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Drawing of the Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Clean air without a catalyst: the CVCC Civic cleared 1975 U.S. emissions limits.1

Researched October 22, 2026 from 42 sources

Also called

  • Super CivicJapanese nickname for the second generation.2
  • Wonder CivicJapanese nickname for the third generation.2
  • Grand CivicJapanese nickname for the fourth generation.2
  • Sports CivicJapanese nickname for the fifth-generation EG.2

At a glance

0200400
50–326 hpPower
0510
5–8.9 s0–60 mph
0150300
177–275 km/hTop speed
0250500
80–420 N·mTorque
07501,500
600–1,463 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.411121518192021

Engine
1.0 L turbo I3 to 2.4 L I4; 2025 Hybrid: 2.0 L I4 plus two motors121314
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive; 4WD versions in 1983–20051
Gearbox
4–6-speed manuals, automatics and CVTs; 2025 Hybrid direct drive41215
Built at
11th gen: Alliston, Canada (sedan); Greensburg, U.S. (hatchback)1617
Units built
Nearly 22 million produced and sold worldwide by 20156

The story

Honda developed the 1972 Civic as its car business faced possible withdrawal. The oil crisis boosted demand for its fuel economy; CVCC then met 1975 U.S. emissions limits without a catalytic converter.134

1973: Oil shock meets Civic CVCC19731974: EPA certifies the 1975 Civic CVCC19741986: Marysville begins building Civics19861997: EK9: the first Civic Type R19972021: 600 Phoenix Yellow U.S. Limited Editions20212022: Nearly 30 million sold at 5020222023: 7:44.881 at the Nürburgring20232025: America's Hybrid returns with 200 hp2025 Honda Civic (second generation) (SL/SS/SR/ST/VC/WD): 1979–1983Honda Civic (third generation) (AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT/AU): 1983–1987Honda Civic (fourth generation) (EC/ED/EE/EF/EX): 1987–1996, including ShuttleEC/ED/EE/EF/EXHonda Civic (sixth generation) (EK/EJ/EM/MA/MB/MC): 1995–2000Honda Civic (eighth generation) (FA/FD/FG/FN): 2005–2016, including ChinaFA/FD/FG/FNHonda Civic (ninth generation): 2011–2017Honda Civic (tenth generation) (FC/FK): 2015–2022FC/FK 19801990200020102020
GenerationsMilestones1713142024252829
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1979–1983Honda Civic (second generation) (SL/SS/SR/ST/VC/WD)
1983–1987Honda Civic (third generation) (AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT/AU)
1987–1996, including ShuttleHonda Civic (fourth generation) (EC/ED/EE/EF/EX)
1995–2000Honda Civic (sixth generation) (EK/EJ/EM/MA/MB/MC)
2005–2016, including ChinaHonda Civic (eighth generation) (FA/FD/FG/FN)
2011–2017Honda Civic (ninth generation)
2015–2022Honda Civic (tenth generation) (FC/FK)
1973Oil shock meets Civic CVCC
1974EPA certifies the 1975 Civic CVCC
1986Marysville begins building Civics
1997EK9: the first Civic Type R
2021600 Phoenix Yellow U.S. Limited Editions
2022Nearly 30 million sold at 50
20237:44.881 at the Nürburgring
2025America's Hybrid returns with 200 hp
  1. 1973

    Oil shock meets Civic CVCC

    The oil crisis steered buyers toward economy cars. In December, Japan gained the 1,500 cc four-door Civic CVCC.45

  2. 1974

    EPA certifies the 1975 Civic CVCC

    November testing brought emissions certification and a bonus: the Civic CVCC earned the EPA's highest fuel-economy rating.5

  3. 1986

    Marysville begins building Civics

    North American Civic production started in Marysville, Ohio, beginning a manufacturing run that exceeded 9 million cars by 2015.6

  4. 1997

    EK9: the first Civic Type R

    Japan's three-door packed a hand-ported 182-hp 1.6-liter VTEC engine, a helical limited-slip differential and a seam-welded chassis.7

  5. 2021

    600 Phoenix Yellow U.S. Limited Editions

    The Type R Limited Edition paired numbered plates with forged BBS wheels and reduced sound deadening to shed weight.8

  6. 2022

    Nearly 30 million sold at 50

    Global sales approached 30 million at the Civic's half-century mark; the 11th generation won North American Car of the Year.9

  7. 2023

    7:44.881 at the Nürburgring

    The lightweight European Type R S set the front-drive record on Cup 2 tires over 20.832 km. Pre-2019 laps covered 20.600 km.1011

  8. 2025

    America's Hybrid returns with 200 hp

    After its 2015 U.S. farewell, the Hybrid returned with a 2.0-liter four and two motors. Sport Touring tested at 6.2 seconds to 60 mph.12

Every generation

  • Honda Civic (second generation)
    SL/SS/SR/ST/VC/WD1979–1983
  • Honda Civic (third generation)
    AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT/AU1983–1987
  • Honda Civic (fourth generation)
    EC/ED/EE/EF/EX1987–1996, including Shuttle
  • Honda Civic (sixth generation)
    EK/EJ/EM/MA/MB/MC1995–2000
  • Honda Civic (eighth generation)
    FA/FD/FG/FN2005–2016, including China
  • Honda Civic (ninth generation)
    Honda Civic (ninth generation)2011–2017
  • Honda Civic (tenth generation)
    FC/FK2015–2022

Power over the years

From 91 hp to 306 hp in 29 years.

0100200300400 198519901995200020052010201520202025 hp 1986 · 91 hp · Si 1.5 fuel injection1992 · 125 hp · Si hatchback 1.6 VTEC1997 · 182 hp · EK9 Type R (Japan)1999 · 160 hp · Si coupe B16 VTEC2001 · 212 hp · EP3 Type R (Japan)2006 · 197 hp · Si coupe K20Z32015 · 306 hp · FK2 Type R (Europe/Japan)2017 · 205 hp · Si 1.5 turbo2025 · 200 hp · Two-motor Hybrid 306 hp FK2 Type R (Europe/Japan) 91 hp Si 1.5 fuel injection
71222
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
198691Si 1.5 fuel injection
1992125Si hatchback 1.6 VTEC
1997182EK9 Type R (Japan)
1999160Si coupe B16 VTEC
2001212EP3 Type R (Japan)
2006197Si coupe K20Z3
2015306FK2 Type R (Europe/Japan)
2017205Si 1.5 turbo
2025200Two-motor Hybrid

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Civic DX / LX / EX / Sport / Touring

  • Civic VX / HX / HF / GX

    Standard

    Civic VX / HX / HF / GX

  • Civic Shuttle / Orthia / Aerodeck / Tourer

    Standard

    Civic Shuttle / Orthia / Aerodeck / Tourer

  • Civic S / Si

    Performance

    Civic S / Si

  • Civic Type R EK9

    Performance

    Civic Type R EK9

    1997–1999

    182 hp
  • Civic Type R EP3

    Performance

    Civic Type R EP3

    2001–2005

    198 hp
  • Civic Type R FD2

    Performance

    Civic Type R FD2

    2007–2011

    222 hp
  • Civic Type R FN2

    Performance

    Civic Type R FN2

    2007–2011

    198 hp
  • Civic Type R FK2

    Performance

    Civic Type R FK2

    2015–2017

    306 hp
  • Civic Type R FK8 / Limited Edition

    Performance

    Civic Type R FK8 / Limited Edition

    2017–2021

    306 hp
  • Civic Type R FL5 / Ultimate Edition

    Performance

    Civic Type R FL5 / Ultimate Edition

    2022–2026

    315 hp
  • Civic Mugen RR FD2

    Limited

    Civic Mugen RR FD2

    2007

    237 hp

    300 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • First-generation three-door hatchbacks have a short, trapezoidal profile.3
  • Fourth-generation cars have a lower hood and more glass than their predecessors.28
  • 11th-generation sedans have a long, low hood, door-mounted mirrors and wide horizontal taillights.17

Year by year

  1. 1978

    First-generation cars gain a black grille and rear-facing hood vents in place of sideways vents.4

  2. 2003 EP3 Type R update

    A revised front bumper and projector headlights distinguish the updated car.26

  3. 2004–2005 U.S. EP3 Si

    Separate high- and low-beam headlights replace combined units; rear turn signals change from red to amber.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Honda Civic
    Civic
    Photo of a Honda CR-X
    Honda CR-X

    Honda CR-X

    The third-generation Civic hatchback has a flat roof over the rear seats; the related CR-X has a sloping fastback hatch.20

  • Photo of a Honda Civic
    Civic
    Photo of a Acura CSX
    Acura CSX

    Acura CSX

    Compared with the eighth-generation Japanese-market Civic sedan, the CSX has a center crease across its hood and front bumper.25

Against its rivals

  • Civic vs Toyota GR Corolla Circuit (2023)

    Skidpad grip

    Civic1 g
    Toyota GR Corolla Circuit (2023)1 g
    19

Prices

Value today $7.8K–$13.0K26

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $7,800–$13,000 1974 · $2,695 · US Hondamatic, window sticker1986 · $7,999 · US Si base2000 · $17,985 · US Si, window sticker2023 · $44,390 · US Type R base2023 · $44,845 · US Type R as tested2025 · $24,250 · US LX sedan, excluding destination2025 · $26,250 · US Sport sedan, excl. destination2025 · $28,750 · US Sport Hybrid, excl. destination2025 · $31,750 · US Sport Touring Hybrid, excl. dest.2025 · $33,300 · US Sport Touring Hybrid as tested 2020 · $50,000 · 2000 Si, 5,600 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $25,250 · 2000 Civic Si, 81k miles, BaT2024 · $6,250 · 1985 Civic Wagon, 73k km shown, BaT2024 · $9,000 · 1991 Civic base hatchback 4-speed, 127k miles, BaT2025 · $32,000 · 1997 EK9 Type R, approximately 52k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $40,500 · 2024 Civic Type R, 25k miles, BaT2025 · $20,000 · 1998 Civic Type R EK9, 247k km shown, BaT2026 · $60,000 · 1974 Hondamatic, 561 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $6,102 · 1974 hatchback 4-speed, mileage unknown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $7,300 · 1978 Civic CVCC, 57k miles shown, BaT $60.0K Bring a Trailer, 2026
1216181922343536373839404142
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1974Price when new$2,695US Hondamatic, window sticker
1986Price when new$7,999US Si base
2000Price when new$17,985US Si, window sticker
2023Price when new$44,390US Type R base
2023Price when new$44,845US Type R as tested
2025Price when new$24,250US LX sedan, excluding destination
2025Price when new$26,250US Sport sedan, excl. destination
2025Price when new$28,750US Sport Hybrid, excl. destination
2025Price when new$31,750US Sport Touring Hybrid, excl. dest.
2025Price when new$33,300US Sport Touring Hybrid as tested
2020Auction sale$50,0002000 Si, 5,600 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$25,2502000 Civic Si, 81k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$6,2501985 Civic Wagon, 73k km shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$9,0001991 Civic base hatchback 4-speed, 127k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$32,0001997 EK9 Type R, approximately 52k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$40,5002024 Civic Type R, 25k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$20,0001998 Civic Type R EK9, 247k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$60,0001974 Hondamatic, 561 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$6,1021974 hatchback 4-speed, mileage unknown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$7,3001978 Civic CVCC, 57k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$7,800–$13,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “7:44.881, with the record's fine print”
    • “500 TCR wins from an Italian-built Civic”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 42 sources
  1. Honda Civic - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 『頭文字D』を彩った伝説の名車列伝16 ホンダ シビック（EG型） 編 - 【公式】頭文字D＆MFゴースト initiald.bestcarweb.jp
  3. Chapter III: Unique Technologies and Products Section 2: Automobiles Part 2: The CIVIC｜75 Years of Honda History｜Honda's History｜Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  4. Honda Civic (first generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Chapter III: Unique Technologies and Products Section 2: Automobiles Part 3: The CVCC Engine｜75 Years of Honda History｜Honda's History｜Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  6. 2016 Honda Civic Sedan Press Kit - Civic History hondanews.com
  7. Honda Type R Timeline and Milestones hondanews.com
  8. 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition: Ultimate Track-Focused Type R Coming to America hondanews.com
  9. Honda Celebrates 50 Years of the Fun, Efficient, Iconic and Best-selling Civic hondanews.com
  10. 2023 Honda Civic Type R S Takes Front-Drive Crown at the 'Ring caranddriver.com
  11. Civic Type R Sets New Front-Wheel Drive Lap Time Record at Nürburgring | Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  12. Tested: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Makes the Choice for You caranddriver.com
  13. Honda Civic (tenth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. Honda Civic (ninth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. Honda Civic (seventh generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. New 2025 Honda Civic Pricing and Fuel Economy Ratings Confirmed; Begins Arriving at Dealers Today hondanews.com
  17. 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Press Kit hondanews.com
  18. 561-Mile 1974 Honda Civic Hondamatic for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $60,000 on February 13, 2026 (Lot #229,920) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  19. 2023 Civic Type R vs. 2023 GR Corolla Circuit vs. 2022 Golf R caranddriver.com
  20. Honda Civic (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Honda Civic Type R (FL5, 2022 - 2026) review – the hot hatch that may never be beaten | evo evo.co.uk
  22. Honda Civic Si: History, Generations, Specifications motortrend.com
  23. A Visual History of the Honda Civic caranddriver.com
  24. Honda Civic (sixth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Honda Civic (eighth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. Used Honda Civic Type R (EP3, 2001 – 2005) review, specs and buying guide | evo evo.co.uk
  27. Used Honda Civic (Mk11, 2022-date) buyer’s guide: solid, spacious but not cheap | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  28. Honda Civic (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  29. Honda Civic (second generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  30. JAS Motorsport jasmotorsport.com
  31. The Most Realistic Cars In Fast And Furious Were The Three Black Civics jalopnik.com
  32. Introducing the 'Gran Turismo 7' September Update: Adding 3 New Cars, Including a New Mazda Gr.4 Race Car! - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  33. 1999 - 2000 Honda Civic Si Buyer's Guide - Honda Civic Si For Sale roadandtrack.com
  34. 5,600-Mile 2000 Honda Civic Si for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $50,000 on June 5, 2020 (Lot #32,346) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1974 Honda Civic Hatchback 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,102 on May 23, 2026 (Lot #244,117) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1997 Honda Civic Type R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $32,000 on April 26, 2025 (Lot #189,150) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 1978 Honda Civic for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,300 on June 1, 2026 (Lot #245,387) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2024 Honda Civic Type R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,500 on September 10, 2025 (Lot #209,234) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 1998 Honda Civic Type R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on March 21, 2025 (Lot #184,559) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 2000 Honda Civic Si for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,250 on May 22, 2024 (Lot #147,868) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. No Reserve: 1985 Honda Civic Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,250 on April 14, 2024 (Lot #143,195) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  42. No Reserve: One-Owner 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,000 on March 21, 2024 (Lot #140,443) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • initiald.bestcarweb.jp
  • global.honda
  • hondanews.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • jasmotorsport.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • gran-turismo.com
  • roadandtrack.com

Photo credits

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