Honda Civic (fourth generation)
Honda Civic Fourth generation | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Model code |
|
Also called | |
Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,500 mm (98.4 in) |
Length | 156.1 in (3,965 mm) (hatchback) 166.5 in (4,229 mm) (sedan) 161.7 in (4,107 mm) (wagon) |
Width | 65.6 in (1,666 mm) (hatchback) 65.9 in (1,674 mm) (sedan) 66.1 in (1,679 mm) |
Height | 52.4 in (1,331 mm) (hatchback) 53.5 in (1,359 mm) (sedan) 56.1 in (1,425 mm) (FWD Wagon) 56.9 in (1,445 mm) (4WD Wagon) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Honda Civic (third generation) |
Successor | Honda Civic (fifth generation) Honda Orthia (Shuttle) |
| ||
---|---|---|
Generations
Related
Other
|
||
The fourth-generation Honda Civic is a Japanese sub-compact
Japanese domestic market
In Japan, the base version received a 1.3 L
The 1.5 L SOHC engine came in a variety of models, dual-point injection, single carbureted and dual carbureted. Those engines were available in the Japanese-market 25X and 25XT. The Si model featured a 1.6L
In late 1989, a new trim package was added called the SiR which came equipped with a 1.6-litre
Wagon/Shuttle/Pro
The wagon, known in Japan as the Civic Shuttle, continued to be built until February 21, 1996. The commercial-use model was called the "Honda Pro"; it was replaced by a dedicated commercial delivery van called the Honda Partner starting with model year 1996. The Shuttle was replaced by the Honda Orthia, a derivative of the Partner. The Orthia and Partner were sold only in Japan.
North America
The fourth-generation Civic was introduced for the 1988 model year. Unlike Civics sold in other markets, all North American Civics were fuel injected. The fourth-generation Civic offered larger dimensions than the previous Civic. Initially, the Si model was not available. All fourth-generation Civics have true all independent suspension and power steering is standard on all LX sedans and 4WD wagons and included on some other models when equipped with an automatic transmission. Few changes were introduced in 1989 with the exception of the return of the Si model.
In 1990, the Civic received a minor refresh which included a redesigned front bumper, a revised shaped gauge cluster, updated tail lights and thinner side moldings. Civic sedans and wagons received
Only minor changes were introduced in 1991 such as full wheel covers and body-colored bumpers on the DX hatchbacks and the Si side mirrors were now body-colored (instead of black). 1991 would be the final year for the fourth-generation Civic.
3-door hatchback
CX/STD
Known as the CX in Canada, the base model, only available as a
DX
The DX was available as either a sedan or hatchback. The DX sedan and hatchback came with non-color matching bumper covers. Seats were cloth in all DX Civics. All DX Civics featured a 1.5-liter
LX
Available only as a sedan, the LX had an upgraded interior with tachometer instrumentation, electric windows and door locks, electric door mirrors, cruise control, clock, and wheel covers as standard equipment, as well as body-colored bumpers. The LX Civic was equipped with a 1.5 litre
EX
Beginning in 1990, and available only as a sedan. It includes all LX standard features as well as the more powerful 1.6-litre
Si
The Civic Si hatchback returned for the 1989 model year. The Si was only available as a hatchback with a 5-speed manual transmission, which featured shorter gears than lower models. The Si came with a 1.6-liter
The Si model adds features such as a power sunroof/moonroof, tachometer, dual manual side mirrors, an upgraded interior, color-matched bumpers, dash clock, larger exhaust, front and rear anti-roll bars and 14-inch steel wheels with covers mounted with 185/60/R14 tires. There was no power steering and no automatic transmission available (except in Canada). Additional dealer-installed options were air conditioning and fog lights as well as other Honda accessories such as wheels, nose masks, and audio components.
Wagon
The wagon was available as
North American curb weights
Standard Hatch | DX Hatch | Si Hatch | DX Sedan | LX Sedan | EX Sedan | 2WD Wagon | 4WD Wagon | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | Manual | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | |
1988 | - | 1,933 lb (877 kg) | - | 1,933 lb (877 kg) | n/a | - | 2,039 lb (925 kg) | - | 2,138 lb (970 kg) | n/a | n/a | - | 2,130 lb (966 kg) | - | 2,366 lb (1,073 kg) |
1989 | - | 2,013 lb (913 kg) | 2,138 lb (970 kg) | 2,088 lb (947 kg) | 2,161 lb (980 kg) | 2,209 lb (1,002 kg) | 2,147 lb (974 kg) | 2,249 lb (1,020 kg) | 2,211 lb (1,003 kg) | n/a | n/a | - | 2,130 lb (966 kg) | - | 2,366 lb (1,073 kg) |
1990-1991 | 1,996 lb (905 kg) | 2,127 lb (965 kg) | - | 2,165 lb (982 kg) | 2,291 lb (1,039 kg) | 2,252 lb (1,021 kg) | 2,262 lb (1,026 kg) | - | 2,322 lb (1,053 kg) | - | 2,374 lb (1,077 kg) | - | 2,335 lb (1,059 kg) | - | 2,628 lb (1,192 kg) |
Air Conditioning added 49 lb (22 kg). Cargo capacity was an additional 100 lb (45 kg) hatchback, 75 lb (34 kg) sedan.
European market
For most of Europe, the base model came equipped with a 1.3 L 4-cylinder engine.
In the United Kingdom, the sedan was initially not available although it had been offered in many continental European markets since the introduction. With a resurgence in sales of saloons, it was introduced in early 1990, and then only as a carburetted 1.4 GL.[7] The 1.5 and 1.6 saloons were not sold in the UK, to avoid cannibalizing sales of the soon-to-be-released Concerto saloon.[7]
The sporting European 1.6i GT and 1.6i-16 (depends on country) had a 1.6 L
South African market
In South Africa, the fourth-generation Civic was sold under the Honda Ballade branding.
Awards
The fourth-generation Honda Civic was included in Car and Driver's 10Best for all four years (1988-1991).[8]
The car was well-received globally, receiving “Golden Steering Wheel Award” from the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, and ranking first in France’s l’Automobile magazine 1989 survey on car quality and reliability.[9]
Motorsports
Despite its image as an economical vehicle, the fourth-generation hatchback became popular in near stock SCCA autocross competition. The ED chassis dominated the Street touring category, competing against the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Fourth-generation Civic hatchbacks became popular among Honda Civic enthusiasts due to their lightweight design and formidable suspension layout.[citation needed].
Due to the difference in engine output and modification potential between the American and JDM models, the fourth-generation Civic Si[b] sparked a popular trend of engine swapping, where tuners would replace the Honda D-series power plant with a more powerful Honda DOHC B-series motor.[10]
References and notes
- ^ Leeps (1989-06-04). "Rust Busters". Retrieved 2015-05-03.
- ^ Yoshikawa, Humirou; Nishimura, Tsuyoshi; Ueda, Syuhei; Ltd, Honda Motor Co (15 June 1987). "USD311360S".
- ^ 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book 1987~'88] (in Japanese), vol. 34, Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, 1987-10-28, p. 231, 0053-870034-3400
- ^ "Honda Civic History". channel4.com.
- ^ "Honda Civic 0–60 and 1/4 mile times". Albee Digital. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12.
- ^ "onda Civic 4th generation | Civic 1988-1991 History". Civic4G.com. Archived from the original on 2020-01-27.
- ^ a b Harvey, Michael, ed. (7 March 1990). "Civic gets a boot". Autocar & Motor. Vol. 183, no. 10 (4854). p. 6.
- ^ "These Cars Have Won 10Best the Most". 17 November 2021.
- ^ "Fourth Generation Honda". honda.com.
- ^ "History of the Civic Si". 11 February 2006.
- ^ Horsepower increased to 108HP in 1989
- ^ along with the second generation Honda CR-X