The evolution of a Japanese automotive symbol: the Honda Civic

The Japanese manufacturer was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa and 25 years passed until the launch of one of the most successful models in the automotive industry – the Honda Civic. Although the Japanese began as manufacturers of motorcycle engines, they quickly became a force in the automotive field.

In the 1960s, Honda entered the global automotive market, first with the T360 minivan, followed by the S500, both launched in 1963. Honda gained popularity for its emphasis on fuel efficiency, affordability, and innovative engineering , reflected in models such as the Civic and Accord, which have become entry-level models worldwide. By 2023, Honda has established itself as one of the world’s leading automakers, boasting a broad portfolio that includes cars, motorcycles and energy products.

The birth and evolution of the Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovation and has a rich history dating back to the early 1970s. It was launched as a two-door coupé in 1972 and a hatchback version appeared a year later. In a world dominated by large, powerful cars, the Honda Civic stood out with its compact size, fuel efficiency and affordable price. It was a car designed for its times and the global oil crisis of 1973 caused an increase in demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

In the following decades, the Japanese manufacturer underwent several transformations and launches of new models, and in 1980 the evolution of the Honda Civic continued with the second generation, which was completely redesigned. The car was larger, offered more comfort and better handling. A four-door sedan was added to the range and the displacement of the Civic engine was increased, providing more power and performance. This generation also marked the US launch of the sporty version of the Civic Si.

Civic continued its evolution between 1990 and 2000, with Honda introducing a new generation approximately every four to five years. Each generation has brought improvements in safety, technology and performance. The 1991 model introduced VTEC engine technology, while the 1996 sixth-generation model was the first to offer an LPG-powered version. Until the 2000s, the Civic established itself as a versatile vehicle, available in several body styles, including sedan, coupe and hatchback, and rightfully took first place among the best Japanese cars.

The evolution of the Honda Civic in recent history

The eighth generation of the Honda Civic represented a major step for the model line, marking a new era in terms of design, technology and fuel efficiency. Introduced in 2005 and running until 2011, it featured a striking design, demonstrating Honda’s desire to innovate in the compact car sector. The Civic VIII model boasted improvements in performance, handling and economy, gaining popularity in various global markets, including North America, Europe and Asia. The vehicle was offered in various configurations, including sedan, coupe and hatchback, and was powered by a range of very reliable engines, the most popular being the 1.8-litre followed by the 2.0-litre. Until the end of production, the Honda Civic VIII laid the foundation for subsequent generations and further consolidated its status as a reliable, efficient and innovative vehicle.

A new generation of Honda Civic

The Honda Civic IX was launched in 2011 and its production lasted until 2015. This generation marked a significant shift in Honda’s approach to the Civic, emphasizing affordability and fuel efficiency. The exterior design maintained the iconic and compact silhouette, but with a more aerodynamic and modern look. Inside it featured improvements in build quality, technological advances and safety systems. The Civic IX was available in several versions, including sedan, station wagon and hatchback versions, catering to a wide spectrum of customer preferences. The Honda Civic IX was powered by several engines, including the updated version of the 1.8 used in the previous generation, which now develops 142 horsepower instead of 140. A novelty was brought by the introduction of an exclusive 1.6-liter diesel engine for the markets Europeans.

Mid-cycle, this generation benefited from an update that focused particularly on the exterior, as the look attracted controversy, being considered too «simple» for a Honda Civic. This was proof of Honda’s ability to adapt to market feedback, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing customer-focused, reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Honda Civic

The tenth generation of the Honda Civic was launched globally in September 2015. This new era featured a bold reimagining of its traditional design principles, ushering in a sportier and more sophisticated aesthetic. Honda has dramatically revised the car’s architecture and engineering, resulting in a larger, safer and more efficient vehicle. Its technology package has been significantly enriched, with features such as the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies and more advanced infotainment options. The Honda Civic X has been widely praised for its driving dynamics and efficiency. He managed to find a balance between comfort and performance that earned him popularity. Its various versions have won considerable acclaim, including the Civic Type R’s impressive run as the record holder for the fastest front-wheel drive car on several famous circuits. Despite the challenging automotive landscape and the rise of crossover models, the Civic X has thrived and continued to be a best-seller for Honda. The generation arrived with a totally new breath for Honda also in terms of engines and gearboxes. The most popular variants in Romania were the 1-litre engines developing 129 horsepower and the 1.5-litre engines developing 182 horsepower, these being driven by a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic.

The latest generation Honda Civic

The eleventh generation of the Honda Civic was launched in 2021, but only arrived in Europe at the end of 2022. The model features a more mature and sophisticated design than the previous generation, with a more elegant body and interior with higher quality materials . It is equipped with the 1.5-liter engine available on the previous generation, but improved and which now develops 180 horsepower. This generation Civic has been praised since launch for its improved driving dynamics, spacious interior and advanced safety features.

Over its fifty-year history, the Honda Civic has evolved from a fuel-efficient small car into a wide range of vehicles known for their reliability, affordability and performance. It has become a global emblem, demonstrating Honda’s ingenuity and commitment to creating automobiles that meet a wide range of drivers’ needs and desires. Through all these transformations, one thing has remained constant: the Honda Civic’s mission to provide an affordable, reliable and fun-to-drive vehicle for everyone.