Sunday, May 30, 2010

7th Gen Honda Civic


The seventh generation was released in 2001. While the redesign retained the previous generation's exterior dimensions, interior space was improved in part by using a flat rear floor thus bumping up Civic to a compact car size segment. The front suspension was changed from that of a double wishbone to a MacPherson strut, in order to lower costs, as well as allow more engine bay room for the newly introduced Honda K-series engine. Power was also increased on some trim levels.
In North America, coupe and sedan body styles were available, except for the Si (SiR in Canada) which was offered only as a three-door hatchback. The rest of the world received three and five-door hatchbacks. The Type-R was redesigned as well this time using a more powerful
i-VTEC motor and using the three-door hatchback body style. This generation saw Honda introduce their first Civic Hybrid, powered by a 1.5 liter engine.

The 7 generation Civic was the "benchmark for compact cars" with all the important criteria in mind, coupled with maximum cabin space, smooth ride and unparalleled safety for occupants and pedestrians. Based on a low, flat-floor design, this enables occupants to easily move between front and rear seats. The 7th generation Civic won the "Car of the Year Japan" awards in 2001 and 2002 respectively for Honda's G-CON collision safety technology.

Friday, May 28, 2010

6th Gen Honda Civic


The sixth generation featured updated styling although less radical than previous redesigns. Suspension and engine options were similar to the previous generation but several new variants were introduced, including two distinct wagon models: the "Orthia" based on the standard Civic which was sold in the Japanese market and the Domani based wagon which was offered in the European market. It also saw the introduction of the Acura 1.6EL, an upscale version of the Civic introduced in the Canadian market. None of these models were offered in the US. Building on the success of the Japanese market-only Civic SiRII a Type-R model was offered for the first time, available in Asia and Europe only. The Honda Civic Type R featured major reductions in weight as well as improved engine output and a number of other changes and additions designed to improve performance. The North American market saw the introduction of an upgraded Civic Si (SiR in Canada) with a more powerful Dual Overhead Cam 1.6L VTEC engine. In 1998, in the United States, Honda introduced their first Natural Gas Powered Civic, the GX. In 1996-2000 they made the EX, DX, LX, HX, CX, Si; all base models were made with 1.6L engines. The EX-CX are all SOHC (D16) and the popular Si is a DOHC (B16A2).....HONDA UK saw the launch of MA MB MC 5 Door Civic / Civic Aerodeck.These featured improved handling with dual wishbone suspension at the front and independent rear suspension, ABS,PAS etc. These instantly became a big hit as a family car with a big boot and spacious interior and also as a motorway cruiser with ultra strong B18C4 engine on its flagship model MB6 and MC2.

The seventh-generation Civic was developed as the “benchmark for compact cars,” satisfying all important criteria, with maximum cabin space, superlative economy and smooth ride, and unparalleled safety for occupants and pedestrians. The interior space was made more comfortable based on a low, flat-floor design enabling occupants to easily move between front and rear seats. Due to Honda’s G-CON collision safety technology, the seventh-generation Civic has met the highest safety standards, winning “Car of the Year Japan” awards in 2001 and 2002.


5th Gen Honda Civic


Introduced in 1992 the redesigned Civic featured the usual increased dimensions as well as more aerodynamic styling. The wagon variant was now only available in the Japanese market where the previous generation wagon was carried over until 1995. The old HF model was brought back and renamed VX which was Honda's most fuel efficient model sold at the time. In North America the Si featured a SOHC VTEC valve train where as the VX featured VTEC-E and the Japanese Si featured a DOHC non-VTEC valve train D16A9. Continuing in the sporty tradition of the original Civic SiR, Honda sold several similarly equipped variants of the fifth generation car, still referred to as the Civic SiR, in Japan, Asia and Europe. The range of models encapsulated by the SiR nameplate grew to include the hatchback, sedan and CR-X Del Sol, all of which used a slightly evolved form of the Honda's 1.6 liter B16A DOHC VTEC engine, now yielding 160 horsepower (120 kW).

The most striking feature of the fifth-generation Civic was it futuristic aerodynamic form, with flexible interior space to suit the specific requirements of young people. The new series also heralded the arrival of new VTEC engine variations to provide an excellent mix of driving performance and high fuel efficiency. These included the 170-horsepower DOHC VTEC, the ultrahigh fuel efficiency VTEC-E and a high-balance VTEC. The new cars represented a major advancement in human and environmental friendliness, with enhanced safety features and a high proportion of recyclable components. The fifth-generation Civic received “Car of the Year Japan” awards in 1991 and 1992.

4th Gen Honda Civic


For 1988 the Civic was redesigned again, with increased dimensions and a lower hood line. A wide range of models and trim levels were offered for various markets around the world. All US models featured fuel injection, but carburated models were still available elsewhere. The fourth generation saw the introduction of a fully independent rear suspension across the entire model range.

Developers of the fourth-generation Civic emphasized “exhilarating performance based on human sensitivities.” Targeting higher efficiency, Honda created its Hyper 16-valve engine in five variations, from 1,300cc to 1,500cc. Combined with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension, the result was everything a person could want in a car. In 1989, the Company unveiled the Civic SiR, equipped with its high-performance DOHC VTEC engine, featuring Honda’s revolutionary variable valve timing technology. That model received the “Golden Steering Wheel Award” from Bild am Sonntag, a German newspaper. It also ranked first according to a 1989 survey about car quality and reliability conducted by France’s L’Automobile Magazine.

3rd Gen Honda Civic


The third generation was released in 1984. The separate five-door hatchback and wagon models were merged into a four-door "shuttle wagon." An additional two-seat coupe style—labeled CRX—was introduced, noted for its compact dimensions and light weight. The third generation Civic saw the introduction of the long running four-cylinder D series engine including a new 1.5 L (91.5 cu in) CVCC engine. 1984 also saw the release of a high-performance Si model for the Japanese market, featuring upgraded suspension and the 1.6 L (97.6 cu in) DOHC ZC engine which was rated at 130 PS. Si models were offered in the US as a 3-door Civic Si hatchaback and the CRX Si variant with a 91 horsepower (68 kW) fuel injected SOHC 12-valve engine. A 4WD model was introduced for the first time in 1984, and later upgraded in 1987.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

2nd Gen Honda Civic


The second generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1980. It was larger, had a more angular shape, and came with increased engine power. All Civic engines now used the CVCC design, which added a 3rd valve per cylinder; this introduced lean burn swirl technology. The base 1335 cc ("1300") engine made 55 hp (41 kW), with an optional 1488 cc ("1500") engine giving 67 hp (50 kW). Three transmissions were offered: a four-speed manual (on base models), a five-speed manual, and a two-speed semi-automatic that was unique to the industry.

1st Gen Honda Civic




The first generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1972, but sold as a 1973 model. Equipped with a 1,169 cc (71.3 cu in) four-cylinder engine, the first generation Civic was designed to compete with American compact vehicles and offered features such as front power disc brakes and reclining vinyl bucket seats and AM radio. The Civic was available as a coupe, both a three and a five door hatchback, as well as a five door station wagon. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, demand for fuel efficient vehicles was high. The Civic's build quality matched its fuel economy, allowing it to succeed in the market.