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Does Japan have Honda Civic?

Yes. The Honda Civic is sold in Japan and has long been part of Honda's domestic lineup, spanning multiple generations and body styles.


In Japan, you’ll find both sedan-style and hatchback Civics, including hybrid and high-performance variants like the Civic Type R. The domestic market has sometimes used the Civic Ferio branding for certain sedans in older generations, but today the Civic badge covers the main models available to Japanese customers.


Current presence in Japan


Overview of what is currently offered to Japanese customers. The Civic lineup in Japan includes multiple bodystyles, drivetrain options, and trims. The following points summarize what you can expect today.



  • Body styles: hatchback and sedan options are sold in Japan, catering to different preferences and regulations.

  • Powertrains: hybrid (e:HEV) models are common, alongside turbocharged petrol variants in certain trims.

  • Performance variant: Civic Type R is available in Japan, serving enthusiasts with a high-performance 2.0L turbo engine.

  • Sales network: Civics in Japan are sold through Honda's domestic dealership network (Honda Cars Japan and related channels).


In practice, the Civic remains accessible in Japan through dealers nationwide, with official pricing and trims varying by region and year. Availability can differ by generation and model year.


Historical context and naming


Historically in Japan, the sedan variant was often marketed as the Civic Ferio, while the hatchback retained the Civic badge. The naming convention changed with generations, reflecting regional branding while maintaining the same core model.



  • Earlier generations (1980s-1990s): Sedans marketed as Civic Ferio in Japan; hatchbacks carried the Civic name.

  • 2000s-2010s: Global Civic releases aligned more closely with JDM branding, though Ferio persisted in some markets and trim levels.

  • Recent generations: The 11th generation Civic is sold in Japan as a modern hatchback and sedan, including hybrid e:HEV and performance variants; the Civic Type R remains a key model.


For history-minded buyers, awareness of the Ferio badge helps interpret older catalogs and dealer literature, which sometimes used Ferio to denote sedan variants in Japan.


How to find or buy a Civic in Japan


For those in Japan or visiting, the Honda Cars network provides new Civic options, while used-market listings are common. Here are steps to locate a Civic in Japan.



  • Check official Honda Japan websites or local dealer pages for current trims and pricing.

  • Visit or contact Honda Cars Japan locations in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) to test-drive and compare trims.

  • Consider hybrid e:HEV or turbo variants depending on performance and fuel economy preferences.

  • Explore certified used-Civic inventories at authorized dealers and reputable used-car platforms.


Always verify model year, drivetrain, and compliance with local regulations, and be aware of import considerations if purchasing from outside Japan.


Summary


Yes, Japan has Honda Civic. It remains a core model in Honda's domestic lineup, available in hatchback and sedan forms with hybrid and turbo options, including the Civic Type R. The old Ferio branding appears in historical contexts, but current models in Japan are sold under the Civic badge through Honda dealerships nationwide. If you’re shopping, check local dealer listings for the latest trims, price, and availability.

Do they sell Hondas in Japan?


Different Modes and More Affordable. Used Honda cars for sale in Japan are a great option for those who are looking for a used car but are on a budget. These vehicles can be found at many dealers, and some of them offer great deals, making them an excellent choice.



Are any American cars sold in Japan?


Yes, a small number of American cars are sold in Japan, but they make up less than 1% of the market, with Japanese brands dominating over 95% of sales. The low sales are due to factors like consumer preference for smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, the poor fit of large American SUVs and trucks in Japanese cities, and outdated perceptions of American car quality. American automakers have largely withdrawn or scaled back their presence, with Ford exiting the market entirely, while a few brands like Jeep, Cadillac, and Chevrolet maintain a small, niche presence, particularly through importing and specialized dealerships.
 
Key reasons for low sales

  • Size and efficiency: Most American cars are too large for Japan's narrow streets and tight parking spaces. Japanese consumers also prefer the smaller, more fuel-efficient Kei cars that dominate the market. 
  • Consumer perceptions: Older perceptions of American cars as unreliable and inefficient persist, despite improvements in modern vehicles. 
  • Dealer networks and service: American automakers have not invested in the extensive dealer networks and high-level customer service that Japanese buyers expect, including features like complimentary maintenance and vehicle pick-up services. 
  • Market strategy: Many American automakers have a strategy of selling their North American models as-is, rather than adapting them for the Japanese market with features like right-hand drive and size adjustments. 

American brands in Japan
  • Major brands: Ford has left the Japanese market, and General Motors sells only a small number of niche luxury and performance vehicles like Cadillac and Corvette. 
  • Niche successes: Jeep has been the most successful American brand, having focused on smaller, right-hand drive crossovers that are better suited to the market. 
  • Used imports: There is a market for used American cars, and some dealerships specialize in them, including muscle cars and classic vehicles. 

What would be needed for better sales
  • Localization: Adapting vehicles to local needs for size and engine performance is crucial. 
  • Marketing: American brands need to market their vehicles' unique value proposition clearly. 
  • After-sales service: A robust dealer and service network that can meet local expectations is necessary. 



What is a Honda Civic called in Japan?


The Honda Civic is called ホンダ・シビック (Honda Shibikku) in Japanese. Its official Japanese website is https://www.honda.co.jp/CIVIC/, and the name literally translates to "Honda Civic". 

  • Japanese: ホンダ・シビック
  • Romanization: Honda Shibikku
  • Romanization: Honda Shibikku Taipuāru (for Civic Type R)



Are Honda Civics sold in Japan?


While the Civic is sold in largely the same form worldwide, differences in the name of the models exist between markets. In Japan, the hatchback Civic is just called "Civic" while the sedan model was called the Civic Ferio () during the fifth to seventh generations.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.