1990 Honda Civic

In 1988, Honda introduced the fourth-generation Civic with a handful of major changes. First, they extended the wheelbase of the vehicle to approximately 98.5 inches. They also lowered the hood line of the vehicle dramatically and included more glass in order to reduce drag. In addition, Honda included a fully independent rear suspension and, in the United States, included a fuel-injected system in all Civics. Carbureted engines remained prevalent in Civics sold in Europe.

Honda gave the fourth generation a minor facelift with the 1990 Honda Civic. Notable changes included a redesigned front bumper, front corner lights no longer had exterior screws, redesigned tail light units, and they altered the shape of the gauge cluster cover. In North America, the sedan and wagon models received automatic shoulder belts. The hatchback models received automatic shoulder belts and lap belts.

Worldwide, Honda offered the 1990 Honda Civic in four body styles, the 3-door coupé (CRX), the 3-door hatchback, the 4-door sedan, and a 5-door wagon called the Shuttle. For the 1990 Honda Civic, Honda added the third-tier EX (Executive) trim level to the already established base DX (Deluxe) and second-tier LX (Luxury) for the sedan body style. The CRX was available as the CRX, CRX HF, and the CRX Si. The sports-oriented Si trim was also available on the hatchback. Honda also sold the hatchback at a sub-DX trim level that included a less powerful engine.

The DX and LX sedans include a 1.5-liter I4 engine that generates 92 horsepower. The EX sedan has a 1.6-liter I4 engine that produces 108 horsepower. Both the standard and DX hatchbacks included the 1.5L engine but the standard produced only 70 horsepower. The hatchback Si included the 1.6L engine. The standard CRX included the 1.5L engine. The CRX HF included a 1.5L engine that generated 62 horsepower. The CRX Si includes the 108-horsepower generating 1.6L engine.