INFO
1996-2000
A revamped Civic lineup debuted for 1996. The new body featured larger light clusters fore and aft, a grille (chrome-accented on sedans) and a crisp character line that ran the length of the car. Hatchbacks now had the 103.2-inch wheelbase of the coupes and sedans, and overall length was up around 2 to 4 inches, depending on body style.
Sedans were again offered in DX, LX and EX trim levels. A new coupe, the HX, joined the DX and EX coupes. The HX coupe essentially replaced the VX hatchback, offering high mileage figures from a fairly powerful engine. The revised VTEC-E engine (now at 1.6 liters) in the HX put out 23 more horsepower (for a total of 115 ponies) than the previous version but now "only" scored mileage figures of 39 in the city and 45 on the highway. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that promised seamless performance and manual-transmission fuel economy was introduced later in the year as an option for the HX. The hatchback lineup was trimmed down to two models, the CX and DX. A new 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine that earned Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) certification powered the CX, DX and LX, and a slightly more powerful 127-horsepower VTEC-assisted version was found in the EX models.
Excluded from the redesign, the del Sol was now in its fourth year and got a host of tweaks to keep it current. The base model (S) got the new 1.6-liter 106-horse engine fitted to the new Civic, Si models got the beefier suspension of the VTEC, and all versions got a freshened front fascia.
In 1997, all Civics came with 14-inch wheels, DX models got full wheel covers, the LX sedan received air conditioning and, strangely, EX coupes with manual transmissions no longer had the option of antilock brakes. As this would be the last year for the del Sol, Honda made no changes.
Not much happened in 1998, save for new wheel covers, an exterior handle for hatchbacks and the addition of map lights.
A slightly revised front fascia and taillights, along with redesigned climate controls updated the Civic for 1999. A "Value Package" for the DX sedan debuted that included features that most buyers wanted, such as air conditioning, a CD player, power door locks, automatic transmission and keyless entry, at a substantial savings when compared to the separate option prices.
Midway through the year to the joy of pocket-rocket enthusiasts everywhere, the Civic Si returned, now in the coupe body style and sporting a potent 160 horsepower from its 1.6-liter VTEC engine. A firmer suspension, front strut tower brace, 15-inch alloy wheels wearing 195/55R15 rubber and four-wheel disc brakes completed the hardware upgrades for the Si. A front spoiler, side sills and subtle bodyside graphics set the Si apart from the other Civic coupes, and the standard equipment was generous and similar to that of the EX.
Other than the shuffling of paint choices, the Civic stood pat for the year 2000.
SPECS
Engine
Type
Aluminum Block and Head
Valvetrain
Sohc 4 valve/cyl.
Displacement
97 cu in./1590cc
Bore x Stroke
2.95 x 3.54 in./75.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio
9.6:1 (EX)
9.4:1 (DX, HX, LX)
Horsepower (SAE)
127 bhp @ 6600 rpm (EX)
115 bhp @ 6200 rpm (HX)
106 bhp @ 6200 rpm (DX, LX)
Bhp/Liter
79.9 (EX)
72.3 (HX)
66.7 (DX, LX)
Torque
107 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (EX)
104 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (HX)
103 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (DX, LX)
Maximum engine speed
7000 rpm (EX)
Fuel injection
Elect. sequential port
Fuel
Unleaded, 87 pump oct.
Chassis & Body
Layout
Front engine/front wheel drive
Body/Frame
Unit Steel
Brakes
Front
10.3 in vented disks
Rear
7.9 in drums
Assist type
vacuum
Total swept area
267 sq in.
Swept area/ton
196 sq in.
Wheels
Pressed steel, 14 x 5J (EX, LX)
Alloy, 14 x 5J(?) (HX)
Pressed Steel, 13 x ?? (DX)
Tires
Firestone FR680, P185/65R-14 82H (EX, LX, HX)
P175/70R-13 82S (DX)
Steering
Rack & Pinion
Power Assist (EX, LX, DX Sedan, DX Coupe w/ Auto transmission) Manual (DX Coupe w/Manual transmission)
Overall ratio
17.7:1
Turns, lock to lock
3.6
Turning circle
32.8 ft
Suspension
Front
Upper A-arms, lower L-arms, coil springs, tube shocks
22.0 mm anti-roll bar (EX, HX, LX)
Rear
Trailing arms on upper & lower lateral links, compensating links, coil springs, tube shocks
Hatchback Weight (Curb)
CX A/T: 2423lbs
CX M/T: 2359lbs
DX A/T: 2434lbs
DX M/T: 2388lbs
Acceleration (EX)
0-30 mph
2.9 secs
0-40 mph
4.6 secs
0-50 mph
6.5 secs
0-60 mph
9.1 secs
0-70 mph
12.1 secs
0-80 mph
15.5 secs
0-90 mph
21.8 secs
0-100 ft
3.4 secs
0-200 ft
9.1 secs
0-1320 ft (1/4 mile)
16.8 secs @ 82.3 mph
Standard Equipment
Civic Sedans
DX Sedan includes
Dual Airbags, 1.6 Liter, 106-hp, 16 valve engine with PGM-FI, Power Rack and Pinion Steering, 4-Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension, 5-Speed Manual or Available 4-Speed Automatic, Adjustable Steering Column, Power-Assisted Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes, Audio Plus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock, Coin Box, Beverage Holder, 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatback with Lock, Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors, Dual Manual Remote-Operated Mirrors, Low-Fuel Warning Light, Headlights-On Reminder, Rear Seat Heater Ducts, Child-Proof Rear Door Locks, Dual Vanity Mirrors, Rear Window Defroster with Timer, Remote Fuel Filler Door Release, Remote Trunk Release with Lock, Maintenance Interval Indicator, Low-Oil Warning Light, Trunk-Open Warning Light, Trip Odometer, Driver's Footrest, 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Reclining Front Seatbacks, Seatback Pocket, Adjustible Front Head Restraints, P175/70 R13 82S All-Season Tires
LX Sedan adds
Dual Power Mirrors, Door Locks and Windows with Auto-Down Driver's Window, Front Stabilizer Bar, Cruise Control, Tachometer, Front Center Armrest with Storage Compartment, Cargo Area Light, Available Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Door Pocket Storage Bins, 14" Wheels with Full Wheel Covers, P185/65 R14 85S All-Season Tires
EX Sedan adds
127-hp, 16-Valve VTEC Engine with PGM-FI, Anti-Lock Braking System, Air Conditioning, Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature, Remote Entry System, Body-Colored Dual Power Mirrors, Body-Colored Side Moulding
Standard Equipment, Civic Coupes
DX Coupe includes
Dual Airbags, 1.6 Liter, 106-hp, 16-Valve Engine with PGM-FI, 5-Speed Manual or Available 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, 4-Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension, Power Rack and Pinion Steering (AT only), Adjustable Steering Column, Power-Assisted Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes, Audio Plus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock, Coin Box, Front and Rear Beverage Holders, Dual Manual Remote Operated Mirrors, 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Remote Trunk Release with Lock, Remote Fuel Filler Door Release, 60/40 Fold-Down Rear Seatback with Lock, Low-Fuel Warning Light, Dual Vanity Mirrors, Reclining Front Seatback, Seatback Pocket, Adjustable Front Head Restraints, Rear Window Defroster with Timer, Driver's Footrest, Trip Odometer, Maintenance Interval Indicator, Low-Oil Warning Light, Headlights-On Reminder, Trunk-Open Warning Light, P175/70 R13 82S All-Season Tires
HX Coupe adds
115-hp, 16-Valve VTEC-E Engine with PGM-FI, Available CVT, Dual Power Mirrors, Door Locks and Windows with Auto-Down Driver's Window, Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering, Tachometer, Front Stabilizer Bar, Front Center Armrest with Storage Compartment, Door Pocket Storage Bins, Cargo Area Light, 14" Alloy Wheels, P185/65 R14 85S All-Season Tires
EX Coupe adds
127-hp, 16-Valve VTEC Engine with PGM-FI, 5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Available Anit-Lock Braking System, Power Moonroof with Tilt-Feature, Cruise Control, AudioPlus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock and 6 Speakers, Remote Entry System, Air Conditioning, Body-Colored Dual Power Mirrors, Body-Colored Side Moulding, 14" Wheels with Full Wheel Covers
1996-2000
A revamped Civic lineup debuted for 1996. The new body featured larger light clusters fore and aft, a grille (chrome-accented on sedans) and a crisp character line that ran the length of the car. Hatchbacks now had the 103.2-inch wheelbase of the coupes and sedans, and overall length was up around 2 to 4 inches, depending on body style.
Sedans were again offered in DX, LX and EX trim levels. A new coupe, the HX, joined the DX and EX coupes. The HX coupe essentially replaced the VX hatchback, offering high mileage figures from a fairly powerful engine. The revised VTEC-E engine (now at 1.6 liters) in the HX put out 23 more horsepower (for a total of 115 ponies) than the previous version but now "only" scored mileage figures of 39 in the city and 45 on the highway. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that promised seamless performance and manual-transmission fuel economy was introduced later in the year as an option for the HX. The hatchback lineup was trimmed down to two models, the CX and DX. A new 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine that earned Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) certification powered the CX, DX and LX, and a slightly more powerful 127-horsepower VTEC-assisted version was found in the EX models.
Excluded from the redesign, the del Sol was now in its fourth year and got a host of tweaks to keep it current. The base model (S) got the new 1.6-liter 106-horse engine fitted to the new Civic, Si models got the beefier suspension of the VTEC, and all versions got a freshened front fascia.
In 1997, all Civics came with 14-inch wheels, DX models got full wheel covers, the LX sedan received air conditioning and, strangely, EX coupes with manual transmissions no longer had the option of antilock brakes. As this would be the last year for the del Sol, Honda made no changes.
Not much happened in 1998, save for new wheel covers, an exterior handle for hatchbacks and the addition of map lights.
A slightly revised front fascia and taillights, along with redesigned climate controls updated the Civic for 1999. A "Value Package" for the DX sedan debuted that included features that most buyers wanted, such as air conditioning, a CD player, power door locks, automatic transmission and keyless entry, at a substantial savings when compared to the separate option prices.
Midway through the year to the joy of pocket-rocket enthusiasts everywhere, the Civic Si returned, now in the coupe body style and sporting a potent 160 horsepower from its 1.6-liter VTEC engine. A firmer suspension, front strut tower brace, 15-inch alloy wheels wearing 195/55R15 rubber and four-wheel disc brakes completed the hardware upgrades for the Si. A front spoiler, side sills and subtle bodyside graphics set the Si apart from the other Civic coupes, and the standard equipment was generous and similar to that of the EX.
Other than the shuffling of paint choices, the Civic stood pat for the year 2000.
SPECS
Engine
Type
Aluminum Block and Head
Valvetrain
Sohc 4 valve/cyl.
Displacement
97 cu in./1590cc
Bore x Stroke
2.95 x 3.54 in./75.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio
9.6:1 (EX)
9.4:1 (DX, HX, LX)
Horsepower (SAE)
127 bhp @ 6600 rpm (EX)
115 bhp @ 6200 rpm (HX)
106 bhp @ 6200 rpm (DX, LX)
Bhp/Liter
79.9 (EX)
72.3 (HX)
66.7 (DX, LX)
Torque
107 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (EX)
104 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (HX)
103 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (DX, LX)
Maximum engine speed
7000 rpm (EX)
Fuel injection
Elect. sequential port
Fuel
Unleaded, 87 pump oct.
Chassis & Body
Layout
Front engine/front wheel drive
Body/Frame
Unit Steel
Brakes
Front
10.3 in vented disks
Rear
7.9 in drums
Assist type
vacuum
Total swept area
267 sq in.
Swept area/ton
196 sq in.
Wheels
Pressed steel, 14 x 5J (EX, LX)
Alloy, 14 x 5J(?) (HX)
Pressed Steel, 13 x ?? (DX)
Tires
Firestone FR680, P185/65R-14 82H (EX, LX, HX)
P175/70R-13 82S (DX)
Steering
Rack & Pinion
Power Assist (EX, LX, DX Sedan, DX Coupe w/ Auto transmission) Manual (DX Coupe w/Manual transmission)
Overall ratio
17.7:1
Turns, lock to lock
3.6
Turning circle
32.8 ft
Suspension
Front
Upper A-arms, lower L-arms, coil springs, tube shocks
22.0 mm anti-roll bar (EX, HX, LX)
Rear
Trailing arms on upper & lower lateral links, compensating links, coil springs, tube shocks
Hatchback Weight (Curb)
CX A/T: 2423lbs
CX M/T: 2359lbs
DX A/T: 2434lbs
DX M/T: 2388lbs
Acceleration (EX)
0-30 mph
2.9 secs
0-40 mph
4.6 secs
0-50 mph
6.5 secs
0-60 mph
9.1 secs
0-70 mph
12.1 secs
0-80 mph
15.5 secs
0-90 mph
21.8 secs
0-100 ft
3.4 secs
0-200 ft
9.1 secs
0-1320 ft (1/4 mile)
16.8 secs @ 82.3 mph
Standard Equipment
Civic Sedans
DX Sedan includes
Dual Airbags, 1.6 Liter, 106-hp, 16 valve engine with PGM-FI, Power Rack and Pinion Steering, 4-Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension, 5-Speed Manual or Available 4-Speed Automatic, Adjustable Steering Column, Power-Assisted Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes, Audio Plus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock, Coin Box, Beverage Holder, 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatback with Lock, Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors, Dual Manual Remote-Operated Mirrors, Low-Fuel Warning Light, Headlights-On Reminder, Rear Seat Heater Ducts, Child-Proof Rear Door Locks, Dual Vanity Mirrors, Rear Window Defroster with Timer, Remote Fuel Filler Door Release, Remote Trunk Release with Lock, Maintenance Interval Indicator, Low-Oil Warning Light, Trunk-Open Warning Light, Trip Odometer, Driver's Footrest, 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Reclining Front Seatbacks, Seatback Pocket, Adjustible Front Head Restraints, P175/70 R13 82S All-Season Tires
LX Sedan adds
Dual Power Mirrors, Door Locks and Windows with Auto-Down Driver's Window, Front Stabilizer Bar, Cruise Control, Tachometer, Front Center Armrest with Storage Compartment, Cargo Area Light, Available Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Door Pocket Storage Bins, 14" Wheels with Full Wheel Covers, P185/65 R14 85S All-Season Tires
EX Sedan adds
127-hp, 16-Valve VTEC Engine with PGM-FI, Anti-Lock Braking System, Air Conditioning, Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature, Remote Entry System, Body-Colored Dual Power Mirrors, Body-Colored Side Moulding
Standard Equipment, Civic Coupes
DX Coupe includes
Dual Airbags, 1.6 Liter, 106-hp, 16-Valve Engine with PGM-FI, 5-Speed Manual or Available 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, 4-Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension, Power Rack and Pinion Steering (AT only), Adjustable Steering Column, Power-Assisted Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes, Audio Plus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock, Coin Box, Front and Rear Beverage Holders, Dual Manual Remote Operated Mirrors, 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Remote Trunk Release with Lock, Remote Fuel Filler Door Release, 60/40 Fold-Down Rear Seatback with Lock, Low-Fuel Warning Light, Dual Vanity Mirrors, Reclining Front Seatback, Seatback Pocket, Adjustable Front Head Restraints, Rear Window Defroster with Timer, Driver's Footrest, Trip Odometer, Maintenance Interval Indicator, Low-Oil Warning Light, Headlights-On Reminder, Trunk-Open Warning Light, P175/70 R13 82S All-Season Tires
HX Coupe adds
115-hp, 16-Valve VTEC-E Engine with PGM-FI, Available CVT, Dual Power Mirrors, Door Locks and Windows with Auto-Down Driver's Window, Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering, Tachometer, Front Stabilizer Bar, Front Center Armrest with Storage Compartment, Door Pocket Storage Bins, Cargo Area Light, 14" Alloy Wheels, P185/65 R14 85S All-Season Tires
EX Coupe adds
127-hp, 16-Valve VTEC Engine with PGM-FI, 5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Available Anit-Lock Braking System, Power Moonroof with Tilt-Feature, Cruise Control, AudioPlus (tm) AM/FM High-Power Stereo with Clock and 6 Speakers, Remote Entry System, Air Conditioning, Body-Colored Dual Power Mirrors, Body-Colored Side Moulding, 14" Wheels with Full Wheel Covers
