Honda Civic Generations — Full Specs Comparison (1972–Present)
Specifications by Generation — Engine, Dimensions, and Weight
| Generation | Years | Chassis | Engines | Power | Length × Width × Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Curb Weight (kg) | Body Styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1972–1979 | SB1/SG/SE (sedan/hatch) VB (wagon) | 1.2L EB1/EB2/EB3 I4 1.5L ED1 CVCC I4 | 50–70 hp | 3,405–3,570 × 1,505–1,510 × 1,325–1,340 | 2,200 (sedan/hatch) 2,280 (wagon) | 600–678 | 2-door fastback, 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon |
| 2nd | 1979–1983 | SL/SS/SR/ST | 1.3L EN1/EN4/EJ I4 1.5L EM CVCC I4 | 45–69 hp | 3,760–4,090 × 1,580 × 1,350 | 2,250 (3-door) 2,320 (4-door) | 847–861 | 3/5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon |
| 3rd | 1983–1987 | AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT | 1.3L I4 (71 hp) 1.5L I4 (86–101 hp) | 54–101 hp | 3,810–4,145 × 1,625–1,635 × 1,340–1,490 | 2,380 (hatchback) 2,450 (sedan) | ~840 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door Shuttle wagon, CR-X coupe |
| 4th | 1987–1991 | EC/ED/EE/EF | 1.3L D13B I4 1.5L D15B I4 1.6L ZC I4 1.6L B16A DOHC VTEC | 70–160 hp | 3,965–4,295 × 1,670–1,695 × 1,330–1,360 | 2,500 | 870–990 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door Shuttle wagon |
| 5th | 1991–1995 | EG/EH/EJ | 1.3L D13B I4 1.5L D15B7/B8/Z1 I4 1.6L D16Z6 SOHC VTEC 1.6L B16A DOHC VTEC | 70–160 hp | 4,070–4,400 × 1,695–1,700 × 1,345–1,390 | 2,570 (hatchback) 2,620 (sedan) | 930–1,130 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, del Sol |
| 6th | 1995–2000 | EJ/EK/EM/MA/MB/MC | 1.3L D13B I4 1.5L D15B I4 1.6L D16Y7/Y8 SOHC VTEC 1.6L B16A2/B16B DOHC VTEC | 75–185 hp | 4,170–4,450 × 1,695–1,705 × 1,375–1,390 | 2,620 | 1,010–1,170 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 5-door fastback, wagon |
| 7th | 2000–2005 | EM/EP/ES/EU | 1.4L D14 I4 1.6L D16 I4 1.7L (1,668cc) I4 2.0L K20A DOHC i-VTEC | 90–200 hp | 4,285–4,458 × 1,695–1,715 × 1,440–1,495 | 2,620 | 1,110–1,200 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, 2-door coupe |
| 8th | 2005–2011 | FA/FD/FG/FK/FN | 1.4L I4 1.8L R18A SOHC i-VTEC 2.0L K20Z DOHC i-VTEC 1.3L Hybrid | 110–197 hp | 4,255–4,550 × 1,750–1,765 × 1,358–1,460 | 2,620–2,700 | 1,200–1,320 | 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 5-door hatchback |
| 9th | 2011–2015 | FB/FG/FK | 1.8L R18Z SOHC i-VTEC 2.4L K24Z6/K24Z7 DOHC i-VTEC (Si) 1.5L Hybrid | 100–205 hp | 4,470–4,590 × 1,755–1,770 × 1,416–1,470 | 2,620 (sedan) 2,675 (coupe) | 1,200–1,320 | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 5-door hatchback, 5-door Tourer wagon |
| 10th | 2016–2021 | FC/FK | 2.0L K20C2 DOHC i-VTEC 1.5L L15B7 DOHC Turbo 2.0L K20C1 DOHC Turbo (Type R) | 158–306 hp | 4,518–4,644 × 1,750–1,800 × 1,416 | 2,700 | 1,250–1,380 | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 5-door hatchback |
| 11th | 2021–present | FE/FL | 2.0L K20C2 DOHC i-VTEC 1.5L L15B7 DOHC Turbo 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid 2.0L K20C1 DOHC Turbo (Type R) | 150–315 hp | 4,551–4,694 × 1,801–1,802 × 1,408–1,415 | 2,735 | 1,310–1,400 | 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback |
Key Innovations and Suspension by Generation
| Generation | Years | Key Innovations | Suspension (Front / Rear) | Notable Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1972–1979 | CVCC stratified-charge engine | MacPherson strut / beam axle | First mass-market Honda |
| 2nd | 1979–1983 | Increased length and interior space | MacPherson strut / beam axle | 4-door sedan introduced |
| 3rd | 1983–1987 | First fuel-injected models; CR-X variant | MacPherson strut / trailing arm | CR-X coupe; 5-door Shuttle wagon |
| 4th | 1987–1991 | DOHC VTEC (B16A); double-wishbone rear | MacPherson strut / double-wishbone | VTEC; first Civic SiR |
| 5th | 1991–1995 | Aerodynamic “Aero-deck” design | MacPherson strut / double-wishbone | del Sol (targa top) |
| 6th | 1995–2000 | Larger dimensions; Type R introduced | MacPherson strut / double-wishbone | First Civic Type R (EK9) |
| 7th | 2000–2005 | First K-series (K20A); EPS steering | MacPherson strut / trailing arm | K-series engine; EP3 Si in US |
| 8th | 2005–2011 | Global platform; R18 engine; hybrid | MacPherson strut / multi-link | Hybrid variant; rear multi-link |
| 9th | 2011–2015 | K24Z7 (Si); Eco Assist system | MacPherson strut / multi-link | 2.4L Si; larger dimensions |
| 10th | 2016–2021 | Turbo engines; Honda Sensing; dual-axis front strut (Type R) | MacPherson strut / multi-link | 1.5T L15B7; 306 hp Type R |
| 11th | 2021–present | e:HEV hybrid; redesigned chassis | MacPherson strut / multi-link | Full hybrid powertrain; FL5 Type R |
Transmission Offerings by Generation
| Generation | Years | Manual Transmissions | Automatic Transmissions | CVT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–3rd | 1972–1987 | 4-speed manual | 2-speed semi-auto (Hondamatic) | — |
| 4th–5th | 1987–1995 | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic | — |
| 6th–7th | 1995–2005 | 5-speed manual (6-speed Si/Type R) | 4-speed / 5-speed automatic | — |
| 8th–9th | 2005–2015 | 5-speed / 6-speed manual | 5-speed automatic | CVT (hybrid variants) |
| 10th | 2016–2021 | 6-speed manual (Si, Sport, Type R) | — | CVT (non-Si) |
| 11th | 2021–present | 6-speed manual (Si, Type R only) | e-CVT (hybrid) | CVT (non-hybrid, non-Si) |
Used Market Guide — Best and Worst Engines by Generation
| Generation | Best Engine | Engine to Avoid | Common Issues | Used Market Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th–6th | D16Z6 / B16A2 | D15B8 (lowest power) | Rust, rear trailing arm bushings | ★★★★☆ (enthusiast favorite) |
| 7th | K20A3 (Si) | D17A1/A2 (head gasket issues) | Head gasket (D17), AC failures | ★★★☆☆ (Si only) |
| 8th | K20Z3 (Si) | R18A1 (oil consumption, chain stretch) | AC compressor, R18 chain tensioner | ★★★★☆ |
| 9th | K24Z7 (Si) | R18Z1 (oil consumption) | AC condenser, starter issues | ★★★☆☆ |
| 10th | K20C1 (Type R) | 1.5T L15B7 (oil dilution) | AC condenser, oil dilution (1.5T) | ★★★★☆ (2.0L preferred) |
| 11th | e:HEV Hybrid / K20C1 | — | Early AC condenser reports | ★★★★★ (too early for major issues) |
Fuel Economy by Generation (EPA-Rated, U.S. Spec)
EPA fuel economy figures below reflect the best-available combined rating for each trim level per generation, using revised EPA methodology where applicable. Si and Type R figures use premium fuel where required. All values are city / highway / combined in mpg.
| Generation | Years | Base (City / Hwy / Comb) | Si (City / Hwy / Comb) | Type R (City / Hwy / Comb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Gen (EP3 / ES) | 2001–2005 | 26 / 34 / 29 | 25 / 32 / 28 | — |
| 8th Gen (FA / FG) | 2006–2011 | 26 / 34 / 29 | 28 / 38 / 32 | — |
| 9th Gen (FB / FG) | 2012–2015 | 28 / 39 / 33 | 22 / 31 / 26 | — |
| 10th Gen (FC / FK) | 2016–2021 | 31 / 41 / 36 | 28 / 38 / 32 | 22 / 28 / 25 (FK8) |
| 11th Gen (FE / FL) | 2022–present | 31 / 39 / 35 | 27 / 37 / 31 | 22 / 28 / 25 (FL5) |
Source: fueleconomy.gov. Type R figures require premium unleaded. The 10th gen base 1.5T CVT achieves the highest combined rating in Civic history at 36 mpg combined.
Cargo & Interior Dimensions by Generation
Cargo volume and interior space changed significantly across generations. The 10th and 11th generations introduced a hatchback body style for the U.S. market, offering substantially more cargo capacity than the sedan. Rear legroom and headroom figures are for the second row.
| Generation | Body | Cargo (cu ft / L) | Rear Legroom (in) | Rear Headroom (in) | Front Legroom (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Gen (2001–05) | Sedan | 10 / 283 | 33.5 | 37.0 | 42.3 |
| 8th Gen (2006–11) | Sedan | 12 / 340 | 34.3 | 37.1 | 42.3 |
| 9th Gen (2012–15) | Sedan | 12.5 / 354 | 34.3 | 37.1 | 42.3 |
| 10th Gen (2016–21) | Sedan | 15.1 / 428 | 37.4 | 37.1 | 42.3 |
| 10th Gen (2017–21) | Hatchback | 25.7 / 728 | 36.1 | 37.8 | 42.3 |
| 11th Gen (2022–) | Sedan | 14.8 / 419 | 37.4 | 37.1 | 42.3 |
| 11th Gen (2022–) | Hatchback | 24.5 / 694 | 37.4 | 37.4 | 42.3 |
The hatchback body style returned to the U.S. market with the 10th generation in 2017. The 10th gen hatchback offers 70% more cargo volume than the sedan of the same generation. The 11th gen sedan trunk shrank slightly versus the 10th gen due to revised rear styling, while the hatchback retained near-identical utility.
0–60 mph & Quarter-Mile Performance by Generation
All figures are from instrumented tests by Car and Driver or Motor Trend unless noted. Base figures represent the most common naturally aspirated or turbocharged base engine. Si and Type R figures are from the best-available tested example. Results exclude 1-ft rollout where noted by the source.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | 0–60 mph | 1/4 Mile | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Gen (2001–05) | Base EX | 1.7L D17 SOHC | 8.5 sec | 16.5 sec | C/D |
| 7th Gen (2001–05) | Si | 2.0L K20A3 DOHC | 7.6 sec | 15.9 sec @ 89 mph | MotorWeek |
| 8th Gen (2006–11) | Base EX | 1.8L R18 SOHC | 8.4 sec | 16.4 sec | C/D |
| 8th Gen (2006–11) | Si | 2.0L K20Z3 DOHC i-VTEC | 6.8 sec | 15.2 sec @ 93 mph | C/D |
| 9th Gen (2012–15) | Base LX | 1.8L R18 SOHC | 8.5 sec | 16.5 sec | C/D |
| 9th Gen (2012–15) | Si | 2.4L K24Z7 DOHC i-VTEC | 6.5 sec | 14.8 sec @ 95 mph | C/D |
| 10th Gen (2016–21) | Base Sport | 1.5L L15B7 Turbo | 7.2 sec | 15.5 sec | C/D |
| 10th Gen (2016–21) | Si | 1.5L L15B7 Turbo | 6.3 sec | 14.8 sec @ 97 mph | C/D |
| 10th Gen (2017–21) | Type R (FK8) | 2.0L K20C1 Turbo | 4.9 sec | 13.5 sec @ 108 mph | C/D |
| 11th Gen (2022–) | Base Sport | 1.5L L15CA Turbo | 7.2 sec | 15.5 sec | C/D |
| 11th Gen (2022–) | Si | 1.5L L15CA Turbo | 6.6 sec | 14.9 sec @ 94 mph | C/D |
| 11th Gen (2023–) | Type R (FL5) | 2.0L K20C1 Turbo | 4.9 sec | 13.5 sec @ 106 mph | C/D |
The FK8 Type R set a Nurburgring front-wheel-drive lap record (7:43.8) in 2017. The FL5 improved on that with 7:44.881 on a different configuration but added 9 hp and revised suspension geometry. Both generations share the same K20C1 block with different tune and cooling calibration.
Safety Ratings by Generation (NHTSA & IIHS)
NHTSA overall star ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick status are listed for the primary sedan body style per generation. IIHS small overlap testing began in 2012; earlier generations were not evaluated under that protocol. NHTSA 5-star overall requires 5 stars in frontal, side, and rollover categories.
| Generation | Years | NHTSA Overall | IIHS Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Gen (ES / EP3) | 2001–2005 | 4 / 5 stars | Not rated (TSP era pre-dates this gen) | Side curtain airbags optional; small overlap test not yet in use |
| 8th Gen (FA / FG) | 2006–2011 | 5 / 5 stars | Good (moderate overlap, side); no TSP | Small overlap test introduced 2012; 8th gen not evaluated under new protocol |
| 9th Gen (FB / FG) | 2012–2015 | 5 / 5 stars | IIHS Top Safety Pick | First gen tested under small overlap protocol; Good in moderate overlap and side |
| 10th Gen (FC / FK) | 2016–2021 | 5 / 5 stars | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Honda Sensing standard from 2018MY; Good in small overlap driver-side |
| 11th Gen (FE / FL) | 2022–present | 5 / 5 stars | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Good in all crashworthiness categories; Honda Sensing standard on all trims |
Sources: NHTSA, IIHS. The 10th and 11th generations are the safest Civics ever produced by IIHS criteria, earning TSP+ in every model year tested. Buyers of used 9th gen Civics should note the absence of Honda Sensing and the marginal headlight ratings on pre-2018 trims.
Towing & Payload Capacity by Generation
Honda does not officially rate the Civic for trailer towing in the U.S. market across any generation. The owner’s manual specifies a maximum vehicle load limit (occupants plus cargo) but does not publish a trailer tow rating. Attempting to tow beyond the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) voids the powertrain warranty and is not recommended by Honda.
| Generation | Years | Trailer Tow Rating (U.S.) | Max Payload (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Gen (ES / EP3) | 2001–2005 | Not Rated | ~850 lbs | Max load = occupants + cargo combined; see door jamb label |
| 8th Gen (FA / FG) | 2006–2011 | Not Rated | ~850 lbs | No factory tow hitch available; aftermarket hitches exist for light bike racks only |
| 9th Gen (FB / FG) | 2012–2015 | Not Rated | ~850 lbs | No factory tow hitch available; aftermarket hitches exist for light bike racks only |
| 10th Gen (FC / FK) | 2016–2021 | Not Rated | ~850 lbs | CVT and 1.5T not designed for trailer loads; hatchback rear hitch for bike carriers only |
| 11th Gen (FE / FL) | 2022–present | Not Rated | 850 lbs (CVT) / 680 lbs (6MT) | Per Honda TechInfo 2026 Civic Hatchback owner’s manual; manual trans models have lower GVWR margin |
The Civic is not a towing vehicle. Honda has never published a trailer tow rating for any U.S.-market Civic generation. Owners who need to tow should consider the Honda Pilot, Passport, or CR-V, all of which carry official tow ratings. Aftermarket hitch receivers rated for Class I (up to 2,000 lbs tongue weight) are available for the 10th and 11th gen hatchback, but using them for trailer towing is done at the owner’s risk and outside Honda’s warranty coverage.