What was the gas mileage on a 1974 Honda Civic?
The 1974 Honda Civic generally delivered around 30–35 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and about 40–45 mpg on the highway, with manuals typically edging out automatics in urban conditions. Mileage varied by model, transmission, maintenance, and driving style.
During the oil-crisis era, Honda’s first-generation Civic used a compact 1.3-liter CVCC engine designed for efficiency, light weight, and compact dimensions. The 1974 lineup offered both two- and four-door body styles and several drivetrain options, all of which influenced real-world fuel economy. The figures below reflect period EPA ratings and commonly reported results, not a single universal number for every car.
EPA fuel economy ratings for 1974 Civics
The following approximate ranges reflect the U.S. EPA ratings from that era and typical test results. Actual mileage varied by condition and driving style.
- 4-speed manual CVCC 1.3 L: about 32 mpg in the city and about 41 mpg on the highway (roughly a 36–37 mpg combined estimate).
- Automatic CVCC 1.3 L: about 28 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway (roughly a 33–34 mpg combined estimate).
These figures come from official ratings used in the mid-1970s and reflect conservative estimates under the era’s testing procedures. Real-world mileage typically varied with maintenance, climate, and driving conditions.
Real-world mileage and owner experiences
Owners and enthusiasts often report a slightly different picture from the official numbers, influenced by tune-ups, carburetion, fuel quality, and tires. The following ranges capture common experiences for well-maintained cars in mixed driving today or in historical owner records.
- Mixed driving (a blend of city and highway): manual transmissions generally achieve about 28–34 mpg; automatics about 26–32 mpg.
- Highway cruising at steady speeds (around 55–65 mph): manual around 40–45 mpg; automatic typically 38–44 mpg.
Maintaining the CVCC engine, keeping ignition timing correct, ensuring proper carburetor calibration, and using appropriate fuel can influence these ranges notably. Worn components or poor tuning can pull mileage lower, while careful upkeep can push it toward the upper ends of these figures.
What to expect for a 1974 Civic today
Today’s vintage Civics are decades old, and mileage depends heavily on condition and restoration choices. A well-maintained example with a properly functioning carburetor and tuned engine can approach the mid-to-upper ends of the historical ranges when driven conservatively. Cars that have undergone modernization or restoration for efficiency may perform differently, but they should not be expected to match modern-era fuel economy.
Engine and technology background
The 1.3-liter CVCC engine operated with a lean-burn approach designed to meet emission standards without requiring a catalytic converter. This emphasis on efficiency, combined with Honda’s lightweight chassis, helped achieve the Civic’s reputation for economical operation during the early 1970s.
Summary
In brief, the 1974 Honda Civic offered solid fuel economy for its era, with typical EPA-style estimates around 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway for the manual version, and about 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway for the automatic. Real-world results varied, but with proper maintenance, these early Civics remained noteworthy for their efficiency and practicality as compact cars of the 1970s.
How many miles per gallon does a 1977 Honda Civic get?
The 1977 Honda Civic's highway fuel economy was rated at a remarkable 54 miles per gallon (mpg) for the CVCC models equipped with a five-speed transmission. Other versions, such as those with a four-speed manual, could achieve around 40 mpg on the highway.
You can watch this video to see a 1977 Honda Civic CVCC and learn about its engine condition: 52shighlandoutboardsYouTube · May 20, 2017
- 54 mpg: This was the EPA rating for highway driving for the CVCC models with a five-speed manual transmission.
- 40 mpg: This was the highway rating for models with a standard four-speed manual transmission.
- CVCC Engine: The clean-burning CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine helped the car meet emissions standards without a catalytic converter.
How many miles per gallon did a 1973 Honda Civic get?
40 mpg‑US
The car could achieve 40 mpg‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp) on the highway, and with a small 86.6 in (2,200 mm) wheelbase and 139.8-inch (3,550 mm) overall length, the vehicle weighed 1,500 lb (680 kg).
How many miles per gallon did a 1974 Honda Civic get?
41 Miles Per Gallon
41 Miles Per Gallon in 1974
The Civic's four-cylinder engine displaced just 1.2 liters. But let's compare its efficiency to the Chevy Monte Carlo - opens in new window or tab., one of the most popular new cars in 1973.
How many miles per gallon does a 1975 Honda Civic get?
40-50 mpg
Brakes: Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Suspension: Independent MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion bar rear suspension. Fuel Economy: 40-50 mpg, making it extremely economical to operate during the oil crisis of the 1970s.
