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How much was a Honda Civic in 1988?


The Honda Civic has long been a popular choice for drivers seeking reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. In this article, we’ll take a trip back to 1988 to explore how much a Honda Civic cost during that time and what made it such a standout vehicle in its class.


The Price of a Honda Civic in 1988


In 1988, the Honda Civic was available in several trims and configurations, including hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons. The price of a new Honda Civic in 1988 ranged from approximately $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the model and features. For example:



  • The base model Honda Civic DX Hatchback was priced around $6,295.

  • The higher-end Honda Civic LX Sedan could cost upwards of $9,800.

  • Special trims, such as the sporty Honda Civic Si, were priced in the mid-range, around $8,000.


These prices made the Honda Civic an affordable option for many buyers, especially those looking for a reliable and economical vehicle during the late 1980s.


Why Was the 1988 Honda Civic So Popular?


The 1988 Honda Civic was part of the fourth generation of Civics, which introduced several improvements and innovations that contributed to its popularity:



  • Fuel Efficiency: The Civic was known for its excellent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers.

  • Reliability: Honda’s reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles was a major selling point.

  • Innovative Design: The 1988 Civic featured a more aerodynamic design and improved suspension, enhancing both performance and comfort.

  • Variety of Options: With multiple trims and body styles, the Civic catered to a wide range of preferences and needs.


How Does the 1988 Price Compare to Today?


When adjusted for inflation, the cost of a Honda Civic in 1988 would be equivalent to approximately $14,000 to $23,000 in today’s dollars. This is still relatively affordable compared to the starting price of modern Honda Civics, which typically range from $23,000 to $30,000 depending on the trim and features.


The 1988 Honda Civic remains a nostalgic favorite for many car enthusiasts, representing a time when simplicity, reliability, and affordability were key priorities in automotive design.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much was a Honda Civic in 1986?


Price

StyleInvoiceMSRP
4dr Sedan$0$8,373
2dr Hatchback$0$5,896
DX 2dr Hatchback$0$7,433
Si 2dr Hatchback$0$8,812



How much was a Honda Civic in 1987?


Price

StyleInvoiceMSRP
2dr Hatchback$0$6,118
DX 2dr Hatchback$0$7,934
Si 2dr Hatchback$0$9,414
4dr Wagon$0$8,799



How much was a Honda Civic in 1985?


Hatchback

1985 Honda CivicSpecsPrice
GLSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATICPrice: $2,640 - $4,070
BaseSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $3,690 - $5,280
GLSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $1,980 - $3,080
Grand PrixSpecs: 1.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $2,640 - $4,070



How much is the cheapest Civic?


The Civic Family

  • 2025 Civic Sedan. Turn up the fun. $24,250.
  • 2025 Civic Sedan Hybrid. Hybrid fun has arrived. $28,950.
  • 2025 Civic Hatchback. Five-door fun. $27,450.
  • 2025 Civic Hatchback Hybrid. The sporty, versatile hybrid. $30,150.
  • 2025 Civic Si Sedan. Chase the thrill. $30,250.
  • 2025 Civic Type R. Track-ready performance. $45,895.



How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1992?


1992 Honda Civic pricing starts at $1,695 for the Civic CX Hatchback 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $8,190 when new. The range-topping 1992 Civic EX Sedan 4D starts at $1,863 today, originally priced from $13,865.



How much did the original Honda Civic cost?


The Civic had the right price: a starting MSRP of $1,450 for the base model. The five-door 1500cc CVCC engine arrived on our shores in 1975. In an industry first, the CVCC could efficiently run either leaded or unleaded fuel without a catalytic converter.



What is a good price to pay for a Honda Civic?


2024 Honda Civic MSRP and Invoice Price

TrimsMSRPEdmunds Suggested
LX$25,045$24,030
Sport Most Popular$26,645$25,411
EX$28,045$27,488
Si$30,195$28,827



How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1997?


1997 Honda Civic pricing starts at $2,023 for the Civic CX Hatchback 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $10,945 when new. The range-topping 1997 Civic EX Sedan 4D starts at $2,591 today, originally priced from $16,875.



How much did a Honda cost in 1980?


The 1980 Honda Civic, which by today's standards would be considered pretty basic, had a sticker price hovering around $5,000 for a base model.



How much was a brand new car in 1980?


around $7,600
In 1980 the average car was around $7,600 which is around $28,000 in 2023 dollars. The current average car price is $48,000. Cars are more expensive.


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.