How much horsepower does an old Honda Civic have?
In broad terms, older Honda Civics ranged from about 50 horsepower in the earliest models to roughly 200 horsepower in later sportier variants, with most base trims sitting in the 90–140 horsepower range depending on generation and market.
Early generations: 1972–1991
The following snapshot covers the first four generations, showing how power shifted as engines grew and emissions rules evolved. Note that figures vary by country and by whether the model was a base trim or a sportier variant.
- First generation (1972–1979): Base engines around 50–60 hp (1.0–1.2 L CVCC in many markets); earlier, smaller-displacement variants could be in the 40s–50s hp range.
- Second generation (1980–1983/84): Typical base power about 60–75 hp as engines grew to 1.3–1.5 L; higher-output variants were uncommon in most markets.
- Third generation (1984–1987): Base models generally in the 60–90 hp range; sportier Si variants offered roughly 105–115 hp (higher due to DOHC/VTEC setups in some markets).
- Fourth generation (1988–1991): Base power usually around 90–110 hp; Si models commonly around 125–130 hp (1.6 L DOHC with performance tuning in many regions).
In this era, horsepower gradually climbed as engines grew larger and more efficient, and performance trims began to separate themselves from the daily commuter models.
Mid generations: 1992–2005
This section covers the fifth through seventh generations, where sportier trims increasingly pushed into the 160+ hp territory, especially in North America and Japan.
- Fifth generation (1992–1995, US): Base power typically in the 92–100 hp range; the high-performance Civic Si often delivered about 160–170 hp (1.6 L with VTEC).
- Sixth generation (1996–2000, US): Base power roughly 105–125 hp depending on trim; Si variants commonly around 160–170 hp.
- Seventh generation (2001–2005, US): Base power about 127 hp from a 1.7 L engine; Civic Si typically offered around 160–170 hp.
During these years, the Civic established a clearer split between practical daily drivers and performance-focused models, with Si versions becoming a recognizable gateway to higher horsepower in a compact sedan/hatchback package.
Recent “older” Civics: 2006–2011
The eighth generation is often considered the last of the pre-2020 Civic designs, with a notable jump in horsepower for sportier variants while base models remained practical commuters.
- Eight generation (2006–2011, US): Base power generally around 140 hp from the 1.8 L engine; Civic Si boosted power to about 197 hp from a 2.0 L i-VTEC engine, marking a significant performance leap for a compact Honda.
By this period, Honda offered a more pronounced performance option in the Civic lineup without sacrificing the model’s everyday practicality, paving the way for later, more powerful variants in subsequent generations.
Summary
Across its history, the Civic’s horsepower track shows steady growth: from roughly 50–60 hp in the earliest models to about 140 hp on base eighth-generation Civics, with Si variants commonly delivering 160–170 hp and, in the 2006–2011 range, up to around 197 hp. If you need the exact figure for a specific year and market, consult the original Honda spec sheet or the car’s owner manual for that model and trim.
