Honda Civic
Honda Civic
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 more upmarket, 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] 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, and the CR-V compact SUV.
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 the Ford 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 like Honda Fit. Honda launched Fit hybrid in October in Japan. However, production of Civic and Civic hybrid for export markets will continue.[9]
First generation (1973–1979)
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 vinylbucket seats and AM 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.
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. 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]
Second generation (1980-1983)
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), with an optional 1488 cc ("1500") engine giving 67 hp (50 kW). 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]
Third generation (1984–1987)
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. 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. 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 4WDengine 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 28mpg 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.
Fourth generation (1988–1991) - EC, ED, EE, EF
For 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 (DOHCD16A9 engine) and the New Zealand market GTi(featuring full leather interior and a tuned version of the successful SOHC D16A7engine). 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]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.
Fifth generation (1992–1995) - EG, EH, EJ1, EJ2
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 train D16A9. 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.
Sixth generation (1996–2000) - EK9, EK4, EK5, EK3, EJ6, EJ7,EJ8, EJ9, EM1
The sixth generation featured updated styling although less radical than previous redesigns. Suspension and engine options were their first Natural Gas Powered Civic, the GX. In 1996-2000 they made the EX, DX, LX, HX, CX, Si; all base models were made with 1.6L engines. The EX-CX are all SOHC (D16) and the popular Si is a DOHC (B16A2) The first civic SI coupe EM1 was introduced in 1999.
It exists also civic only for european market : the MA-MB-MC, based on the Honda Domani and produced from 1995 to 2001. Engines are 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8L, from 90hp to 169hp, and also a diesel engine existing with 86 or 105hp. See this french site for versions -> http://mbsquad.xooit.com/
Seventh generation (2001–2005) - EM2, ES1, EP3, EU1
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]
Eighth generation (2006-2011) - FD2, FA1, FG1, FG2, FA5, FK, FN
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 theHonda Fit and more aggressive styling. 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.
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 8.2/5.7 L/100KM Automatic, 7.4/5.4 L/100KM Manual & 10.2/6.8 L/100KM Si
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]
In Europe this Civic has a 3 or 5 door hatch featuring a 1.4 VTEC, 1.8 VTEC (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 2.2N22A 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 asaloon version for the Hybrid, which has a 1.4 IMA engine giving 61MPG with 0–60 in 12.41 seconds. The Hybrid is the only Civic in Europe that is a saloon.
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 bluetoothcompatibility 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.
Ninth generation (2012-)
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, hybrid and natural gas variants will be offered. The gasoline-engined lineup includes a sedan, coupe and two Si performance versions.
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 comes with ABS and VSA. Also Honda introduce a new multilink rear suspension to further reduce road feel on bumpy rides.
European market
The European market Civic will not be like the Civic sold in North America and Japan. It is a hatchback and not a saloon/sedan sold in the USA, Canada, Japan and some other markets. The car 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. The car will also come with a Type R version according to Spanish car magazine Autofacíl. It is based previous European Civic platform. It will be released in 2012 with a price of about €19,000 (£16,967).
Japanese Market
The Honda Civic is delayed in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami.
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 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 theHonda 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 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