How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1982?
A new Honda Civic in 1982 typically cost about $4,000 in the United States.
In 1982 the Civic sat in the second generation (1980–1983), with pricing that varied by body style and trim as buyers chose hatchbacks or sedans and optional features. The sticker price reflected Honda's push into the U.S. market as competition with Toyota and Nissan intensified.
Pricing landscape by body style and trim
Prices varied by body style and trim in 1982. Typical MSRPs for U.S.-market Civics that year were:
- 2-door hatchback: roughly $3,900–$4,100
- 4-door sedan: roughly $4,000–$4,400
- Notes: Some trims and dealer-installed options could push the price higher or lower by a few hundred dollars
In practice, actual sale prices could deviate due to incentives, regional taxes, and optional gear. The ranges above reflect common MSRP figures for the year.
Inflation-adjusted context
To put those prices in today’s terms, $4,000 in 1982 is roughly $12,000 to $13,500 in 2024–2025 dollars, depending on the inflation measure used. By comparison, contemporary Honda Civics carry higher MSRPs reflecting advances in safety, emissions controls, and technology.
Notes on data sources
Prices come from historical automotive guides, manufacturer catalogs, and period press materials that tracked MSRP by body style and trim in the U.S. market.
Summary
In 1982, a new Honda Civic typically cost around $4,000, with variations by body style and trim. Inflation-adjusted, that price sits in the low-teens of thousands in today's dollars, underscoring how small-car pricing has shifted over the decades. The Civic's price in 1982 reflects Honda’s growth as a mainstream U.S. brand and a market where compact cars competed on efficiency, reliability, and value.
