Which Honda Civic Version Should You Buy?
The Honda Civic catalogue contains 19 generations overall, with the supplied comparison covering the fifth through tenth generations. The choice ranges from Coupe, Hatchback 3-door and Estate 5-door bodies to later Sedan versions, with Gasoline, Diesel and Hybrid engines; Manual, Automatic, Variable and Robotic transmissions; and both FWD and AWD.
The Honda Civic catalogue contains 19 generations overall, with the supplied comparison covering the fifth through tenth generations. The choice ranges from Coupe, Hatchback 3-door and Estate 5-door bodies to later Sedan versions, with Gasoline, Diesel and Hybrid engines; Manual, Automatic, Variable and Robotic transmissions; and both FWD and AWD. The central buying decision is therefore not simply “newer or older”: the data shows major differences in output, acceleration, consumption and weight between versions that sometimes share exactly the same name.
Honda Civic generations compared
Tenth generation, restyling
The restyled tenth-generation Sedan ran from 2018 to 2021 and includes 19 versions. Its strongest listed choice is the 1.5 Si MT: 205 hp, 261 Nm, a 6-speed Manual and FWD. The 1.5 MT produces 182 hp and 240 Nm, while the 182 hp 1.5 CVT has 220 Nm; choosing the Manual therefore adds 20 Nm. The 1.6 MT Diesel prioritizes economy, recording 3.4–3.5 l/100 km combined depending on the listed version, while the 1.0 CVT records 4.7 l/100 km. Every listed tenth-generation version uses independent spring suspension at both ends.
Ninth generation, restyling
The restyled ninth-generation Sedan ran from 2014 to 2018 and has 17 versions. The 2.4 MT provides 201 hp and 220 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Buyers focused on economy can compare it with the 1.6 MT Diesel at 120 hp and 300 Nm: the Diesel records 3.6–3.8 l/100 km combined, whereas the 2.4 MT records 9.4 l/100 km. A 1.5 CVT Hybrid is also listed with 90 hp, but its fuel consumption is not measured.
Ninth generation
The ninth generation ran from 2011 to 2015, represented here by an Estate 5-door body and 14 versions. Its 2.4 MT combines 201 hp with a 7.3-second 0–100 km/h time and a 234 km/h top speed. The 2.2 MT Diesel offers 350 Nm—the highest torque in this generation’s displayed versions—and records 4.2 l/100 km combined. The 1.6 MT Diesel lowers that figure to 3.6–3.8 l/100 km, depending on the listed version.
Eighth generation, restyling
The restyled eighth-generation Hatchback 3-door ran from 2008 to 2011 and includes 21 versions. Its displayed range spans the 83 hp 1.3 I-Shift, Gasoline and Hybrid 1.3 CVT versions, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT and 1.8 I-Shift choices, plus the 140 hp and 340 Nm 2.2 MT Diesel. The 1.3 CVT Hybrid records 4.6 l/100 km combined, while the 1.8 MT records 6.3–6.6 l/100 km depending on the listed version.
Eighth generation
The eighth-generation Hatchback 3-door ran from 2005 to 2008 and contains 20 versions. Its performance leader is the 240 hp 2.0 MT, which reaches 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and 250 km/h, with combined consumption of 11.5 l/100 km. The 197 hp 2.0 MT requires 6.9 seconds and reaches 240 km/h while using 9.8 l/100 km combined. The less powerful 140 hp 1.8 MT takes 8.9–9.0 seconds and records 6.4–6.6 l/100 km.
Seventh generation, restyling
The restyled seventh-generation Hatchback 3-door ran from 2003 to 2006 and includes 32 versions. Its displayed choices extend from the 90 hp 1.4 MT and 1.4 AT to the 160 hp 2.0 MT. That 2.0 MT reaches 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and 210 km/h, while the 1.4 MT needs 11.3–11.6 seconds depending on the listed version. AWD appears on the 1.5 AT and 1.7 AT; most other displayed versions are FWD.
Seventh generation
The seventh generation ran from 2001 to 2003, represented by a Coupe and 46 versions. Its 120 hp and 125 hp 1.7 MT versions reach 100 km/h in 9.7 and 9.6 seconds respectively. Buyers wanting lower nominal output can choose the 86 hp 1.3 CVT or 1.3 MT Hybrid. The displayed generation also includes AWD 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT versions, while most alternatives remain FWD.
Sixth generation
The sixth-generation Estate 5-door ran from 1995 to 2000 and contains 71 versions. Displayed outputs range from 75 hp in the 1.4 MT and 1.4 AT to 169 hp in the 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT. The 1.8 MT records 8.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 215 km/h. The 75 hp 1.4 MT takes 16.3 seconds and reaches 162 km/h, so the 1.8 MT cuts 7.5 seconds from the acceleration time and adds 53 km/h.
Fifth generation
The fifth-generation Coupe ran from 1991 to 1995 and includes 47 versions. Its displayed range covers 1.4 MT, 1.5 AT, 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT versions with 90–130 hp. The 113 hp 1.6 MT reaches 100 km/h in 10.0 seconds and 192 km/h, while the 126 hp 1.6 MT also takes 10.0 seconds but reaches 197 km/h. AWD is available in selected 125 hp 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT versions.
Honda Civic engine and transmission specs
Because names recur, power is included wherever it distinguishes two versions.
| Generation | Exact version | hp | Nm | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenth restyling | 1.0 MT (126 hp) | 126 | 200 | 988 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.0 MT (129 hp) | 129 | 200 | 988 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.0 CVT | 129 | 180 | 988 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.5 CVT (174 hp) | 174 | 220 | 1496 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.5 MT | 182 | 240 | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.5 CVT (182 hp) | 182 | 220 | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.5 Si MT | 205 | 261 | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.6 CVT | 125 | 155 | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 1.6 MT | 120 | 300 | 1598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 2.0 MT | 158 | 188 | 1996 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Tenth restyling | 2.0 CVT | 158 | 188 | 1996 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.3 MT | 100 | 127 | 1339 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.5 CVT (90 hp) | 90 | 127 | 1497 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.5 CVT (182 hp) | 182 | 220 | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.6 MT | 120 | 300 | 1597 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.8 MT | 142 | 174 | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 1.8 AT | 142 | 174 | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Ninth restyling | 2.4 MT | 201 | 220 | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth | 1.4 MT | 100 | 127 | 1399 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth | 1.6 MT | 120 | 300 | 1597 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth | 1.8 MT | 142 | 174 | 1798–1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5/6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth | 1.8 AT | 142 | 174 | 1798–1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Ninth | 2.2 MT | 150 | 350 | 2199 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Ninth | 2.4 MT | 201 | 220 | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.3 MT | 99 | 126 | 1339 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.3 I-Shift | 83 | 119 | 1339 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.3 CVT (95/115 hp) | 95/115 | 123 | 1339 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.8 MT | 140 | 173–174 | 1798–1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.8 AT | 140 | 173–174 | 1798–1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 1.8 I-Shift | 140 | 173 | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 2.0 AT | 155 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 2.2 MT | 140 | 340 | 2160 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.3 MT | 99 | 126 | 1339 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.3 CVT | 99 | 126 | 1339 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.6 AT | 125 | 152 | 1589 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.8 MT | 140 | 174 | 1798–1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.8 AT | 140 | 174 | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.8 I-Shift | 140 | 174 | 1799 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Eighth | 2.0 MT (197 hp) | 197 | 190 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth | 2.0 MT (240 hp) | 240 | 218 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Eighth | 2.0 AT | 155 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Eighth | 2.2 MT | 140 | 340 | 2204 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
Earlier displayed generations continue the same pattern of recurring exact names: seventh-generation versions range from 1.3 MT and 1.3 CVT Hybrid to 2.0 MT, the sixth generation runs from 1.4 MT and 1.4 AT to 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT, and the fifth generation concentrates on 1.4 MT, 1.5 AT, 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT. Where several entries share an exact name, power, transmission details and generation must be checked together.
Performance, fuel economy and mpg comparison
For outright performance, the eighth-generation 240 hp 2.0 MT leads the supplied versions: 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 250 km/h. Its power density is about 120.1 hp per litre, and its kerb-weight-to-power figure is about 5.2 kg per hp. The 197 hp 2.0 MT delivers about 98.6 hp per litre and about 6.1 kg per hp, while consuming 1.7 l/100 km less combined.
The ninth-generation 2.4 MT offers another strong performance case at 7.3 seconds, with 201 hp and 220 Nm. At a 1313 kg kerb weight, it carries about 6.5 kg per hp. Its 9.4 l/100 km combined figure is 5.2 l/100 km higher than the ninth-generation 2.2 MT Diesel’s 4.2 l/100 km.
Among newer Sedans, the tenth-generation 182 hp 1.5 CVT is quickest at 8.1 seconds, compared with 8.4 seconds for the 182 hp 1.5 MT and 8.6 seconds for the 174 hp 1.5 CVT. The Manual nevertheless records 5.7 l/100 km combined, 0.1 l/100 km below the 182 hp Variable version. Performance for the 1.5 Si MT is not measured, and its top speed is not measured.
The economy choice is the tenth-generation 1.6 MT Diesel. One listing records 3.4 l/100 km combined and 91 g/km CO₂; another records 3.5 l/100 km and 93 g/km. Compared with the 205 hp 1.5 Si MT at 7.8 l/100 km, the lower Diesel figure saves 4.4 l/100 km in the catalogue comparison. US mpg is not measured in the data.
Honda Civic dimensions, weight and wheel sizes
The tenth-generation choices have kerb weights from 1229 kg for the 129 hp 1.0 MT to 1318 kg for the 1.5 Si MT. Ground clearance is 129–130 mm where measured, tanks hold 45 or 46 litres, and listed wheels include 215/55 R16, 215/50 R17 and 235/45 R17. Gross weight is not measured for several versions; measured figures range from 1645 to 1800 kg.
The ninth-generation Estate 5-door has measured kerb weights from 1181 to 1558 kg, with gross weights from 1680 to 1910 kg. Ground clearance is 145–150 mm, the tank is 50 litres, and listed wheels include 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17. The restyled ninth-generation Sedan records 140–165 mm of clearance and uses a 50-litre tank.
The eighth-generation versions generally record 135–150 mm of clearance where measured. The 240 hp 2.0 MT weighs 1255 kg, has a 50-litre tank and 135 mm clearance. The restyled 1.3 CVT Hybrid weighs 1280 kg with a 50-litre tank and 150 mm clearance. Wheel size is not measured for those two specific versions.
Which Honda Civic version should you buy?
For the best measured acceleration, choose the eighth-generation 2.0 MT with 240 hp. It is 0.6 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the 197 hp 2.0 MT, adds 43 hp and 28 Nm, and raises top speed by 10 km/h. The trade-off is 1.7 l/100 km more combined fuel consumption.
For the strongest newer Manual Sedan balance, choose the tenth-generation 1.5 MT. Its 182 hp equals the comparable 1.5 CVT, but it supplies 240 Nm rather than 220 Nm, weighs 28 kg less and records 5.7 rather than 5.8 l/100 km combined. The 1.5 CVT is 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, so the choice is between stronger torque and lower measured consumption on one side, and quicker measured acceleration on the other.
For minimum measured fuel use, choose the tenth-generation 1.6 MT Diesel at 3.4 l/100 km combined. It also produces 300 Nm, 60 Nm more than the tenth-generation 182 hp 1.5 MT, although it has 62 hp less and takes 1.4 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h.
For an older high-torque Estate 5-door, choose the ninth-generation 2.2 MT. Its 350 Nm exceeds the 1.6 MT Diesel by 50 Nm, and it reaches 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds rather than 10.1 seconds. The 1.6 MT uses 0.4 l/100 km less combined and weighs 221 kg less.
For AWD, look to selected fifth- and seventh-generation versions, including the fifth-generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT at 125 hp and the seventh-generation 1.5 MT, 1.5 AT and 1.7 AT. Acceleration, top speed and consumption are not measured for several of these AWD versions, so the data does not support declaring one the performance or economy winner.
Prices, current Honda Civic for-sale listings, used-car condition, problems and reliability are not measured. Those factors cannot be compared from this catalogue data; the defensible choice here is based on body style, measured performance, consumption, weight, gearbox and drive.