The Honda Civic is one of those cars that collects fans wherever it goes, and it’s a car that’s changed the automotive industry in unimaginable ways. From its performance to its overall persona, the Civic has a big presence despite its compact size. It’s been featured on the big screen and feared on the track, and when it comes to offering drivers an exciting, reliable, and comfortable ride, this Honda nameplate delivers.

The Civic has been through a lot in the 52 years it’s been on the streets, and if you’re searching for the right Civic for your needs, you’ll have plenty of options when you shop for a used model. Here at Middletown Honda, we’re your used Honda dealership and have a phenomenal selection of high-quality Civic models. So, what major changes has the Civic undergone since it was first introduced? Let’s explore the evolution of the Civic and see how this compact superstar has been a game-changer in the industry.

Making a Difference

Although the Civic initially made its debut in Japan in 1972, it didn’t make its way onto American roadways until 1973. It wasn’t just different because it was a Japanese model; it was a far cry from the vehicles that were cruising around town at the time. Bigger was better back in the day, and the Civic certainly didn’t look like anything else that was traveling down the highway; however, with the ever-growing fuel crisis of the 1970s, small cars like the Civic would shape how Americans viewed everyday travel. Not only did the Civic’s small size present a more fuel-efficient way to travel, but it also introduced the first Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion engine, which heightened fuel efficiency without compromising performance. This setup showcased a specialized design that didn’t need a catalytic converter, making it better on gas and enjoyable to drive.

Before the Civic, Honda was known strictly for its motorcycles, so to see a compact sedan from a new manufacturer making waves in the automotive industry like this was unheard of at the time. Honda introduced the Civic to offer drivers the chance to finally get behind the wheel of a vehicle that was easy to handle and affordable without skimping on performance, leaving a lasting impression on the overall ride.

Multiple Configurations

As the years went on, drivers were able to enjoy this remarkable machine in various configurations. There was a hatchback, a wagon, and a sedan in the Civic lineup, which really appealed to various types of travelers. The Civic was still a small car, but in the 1980s, it began to put on a little weight and gained a larger following with its larger size. Its wheelbase grew, and it gained several inches of height, exhibiting a taller stance that was instantly recognizable on the streets during that era.

In the early 1990s, the Civic lineup welcomed a coupe body style, adding another flavor to choose from for Civic fans nationwide. Not only was this a totally new body style for the Civic nameplate, but the coupe ushered in some creature comforts that made it even more appealing to drivers, including a better stereo system and enhanced safety features. The coupe was eventually discontinued after the 2020 model year, leaving only the sedan and hatch models in today’s current lineup.

Performance Icon

The Civic isn’t just known for its variety of body styles; it’s also known for its incredible performance. The 1980s Civic models introduced a double-wishbone front suspension to improve overall handling and control. This was based on Honda's Formula 1 cars and gave the Civic an edge over the competition in terms of ride quality and stability. The VTEC engine made its way into the lineup around the same time, adding variable valve timing to further improve emissions, making the Civic an even better choice to help clean up our environment. Not only did this engine reduce the Civic’s environmental footprint, it also enhanced its performance and efficiency.

Some of the more famous performance-oriented Civics reside in the Si arsenal, which debuted in the late 1980s. The Si (short for "Sport Injected") was originally named for being the first Civic to feature fuel injection, which elevates the capabilities of the small engine that resides underneath the hood of these thrilling machines. More power means more fun on the road, and with unique badging and sleek looks, you can tell a Civic Si from the other Civic models instantly. The sedan configuration made its way into the Si inventory in 2007, and this badge continues to offer drivers an affordable way to enjoy amplified power in a small-size vehicle.

Fast & Furious Fame

If you didn’t want a Civic before, watch one of the Fast and Furious movies, and you’ll be convinced by the end of the movie that you need one—now. The fifth-generation Civic was featured in the 2001 hit movie The Fast and the Furious, which would later spawn sequel after sequel, making it one of the largest movie franchises of all time. This is when the Civic officially entered its sporty era, appealing to drivers everywhere who wanted to make a statement on the streets, not just with appearance but with performance as well. After its movie fame, the Civic just kept getting more enticing for drivers, with better suspension systems, sleeker designs, and more exciting engines.

Speaking of excitement, in 2017, the Civic family gained the Type R—here in America, at least, as the Type R had been a part of the Japanese lineup since 1997. With a wider stance, an ultra-cool rear wing spoiler, and massive wheels, the Civic Type R appeals to performance-oriented drivers everywhere. In addition to being so stylish, it’s a blast to drive, with a much more powerful turbocharged engine making it the fastest front-wheel drive car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

Growing Up

Today’s Civics aren’t just fun to drive and efficient, they have experienced a major glow-up in recent years, with a larger design, more refined features, and additional powertrains added into the mix. You’ll now find a hybrid to elevate efficiency even further, which is especially appealing to today’s drivers since protecting our environment is a huge priority. The Civic is still as stylish as ever, with contemporary appointments inside and sophisticated body lines outside. It’s available as a compact sedan or a hatchback, providing drivers with the chance to find the configuration that suits their needs. When it comes to affordability and reliability, the Civic is an absolute winner on the streets.

The Evolution of the Civic

From ushering in new performance elements and engine configurations to making a name for itself on the silver screen, if there’s one car that has a claim to fame, it’s the Honda Civic. It’s a trusted companion on the streets, and whether you’re looking for an everyday commuter or a race-worthy track star, you’ll find an option that interests you in the Civic lineup. As SUVs and trucks are taking over the industry, it’s difficult for sedans to keep up, but with everything the Civic offers to the ride, this compact sedan isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s a tried-and-true favorite for a multitude of different drivers, and with so many options and Honda-level engineering radiating throughout, no matter which used model you choose, you're bound to experience a ride that will leave you absolutely breathless.