How much did the first Honda Civic cost?
When Honda introduced its first Civic in the early 1970s, the company priced it to appeal to budget-conscious buyers during a period of rising fuel costs. The first U.S. price is widely cited at about $1,995, a figure that remains the standard reference for the car’s launch cost. Prices varied by market and trim, but the United States figure is the most commonly cited benchmark.
US launch price and context
The base price for the 1973 US Civic was approximately $1,995. This affordable sticker price helped position the Civic as a practical, fuel-efficient option during the oil crisis era. As with many cars, higher-spec trim levels and optional equipment would push the final price upward by a few hundred dollars.
The following points offer a concise snapshot of the price and its context:
- Base price in 1973 dollars: about $1,995.
- Inflation-adjusted equivalent: roughly $11,000–$14,000 in today’s dollars, depending on the index used.
- Market variations: Pricing in Japan and Europe differed due to local taxes, tariffs, and trim options, but the U.S. launch price remains the most widely cited figure.
In summary, the Civic’s launch price reflected Honda’s strategy to deliver an economical, practical vehicle during a time when fuel efficiency and affordability were paramount.
Global context and legacy
While the United States price is the best-known figure, the Civic also debuted in Japan in 1972 and later rolled out to other markets with pricing influenced by local economics. The model’s affordability and efficient design helped establish Honda’s reputation for reliable, economical cars and shaped the company’s approach to future generations of compact vehicles.
Why the price mattered
Setting a low entry price enabled Honda to gain rapid market share and demonstrate the appeal of a small, efficient car powered by the CVCC engine at a time of rising fuel costs.
Summary: The first Honda Civic cost about $1,995 in the United States at its 1973 launch. When adjusted for inflation, that price sits in the mid-teens in today’s dollars, and its affordability was a key factor in the model’s early success.
