Following the original two-door and three-door Civic models, the Company expanded its lineup with the Hondamatic (variable-speed automatic) and Civic CVCC in 1973. These were complemented in 1974 by the sporty Civic RS, with a twin-cab engine, and the Civic Van, a practical, commercial-use vehicle. For three consecutive years—from 1972 to 1974—Civic was awarded “Car of the Year Japan.“ Overseas, as well, the Civic CVCC earned high acclaim in the United States. In 1973, the Civic ranked third in Europe’s “Car of the Year” awards—the highest ranking for a Japanese vehicle at that time. It also took the top prize among imported vehicles in the U.S. Road Test magazine’s “1974 Car of the Year.”
Second Generation (1979)
Seeking to create a “high-quality car representing 1980s values,” Honda implemented the first full model change of the Civic in seven years, resulting in enhanced economy, interior comfort and driving performance. This led to the development in 1980 of the CVCC-II engine, which delivered improved combustion efficiency. In 1981, Honda rolled out the Civic Country station wagon and the Civic 4-Door Sedan, featuring a Hondamatic transmission with overhead drive, front-wheel drive and notchback styling. The new Civic received the “U.S. Import Car of the Year 1980” award from Motor Trend Magazine.
The concept for the third-generation Civic was “maximum space for people, minimum space for mechanisms.” Based on this concept, Honda developed three-, four- and five-door variations of the Civic—a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan, as well as a five-door shuttle offering superior utility space. In 1984, the Company unveiled the Civic Si, featuring a DOHC engine incorporating Formula 1 technologies. It was instantly popular thanks to its innovative, long-roofed design, and won the “Car of the Year Japan” award in 1984. In the United States, the Civic placed first in fuel efficiency tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1984 for the second consecutive year. In Europe, it won the “Torino-Piedmonte Car Design Award 1984.”
Fourth Generation (1987)
Developers of the fourth-generation Civic emphasized “exhilarating performance based on human sensitivities.” Targeting higher efficiency, Honda created its Hyper 16-valve engine in five variations, from 1,300cc to 1,500cc. Combined with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension, the result was everything a person could want in a car. In 1989, the Company unveiled the Civic SiR, equipped with its high-performance DOHC VTEC engine, featuring Honda’s revolutionary variable valve timing technology. That model received the “Golden Steering Wheel Award” from Bild am Sonntag, a German newspaper. It also ranked first according to a 1989 survey about car quality and reliability conducted by France’s L’Automobile Magazine.
Fifth Generation (1991)
The most striking feature of the fifth-generation Civic was it futuristic aerodynamic form, with flexible interior space to suit the specific requirements of young people. The new series also heralded the arrival of new VTEC engine variations to provide an excellent mix of driving performance and high fuel efficiency. These included the 170-horsepower DOHC VTEC, the ultrahigh fuel efficiency VTEC-E and a high-balance VTEC. The new cars represented a major advancement in human and environmental friendliness, with enhanced safety features and a high proportion of recyclable components. The fifth-generation Civic received “Car of the Year Japan” awards in 1991 and 1992.
Sixth Generation (1995)
Transcending its traditional “car for the masses” appeal, the sixth-generation Civic sought to become a vehicle that represents the times from a global perspective. It incorporated a range of new technologies to satisfy strong demand for high performance, safety and low emissions. These included the 3-stage VTEC engine, boasting high output and high fuel efficiency and Honda Multimatic, a next-generation, variable-speed automatic transmission. Consequently, the Civic received “Car of the Year Japan” awards in 1995 and 1996.
The seventh-generation Civic was developed as the “benchmark for compact cars,” satisfying all important criteria, with maximum cabin space, superlative economy and smooth ride, and unparalleled safety for occupants and pedestrians. The interior space was made more comfortable based on a low, flat-floor design enabling occupants to easily move between front and rear seats. Due to Honda’s G-CON collision safety technology, the seventh-generation Civic has met the highest safety standards, winning “Car of the Year Japan” awards in 2001 and 2002.
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