Evolution of the Honda Civic in Canada

Evolution of the Honda Civic in Canada

The Honda Civic model has gone through several major transformations over the years, but it remains the most emblematic vehicle of our company. The history of this vehicle begins in 1973, and it hasn't stopped today. To the contrary, the Civic is even more impressive and imposing in 2016. To convince you of the reliability of this car, we're taking the time to show you the evolution of this amazing vehicle across the years.

Honda Civic 1^st Generation

The first Honda Civic arrived on the market in 1973. So it is not surprising that it was a small, simple model and was especially limited in terms of its driving possibilities. It was equipped with a 4 cylinders water-cooled transverse engine with 50 HP and rear traction. It was also offered with 4-speed manual transmission. People liked it for its lightness. Moreover, since there were problems with refueling, Honda designed the Civic to be economical and spacious so that it could hold entire families. It wasn't until 1977 that the hatchback model made its appearance, a choice that many families loved. However, it was susceptible to rust. This sped up both its end and its glory. 

Honda Civic 2^nd Generation

The second generation of the Honda Civic was better than the first. Its exterior was larger and more solid. However, drivers liked it because it was lighter, which gave it better maneuverability. The engine was also 4 cylinders and 50 HP. This was also the base model for the construction of the first Honda Preludes. Thanks to its lightness, it was only a short time before Honda began to build the Si model, a sports car with 69 HP. This was designed with a tachometer and a better suspension, with a 1,500 cc engine. This was the beginning of Honda sports cars. 

Honda Civic 3^rd Generation

This generation of the Honda Civic had the appearance of a box, a more modern look. The engine had more power than its predecessors, with close to 100 HP. Again, as with the previous generation, it was a light car. At 800 kg and with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Honda Civic was an easy, quick, and fun model to build. As for the Si model, its 1.5-liter engine had 91 HP. At the time, it was a very economical car; add in the hatchback and it was the ideal car. This was the arrival of a car that had the potential to be what we see in the next generations. 

Honda Civic 4^th Generation 1987 -- 1991

At first, the Honda Civic was only offered in hatchback. Only a short time later the Sedan and Wagon versions made their appearance on the market. During this generation, however, it was the two-seat CRX that was the most loved. Moreover, this was an even lighter vehicle than the previous generation. We can't forget about the Si version of the CRX, which had a 1.5-liter engine and 91 HP. Nonetheless, this was not a model that was available to the Canadian market at the time. Even if it wasn't accessible, we can't neglect the technological advances of this little marvel from these last four generations. In fact, we can think, as well, of the Screamer B16, with a 1.6-liter engine and 158 HP at 7,600 RPM, which could only be found in Japan. For this model, Honda specially added independent dual suspension. Combined with the light weight of the car, it was comparable to a real racecar during this time, Canadians could only access a 108 HP Si.
At least it had automatic transmission, a less fun way to drive, but nonetheless more practical. The 4^thgeneration also marked the end of the Wagon version of the Honda, which had the shape of a box and looked like a Preludes. It was the arrival of the SUV that marked the end of the Wagon. Even though we never had the chance to drive its best car, Honda did not lose its rhythm in terms of technological progress. 

Honda Civic 5^th Generation: 1991 -- 1995

The fifth generation of the Honda had an even more modern look than those before it. It was still characterized by its small size and its spaciousness. This explains in great part its success on the market. Plus, it was a family car that used little gas for a car of this time. It was often the car that parents gave their children as a gift, which proves that it was one of the most affordable cars on the market. Its engine was as powerful as that of its predecessor, but this Honda Civic was offered with automatic transmission and its interior was equipped with air conditioning. 

Honda Civic 6^th Generation: 1995 -- 2000

For the 6^th generation, the Honda Civic didn't lose its power or its look. In fact, we can highlight the arrival of the ACURA EL and of the ALLISTON. But, for its weight, its power was normal. Obviously, there was the independent dual suspension, which gave drivers better maneuverability. Honda put a lot of energy into interior and exterior improvements on this car. Think of the cassette and CD player, air conditioning with a completely different system, etc. As to its look, there were from then on several novelties in its: grills, front headlights, bumpers, hood, turn signals, and wings. Largely because of this, it won the prize for best car of the year for three years in a row. 

Honda Civic 7^th Generation: 2001 -- 2005

2002 Honda Civic SiR

For the 7^th generation of the Honda Civic, the SiR hatchback was no longer built since it was no longer in demand anywhere in the world. This Civic was equipped with a 2.0-liter engine with only 160 HP for a sports car. Plus, Honda installed the MacPherson strut instead of independent dual suspension, which had propelled its success in maneuverability. Business was not at its best for the Japanese automobile company. 

Despite all this, we can still highlight the prize that the Honda Civic won in 2000 as the car of the year. This one had a 115 HP engine for base versions and 127 HP for the EX version. Later during this generation, the car was also recognized for its comfort, and its grill, bumpers, and front headlights were improved. Otherwise, we would have to wait for the next generation for Honda to resurface as an automobile giant. 

Honda Civic 8^th Generation: 2006 -- 2011

This generation of the Honda Civic was greatly marked by technological advances. We're thinking of better aerodynamics, with an accentuated windshield and lines that emphasized the exterior. Plus, an improved model of the Si arrived on the market, with 197 HP. The Honda Civic was ready to impress the public. 

The Civic is the car of choice for many people. We consider the EX to be the cream of the crop in its category. It has the look of a sports car, electric controls, and autochangers for the four wheels. 

Obviously, fuel economy is everywhere. As if this were not enough, the Hybrid Synergy Drive model also made its entrance: driving that's healthy for the environment and the wallet. 

The Honda Civic didn't cease to improve, and this would continue with the next generations through today. 

Honda Civic 9^th Generation: 2012 -- 2015

The ninth generation is in great part marked by sports model cars. The Honda Civic of this generation is even larger than its predecessors. As to performance, it is truly an effective car at all levels. The Honda Civic, being small, light, and super economical, is well adapted to the economic conditions of this period, including numerous economic crises and the rise in fuel prices. The material used is a completely new metal. The hood is longer, thus giving it a certain familial appearance. Honda calls this model, "one motion design". Among the best-known cars, we can think of: the Euro-spec 5-door hatchback in 2011, Civic Tourer Concept in 2013, Honda Civic WTCC in 2014, updated Civic hatchback in 2014, and Civic Tourer in 2014. 

Honda Civic 10^th Generation

The future is on our doorstep. The 2016 Honda Civic is the 10^th generation of its category. It will come with two engines: 2.0-liters and 4 cylinders with 158 HP for the LX and EX models, as well as 1.5-liters and 4 cylinders with 173 HP for the EX-T and EX-L models. As for the interior, which is a little more spacious than the preceding version, it will be equipped with a completely new platform. Moreover, the dashboard will be sophisticated and, only on the Touring model, the sound system will be made of 10 speakers, as well, to be compatible with Apple and Android, like the 2015 model. As for its exterior, the suspension is lower, and the front and rear lights will be LEDs on all models. And finally, the car has a body that is 25% more solid and 12% more aerodynamic than its predecessor. Here, then, is the 2016 Honda Civic, even better at the levels of performance and refinement.