring Car Championship.

References and footnotes

1. "History of Civic First Generation". Honda.
2. "The Honda Civic – A legend, a time capsule on wheels". Gaadi.
3. "2006 Honda Civic Expert Review". Cars.com.
4. "2006 Honda Civic Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
5. Collier, Joe G. (1 June 2006). "Honda getting its groove back with Civic". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
6. Krisher, Tom (19 August 2010). "Why Honda is growing as Detroit falls behind". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
7. "Fuel-efficiency pays off for Honda". The Washington Times. 19 September 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
8. "Best Selling Car in Every State". Business Insider. 21 November 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
9. Duarte, Joe (5 January 2011). "Canada's most popular car 13 years running". Autonet.ca. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
10. Takahashi, Yoshio (16 November 2010). "Honda to End Civic Sales in Japan". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
11. Wolfcale, James. "The Top Ten Hondas of All Time". DriveCult. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
12. "Inside Line: Honda Civic". Edmunds.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
13. "2003 Honda Civic Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
14. "2003 Honda Civic Hybrid Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 6 March 2009.
15. Omar Rana (5 April 2011). "Honda targeting 12% increase in April sales despite vehicle shortages". egmCarTech.
16. Stoklosa, Alexander (12 November 2012). "Honda Releases First Images of Redesigned 2013 Civic Sedan Ahead of Debut [2012 L.A. Auto Show]". Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
17. "Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan debut at NAIAS; hybrid and natural gas variants". Green Car Congress. 12 January 2011.
18. "Honda Study Finds Insight's Eco Assist System Results in Average 10% Improvement in Fuel Economy After 300 Drives, Up to 20% Max". Green Car Congress. 12 February 2010.
19. "Honda Unveils Redesigned, Sportier Civic". CNN. 3 April 2015.
20. Neal E. Boudette. "Honda readies 'epic' Civic with American pedigree". Automotive News. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
21. "Honda of Canada Mfg., Global Lead Plant for 10th-Generation Civic, Begins Mass Production of All-New 2016 Honda Civic Sedan". Honda News. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
22. "Honda Manufacturing of Indiana Begins Production of All-New 10th-Generation 2016 Honda Civic Sedan". Honda News. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
23. "Honda to Debut 2016 Civic Coupe and Next-Gen Clarity Fuel Cell at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show". Honda News. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
24. http://hondanews.com/releases/pricing-and-on-sale-date-announced-for-2016-honda-civic-coupe-the-compact-coupe-that-provides-enthusiasts-with-the-most-stylish-refined-dynamic-and-connected-vehicle-in-its-class
25. "Honda Debuts Dynamic New 10th Generation Civic Sedan for North America: The Most Ambitious Remake of Civic Ever". Honda News. 16 September 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
26. "2016 Honda Civic Sedan Press Kit - Powertrain - Civic". Honda News. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
27. "2016 Honda Civic Sedan Press Kit - Chassis - Model Press Kit". Honda News. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
28. "Civic hatchback prototype redefines Honda’s core model for Europe" (Press release). Honda. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
29. http://paultan.org/2016/03/11/2016-honda-civic-launched-in-thailand/
30. http://indianautosblog.com/2016/03/2016-honda-civic-launched-thailand-224369
31. "シビック　国内再投入…ホンダ、2018年までに" [Honda announces Civic return to domestic market by 2018]. Yomiuri Shimbun. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
32. http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=10558
33. "HUM: Civic". Honda of the UK. Archived from the original on 5 November 2004. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
34. "Honda Civic atinge 300 mil unidades produzidas" (in Portuguese). Honda Brazil. September 2008. Archived from the original on 16 November 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2008.
35. "Archived NHTSA crash test results from Crashtest.com". Archived from the original on 2 April 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
36. "5-star Safety Ratings 1990–2010". SafeCarGuide.com, Inc. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
37. "2009 Honda Civic DX (M5) Sedan Ratings, Prices, Trims, Summary". J.D. Power. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
38. "IIHSHLDI: Honda Civic". IIHS. Retrieved 9 June 2007.
39. "IIHSHLDI: Small cars – Current". IIHS. Retrieved 9 June 2007.
40. "IIHSHLDI: Honda Civic 2-door". Iihs.org. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
41. "Used Car Safety Ratings". Vic Roads. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
42. Bonk, Aaron (1 February 2007). Honda Engine Swaps. CarTech Inc. p. 8. ISBN 9781932494563.
43. "Has Honda Lost Its Way?". insideline.com.
44. "How Car Suspensions Work". howstuffworks.com.
45. "Suspension Design: Types of Suspensions". automotivearticles.com.
46. "First Generation (1972)". Honda Worldwide. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
47. "Second Generation (1972)". Honda Worldwide. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
48. Bill Tuckey, Australia's Greatest Motor Race, 1981
49. Waterman, Stuart (6 December 2005). "Honda Civic Si scores class win in 25 Hours of Thunderhill – Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
50. "Honda sticks to a winning team". btcc. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
51. Andrei Tutu (2 September 2011). "New Honda Civic 2012 BTCC Race Car Under Development". AutoEvolution.
52. "All new Civic for 2012". British Touring Car Championship (TOCA). 1 September 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
53. Mihnea Radu (16 September 2011). "Honda Racing 2012 BTCC Drivers Confirmed". AutoEvolution.
54. Noah Joseph (19 October 2011). "att Neal takes the British Touring Car Championship for Honda". Autoblog.
55. "2013 BTCC season review – picture special". Autocar. 14 October 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
56. "MG and Triple Eight take Manufacturer's crown at action-packed Brands finale". British Touring Car Championship. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
57. Steven Ewing (3 February 2012). "Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic.". Autoblog.
58. "WTCC – WTCC debutants Honda win Manufacturers' Championship". Yahoo Eurosport UK. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
59. "Standings – 2014 Manufacturers' Championship". FIA World Touring Car Championship. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
60. "WTCC: Citroen, you don't change a winning team". racecar. 16 November 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.

External links

• Civic at Honda Worldwide
• Honda Civic at DMOZ
• Honda Civic Brazil
• Honda Civic Thailand