How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1985?
The base price of a Honda Civic in the United States during the 1985 model year was typically around $4,800 to $5,000, with higher trims and options pushing the sticker price toward the mid-$5,000s. Prices varied by trim, body style, region, and dealer.
In 1985, buyers encountered a redesigned Civic that emphasized fuel efficiency and practicality in a competitive compact-car market. This article outlines typical pricing ranges, the trims that influenced those prices, and the body styles available at the time to give a clear picture of what a new Civic could cost in 1985.
Pricing snapshot for 1985
Below are illustrative U.S. manufacturer sticker-price ranges for common 1985 Civic configurations. Actual purchase prices could differ due to options, location, and dealer incentives.
- Base 2-door hatchback: approximately $4,800–$5,000
- 4-door sedan (mid-range trim): approximately $5,000–$5,400
- Higher-end trims/loads (Deluxe/LX): approximately $5,400–$5,800
These ranges reflect the typical spread across the Civic lineup in mid-1985, offering a sense of affordability within the competitive compact-car segment. As with any year, actual sticker prices could be higher with optional equipment or regional adjustments.
Body styles and market context
In 1985, the Civic was sold primarily in two body styles in the U.S.: a 2-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan. The sportier CRX was a separate model with its own pricing tier, generally higher than the Civic hatchback and sedan.
Body styles available in 1985
- 2-door hatchback (base variant)
- 4-door sedan (mid-range variant)
- CRX (sport compact, separate model with higher pricing)
For buyers in 1985, choosing between these configurations meant weighing up-front cost against cargo space, fuel economy, and perceived practicality for daily use. The Civic’s pricing positioned it as an affordable, efficient choice in a year when compact cars dominated urban drive cycles.
Summary
In 1985, a new Honda Civic typically carried a base price around $4,800 to $5,000 in the United States, with increases for larger trims and options. The car was offered mainly as a 2-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan, while the CRX provided a sportier, pricier alternative on a separate platform. The price landscape reflected a competitive market for compact, fuel-efficient cars during the mid-1980s.
How much was a Honda Civic in 1985?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $5,578 |
| 4dr Sedan | $0 | $7,474 |
| 4dr Wagon | $0 | $7,374 |
| 4dr 4WD Wagon | $0 | $8,828 |
How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1984?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $5,423 |
| 4dr Sedan | $0 | $7,273 |
| 4dr Wagon | $0 | $7,173 |
| DX 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $6,473 |
What was the average price of a car in 1985?
The average price for a new car in 1985 was around $11,838. Prices varied by vehicle type, with a subcompact averaging $7,683, a compact around $9,834, an intermediate at $10,509, and a full-size car at $13,829. The average price for a used car in 1985 was lower, around $5,431.
- Average new car: Approximately $11,838.
- Subcompact: About $7,683.
- Compact: Around $9,834.
- Intermediate: Approximately $10,509.
- Full-size: Around $13,829.
- Average used car: Approximately $5,431.
What was the most sold car in 1985?
The best-selling car in 1985 was the Chevrolet Cavalier, with approximately 422,927 units sold in the U.S. It was the best-selling model for the second consecutive year and was available in multiple body styles, including a coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon, and convertible, which contributed to its strong sales. The Ford Escort was also a top contender, ranking third among all vehicles with 410,978 units sold.
You can watch this video to learn more about the best-selling cars in the 1980s: 57sThis Old CarYouTube · Nov 20, 2021
- Chevrolet Cavalier: Sold approximately 422,927 units and was the best-selling car model for the year.
- Ford Escort: The third best-selling vehicle overall, with 410,978 units sold, making it the best-selling car model after the Cavalier.
Other popular vehicles that year included the Ford F-Series, which was the best-selling vehicle overall, and the Chevrolet C-Series, which ranked second.
You can also watch this video to learn more about American automotive brands: 1mThe Hopeless Car GuyYouTube · Sep 3, 2021
