The Honda Civic is the ideal commuter car. It’s also the ideal sports coupe, family hauler, pocket rocket, and fuel-miser. The truth is, over its 50-plus-year run, the Civic has been many things to many people. Still, the one thing every Civic shares with another is a commitment to reliability, longevity, and excellent resale value. The Civic sedan is the most popular of the models, so we’ll stick primarily to it. Much of what you’ll read also applies to the coupe, hatchback, and sporty Si and Type R models.
Honda Civic Generations
Honda Civic (11th Generation: 2022 - Current)
Key Improvements: The 11th-generation Honda Civic is the largest, most technically advanced car to wear the Civic nameplate. Although this generation has the same interior space as the last (the Civic Hatchback gains a bit more rear-seat legroom), the overall design is better, with more upscale materials and high-tech features. A digital instrument cluster leads the upgrades, alongside 7- or 9-inch touchscreens featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on trims with the 9-inch screen). The Honda Sensing driver-assist suite gets a few improvements but no new equipment, while the airbag count jumps to 10, including new front knee airbags. Engines also carry over, with base models powered by a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder. EX and Touring trims use a turbocharged 4-cylinder good for 180 horsepower and a combined EPA fuel economy rating of around 35 mpg (varies slightly by trim and model). The sporty Si pumps out 200 horsepower, while the Type R generates 315.
Model Updates: The 2023 Civic sees the return on the Type R performance variant.
Honda Civic (10th Generation: 2016 - 2021)
Key Improvements: If we had to choose between this generation and the earlier ninth generation, we’d pick this one every time. Whereas the previous Civic received uncommonly bad reviews for its noisy cabin, soft suspension, and less-than-stellar build quality, the tenth-generation Civic makes amends in every way. The Civic’s new styling has more attitude, and its rear seat has more room for tall passengers. A simplified engine lineup offers a 158-horsepower normally-aspirated 4-cylinder or a 174-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. Combined EPA fuel economy for both engines with the CVT automatic hovers around the 34-36 mpg range. A Civic Hybrid isn't available for this generation; it was replaced by the Honda Insight hybrid sedan. The best argument for this generation over the last is the previously unavailable tech and safety equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, as is the Honda Sensing driver-assist suite, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Model Updates: The Civic Hatchback, Si, and Type R all arrived in 2017, and Civic models with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offer a manual transmission option. The biggest news for 2019 is a proper volume knob added to the optional audio system. For 2020, Honda Sensing is standard across all trims, and the Sport Touring trim gains a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic Coupe does not return for 2021.
Honda Civic (9th Generation: 2012 - 2015)
Key Improvements: To appeal to customers still reeling from the 2008 Great Recession, Honda cut corners to lower the Civic’s price. Compared to the eighth-generation Civic, this newer version lacks the same levels of quality and performance previously associated with the Civic. A refresh just one year after its introduction helps solve some complaints, but overall, this is the least loved Civic in its long history. Some high points for the ninth-generation car included improved fuel economy, the introduction of hybrid and natural gas-powered models, a high-mileage HF trim, and an Intelligent Multi-Information Display. The combined fuel economy figures for the standard 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine range between 31 and 33 mpg, depending on trim. The hybrid gets a combined fuel economy rating of 44 mpg, while the sporty Si gets around 25 mpg.
Model Updates: 2013 sees significant revisions, including new styling, a revised suspension, more standard equipment, and improved tech, such as Bluetooth music streaming. The Civic Hybrid gains forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and Honda drops the DX trim. New features for 2014 include the LaneWatch camera-based blind-spot monitor, proximity key fob and push-button start, and a CVT automatic.
Honda Civic (8th Generation: 2006 - 2011)
The eighth-generation Civic bids farewell to the hatchback model but ushers in the return of the Si badge now affixed to a coupe and sedan. Built and designed in the U.S., the Civic is larger with a better cabin, more upscale features, and vastly improved fuel economy, with the hybrid model earning up to a 42-mpg combined rating from the EPA. Honda’s i-VTEC engine technology boosts horsepower and performance, while safety systems like electronic traction control and side-impact and side-curtain airbags are standard.
Honda Civic (7th Generation: 2001 - 2005)
The seventh-generation Civic retains the same exterior proportions as the previous generation but gains a larger interior. Anti-lock brakes become standard on more expensive trims, and the first Civic Hybrid debuts.
Honda Civic (6th Generation: 1996 - 2000)
This generation grows larger and gets more horsepower but loses some of the distinct styling that made the first few generations so cool. The Si badge moves to a coupe, leaving the hatchback model little more than an entry-level commuter car. The first CVT transmission shows up during this time.
Honda Civic (5th Generation: 1992 - 1995)
The fifth-generation Civic retains its reputation for reliability and excellent fuel economy. The body has far more curves than previous models, but the double wishbone suspension, slick manual transmissions, and peppy engines remain intact. It also got bigger; this is the generation where the Civic grew from a subcompact to a compact. The Civic Wagon fails to make the jump from the fourth generation, and the new Civic hatchback features a unique split upper/lower door design. This generation also sees the debut of the sporty, 2-seater Civic del Sol with a removable roof panel.
Honda Civic (4th Generation: 1988 - 1991)
This generation was the last of the low-cowl, low-dash design Civics. Mechanical upgrades include an independent rear suspension and electronic fuel injection. The Si gets a 16-valve engine that is good for 108 horsepower.
Honda Civic (3rd Generation: 1984 - 1987)
The third-generation Civic gets a radical new look with a squared-off rear end (hatchback), a low roofline, and an upgraded interior. During this run, an all-wheel-drive Civic Wagon joins the pack, as does the slick 2-seat CRX coupe. The Si model debuts here, thrilling those wanting more power and better handling.
Honda Civic (2nd Generation: 1980 - 1983)
Building on the original's success, the second-generation Civic displays a more 1980s American-inspired interior, offering plush carpet and velour seats. The Civic grows larger, has a more powerful engine, and an improved automatic transmission. The original Civic's fastback trunk gets replaced with a hatchback. Later in the model year, a sedan joins the lineup.
Honda Civic (1st Generation: 1973 - 1979)
The first Honda Civic wasn’t supposed to be a success, but then came the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, and suddenly, Honda was in the right place at the right time. The first-gen Civic is tiny on the outside but roomy enough inside (at least in the front seats) to fit a 6-foot-tall American frame. A 40-mpg fuel economy figure sat well with buyers desperate to escape V8-powered domestic cars getting 10 to 12 mpg around town. The Civic’s CVCC engine proved so efficient that it passed EPA emissions requirements of the time without a catalytic converter. Most Civics use a 4-speed manual, but some feature the optional 2-speed “Hondamatic” automatic transmission. With the Hondamatic, the driver still has to change gears but can do so without the need to work a clutch pedal.
Honda Civic Buying Tips
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Honda Civic FAQs
How Long Does The Honda Civic Last?
The average Honda Civic listed for sale on Autotrader is 6.6 years old and has 64,193 miles. The oldest Honda Civic for sale is 37 years old, and the highest mileage Civic has 750,105 miles on the odometer.
Is the Honda Civic a Good Car?
The Honda Civic has won numerous awards from Kelley Blue Book. The Civic was most recently awarded the 2024 Compact Car of the Year award and earned a spot on the 2024 Best Resale Value list in the car category.
The Honda Civic was redesigned in 2022 and earned a spot on Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2022 list. The tenth-generation Honda Civic is an excellent choice for the value-minded shopper.