Generation history
Honda Civic generations and next redesign.
The Honda Civic has been through 11 generations, starting in 1972, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2011, 2015 and 2021. The gaps were 7, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 4, 6 years, an average of 4.9. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2021. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2025 through 2027, centered on 2026. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The eleventh-generation Civic sedan was revealed as a prototype in November 2020. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Honda Civic model page.
In more detail
What each Honda Civic generation changed.
First generation, 1972 to 1979
The first-generation Honda Civic was introduced on 11 July 1972, but sold as a 1973 model in Japan. It was equipped with a 1,169 cc (71.3 cu in) four-cylinder water-cooled engine and featured front power disc brakes, reclining vinyl bucket seats, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, as well as optional air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The Civic was available as a two- or four-door fastback sedan, three- and a five-door hatchback, as well as a five-door station wagon.
Second generation, 1979 to 1983
The second-generation Civic was introduced in June 1979 as a 1980 model. 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 third valve per cylinder; this introduced lean-burn swirl technology. This generation was available with a 1,335 cc ("1300") engine and with an optional 1,488 cc ("1500") version; power outputs varied considerably between Japan, Europe, North America, and other markets.
Third generation, 1983 to 1987
The third-generation Civic was released in September 1983 for the 1984 model year. The separate five-door hatchback and wagon models were merged into a five-door "shuttle wagon" or "wagovan" sometimes referred to colloquially as a "breadbox" because of its appearance, called the Honda Civic Shuttle. An additional two-seat coupe style—labeled CRX—was introduced, noted for its compact dimensions and light weight.
Fourth generation, 1987 to 1991
In September 1987, the fourth-generation Civic was introduced with increased dimensions and a lower hood line. A wide range of models and trim levels were offered for various markets around the world. The most notable of which was the Japanese market SiR (featuring the B16A 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine). All U.S. models featured electronic fuel injection, but carbureted models were still available elsewhere.
Fifth generation, 1991 to 1995
Introduced in September 1991 for the 1992 model year, the fifth-generation Civic featured 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 efficiency of the previous HF model was replaced by the VX hatchback which, with an EPA rating of 48 / 55 miles per US gallon, was Honda's most fuel efficient model sold at the time.
Sixth generation, 1995 to 2000
Introduced in September 1995 for the 1996 model year, the sixth generation featured updated styling, although less radical than previous redesigns. Suspension and engine options were available along with the first natural gas powered Civic, the GX. In the United States, model year 1996 to 2000 Civics were sold under the CX, DX, EX, EXR, HX, LX, and for Canada, SE, and Si trims; all base models were made with 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines. The EX-CX are all SOHC (Honda D engine).
Seventh generation, 2000 to 2005
The seventh-generation Civic was released in September 2000, for the 2001 model year. While it 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.
Eighth generation, 2005 to 2011
The eighth-generation Civic was released in September 2005 in the North American market, for the 2006 model year. For the eighth-generation, Honda split the model into two different platforms, one for sedan and coupe, and one for a hatchback designed primarily for the European market using a simpler rear suspension from the Honda Fit and more aggressive and futuristic styling. Although the North American and the Asia-Pacific model slightly differ in front and rear styling, they are mechanically identical. The hatchback is available as a three and five-door.
Ninth generation, 2011 to 2015
The ninth-generation Civic consists of four body styles, which are sedan, coupe, hatchback and station wagon marketed as the Civic Tourer. The latter two make up the European-market Civic range built in the UK, which are evolutions from the eighth-generation hatchback. The hatchback version forms a basis for a Civic Type R (FK2) model, which was released later in 2015. The production version of the ninth-generation Civic sedan and coupe first went on sale in the U.S. on 20 April 2011, for the 2012 model year.
Tenth generation, 2015 to 2021
Based on an all-new Honda compact global platform, the tenth-generation Civic marked the unification of the Civic range globally. Honda targeted the Civic range at the key U.S. market, resurrecting its once-discarded "lead-country" system which calls for developing a model specifically for its main targeted market but selling it in other regions as well. As the result, Honda ceased making a smaller, dedicated version for the European market. Instead, the Swindon plant in UK produced a five-door hatchback version of the globally-marketed Civic for international markets.
Eleventh generation, 2021 to today
The eleventh-generation Civic sedan was revealed as a prototype in November 2020. The production version was revealed in June 2021, in both sedan and liftback (marketed as the Civic Hatchback) body styles. North American sales began the same month, followed by Southeast Asia in August, Japan and China in September, and Australia and New Zealand in December. Sales in Pakistan began in March 2022, while European sales began in late 2022.
Generation notes adapted from Honda Civic (Wikipedia).