The Honda Civic is known as one of the most successful models of all time. This car still holds the title of the best-selling car in the US market in 2017, with over 377,000 units sold. And 2018 promises to be another successful year for the “warrior” from the Land of the Rising Sun. However, the success of the Honda Civic is not only due to its sales figures. With a history of nearly 50 years, this model has gone through a total of 10 generations and has always been improved, innovated, upgraded to meet the increasing demands of customers.
Here are the 10 Honda Civic models on their impressive transformation journey:
- First generation: 1972-1979
The first-generation Honda Civic was the beginning of Honda’s success in a large and demanding market like the US. This model was offered in two versions: a three-door hatchback and a sedan. In the 1970s, a Civic cost as little as $1,415, with features such as 12-inch “tiny” wheels, radial tires, air conditioning, a two-speed automatic transmission, and rear wipers as the only option.
- Second generation: 1979-1983
The second-generation Civic achieved even more success than its older sibling. With a 2-inch longer wheelbase and two engine options of 1.3 and 1.5 liters, the second-generation Civic was introduced in 1975. The new model was also offered in more variants including a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door wagon.
- Third generation: 1983-1987
In the mid-1980s, the Honda Civic became the flagship model of the Japanese automaker. The hatchback and five-door wagon variants were transformed into a four-door wagon (wagovan) and the wheelbase was increased by 5 inches compared to the previous generation. All versions of the third-generation Civic were equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, and an Si variant was also introduced.
- Fourth generation: 1987-1991
In 1987, the Honda Civic underwent a complete redesign. In addition to its existing features, this model was offered in four different variants: CRX, HF, DX, and Si. The fourth-generation Civic’s engine was equipped with electronic fuel injection and was assembled at Honda’s factory in East Liberty, Ohio, USA.
- Fifth generation: 1992-1995
The fifth-generation Civic hit the market from 1992 to 1995 and underwent the most updates. Departing from the smooth, refined appearance of its predecessor, the fifth-generation Civic had a bulkier body than any previous Civic models. According to the EPA, this model achieved an impressive fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km in the city and 4.2L/100km combined. This was also the model that further solidified the legendary tuning reputation of the Honda Civic.
- Sixth generation: 1996-2000
The sixth-generation Civic remained relatively unchanged from its predecessor. Along with its beautiful design and high aerodynamic characteristics inherited from its predecessor, the sixth-generation Civic was equipped with new headlights and taillights. The product line was expanded to include six variants: CX, DX, EX, EXR, HX, LX.
- Seventh generation: 2001-2005
The seventh-generation Civic was introduced in September 2000. This model retained the same size as the previous version but had a more spacious cabin, allowing the Civic to join the compact car segment. The Honda Civic was offered in four versions: DX, LX, EX, and HX.
- Eighth generation: 2006-2011
Just five years after the seventh-generation Civic was introduced, Honda began selling the eighth-generation Civic in the US market with two versions: sedan and coupe, while the hatchback version was reserved for European customers. By 2006, 16.5 million Civic units had been sold worldwide, including over 7.3 million US customers who bought this model.
- Ninth generation: 2012-2015
After nearly 40 years of making a name for itself in the market, the Civic welcomed its ninth child, with a “dynamic, sleek, and aerodynamic” appearance. The new Civic was launched in the US in April 2011 with both coupe and sedan versions, and it was also the first generation equipped with Honda’s Eco Assist technology.
Tenth generation: 2016-present
After 45 years since its debut, the Honda Civic still proudly asserts its position in the global car market and leaves an indelible mark that the Japanese automaker has brought to the world. The tenth-generation Civic was officially introduced in 2015 and developed based on Honda’s completely new “Compact Global Platform”. The car is offered in sedan, coupe, and hatchback configurations. This is also the first time the high-performance Type R variant of the Honda Civic entered the US market.
By Dinh Giang (Forum.autodaily.vn)
Images: budgetdirect.com.au (https://goo.gl/GE59ds)
