When did the Civic come to the US?
The Honda Civic first arrived in the United States for the 1973 model year. The launch occurred amid rising fuel prices and a growing demand for efficient subcompacts, marking Honda’s entry into the American market.
The following article traces the date, context, and early impact of the Civic’s U.S. introduction, from its 1973 start to its role in shaping Honda’s American strategy for decades to come.
Arrival in the United States: 1973 model year
In the United States, Honda released the Civic for the 1973 model year, introducing a compact, economical alternative to the subcompact options available at the time. The car showcased Honda’s CVCC engine technology, which allowed emissions-compliant operation without a catalytic converter in that era.
First-generation basics
The 1973 Civic marked the beginning of a long-running nameplate in the United States. The initial U.S. version emphasized economy and practicality, featuring a small four-cylinder engine and a hatchback body style that appealed to budget-conscious buyers and first-time car owners.
Key milestones in the Civic's U.S. arrival and early years:
- 1973 model year: Honda begins U.S. sales of the Civic, launching the car in American showrooms.
- Engine technology: U.S.-bound Civics used the CVCC 1.3-liter engine, enabling emissions-compliant operation without a catalytic converter.
- Body style: The initial U.S. lineup emphasized hatchback designs focused on efficiency and practicality.
- Market impact: The Civic's debut aligned with higher fuel prices and consumer demand for economical transportation, helping Honda gain a foothold in the U.S. market.
These milestones illustrate how the initial U.S. release established the Civic's identity in the American market and set the stage for decades of expansion.
Legacy and evolution in the United States
From its 1973 debut, the Civic matured into a global platform that diversified across generations, body styles, and powertrains. In the United States, the Civic would evolve from a compact hatchback into sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and performance variants, cementing Honda's reputation for efficiency and reliability.
In summary, the Civic arrived in the United States for the 1973 model year, delivering a compact, fuel-efficient package powered by Honda's CVCC engine and launching a lineage that would grow into one of the world's best-selling nameplates.
Summary
First US arrival: 1973 model year. The Civic's introduction featured the CVCC engine, enabling emissions compliance without a catalytic converter and establishing Honda's foothold in the American market as a pioneer of fuel-efficient subcompacts.
What year did the Honda Civic come to the US?
The first Honda Civic in the USA was the 1973 model year. Introduced to the market in Japan in 1972, it arrived in the United States for the 1973 model year and was a subcompact, fuel-efficient car that helped establish Honda's presence in the American auto market.
- 1973 model year: The 1973 Honda Civic was the first to be sold in the US.
- Design: It was initially offered as a two-door coupe and a three-door hatchback.
- Market impact: The timing was ideal, as the 1973 oil crisis had created a high demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, which the Civic delivered.
- Engine: The original model featured a 1200cc engine and was available with an optional "Hondamatic" automatic transmission.
- Innovation: Later in the first generation, Honda introduced its CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine, which was the first vehicle to meet US emissions standards without a catalytic converter.
How much was a Honda Civic in 1978?
Honda began selling this 1169cc transversely mounted inline four for about $2,200.00. The car had a 50hp engine and was rated at 40MPG on the highway. The features Civic offered led it to out-perform the Chevy Vega and the Ford Pinto, which were built at a lower quality to keep their costs down.
What is the value of a 1987 Civic today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $6,600 for a 1987 Honda Civic Si in good condition with average spec.
What is the rarest Civic?
The rarest Honda Civic is subjective and depends on the criteria (e.g., a specific limited edition, a particular color, or a factory-unmodified example). Some examples include the one-year-only 1979 Honda Civic Special-X, a limited edition EK9 Civic Type R in Spoon Yellow, or a specific 1991 Civic Si hatchback that is described as a "hoonicorn" due to its rarity as an unmodified model.
This video shows an example of a rare Honda Civic EG6 SiR-S: 59sTKY PerformanceYouTube · Jan 10, 2025
- 1979 Honda Civic Special-X: This is a one-year-only model created to celebrate Honda's history in Canada, making it inherently rare.
- EK9 Civic Type R (Spoon Yellow): Limited to only 1,321 cars and sold in specific markets, the EK9 is already rare. A Spoon Yellow (Y56) variant is even rarer, with some sources claiming it's the single rarest color for that model.
- 1991 Civic Si Hatchback: An original, unmodified 1991 Civic Si hatchback is considered a "hoonicorn" because so few have survived in that condition. Most have been modified over the years.
- Honda Civic Jordan Edition: This is a highly collectible, limited-edition model that is considered one of the rarest Civics of all time.
