Honda Civic

See also Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door sedan, followed by a 3-door hatchback version that September. With the transverse engine placement of its 1169cc engine and front wheel drive, like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.

Early models of the Civic were typically outfitted with a basic AM radio, rudimentary heater, foam cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. The current Civic has become somewhat more luxurious. Still, many regard the Civic as representing a good value for the money, combining good performance, reliability and economy, as well as a very low rate of depreciation, resulting in a low total cost per mile or per year.

Models and equipment

Initially the Civic was sold with either a four-speed manual or a two speed "HondaMatic" model. Later models went to a five-speed manual and a full four-speed automatic transmission. Like the Mini, the transaxle was integrated with the engine unit, but driveshaft technology in the Civic was well ahead of the universal joints of the Mini.