1991 Honda Civic

The 1991 Honda Civic closed the door on an exceptional vehicle generation (4th) for which the motto was: “Exhilarating performance based on human sensitivities”. Honda met this goal of higher efficiency with new engine technology and an innovative four-wheel double wishbone suspension. The result, which culminated with the 1991 Honda Civic, was a car that had it all, everything one could want in an early 1990s drive.

However, used car shoppers should note that from a modern perspective this vehicle is lacking in terms of both features and safety. The lack of safety features is a particularly important consideration. Non-enthusiasts would be wise to focus on late 1990s model or later Honda Civics.

At release, the 1991 Honda Civic was available as a 3-door hatchback, a 3-door coupe (CRX), a 4-door sedan, and a 5-door station wagon called the Shuttle, which was exclusive to North America. The primary trim levels were the base level DX, the standard level LX, and the premium level EX, which Honda had introduced for the 1990 model year.

While there were a series of smaller engines available in Europe and Japan, the 1.5-liter SOHC was the smallest sold in the North American Civic. It was available in a range of configurations including dual carbureted, dual-point injected and single carbureted. The next tier 1.6-liter SOHC engine was included in North American Civics with the Si designation and produced 106 horsepower.

In North America, the DX models were sparse usually including just a stock radio and offering an air-conditioning system as a dealer-installed option. The LX added the standard amenities such as cruise control, power locks, power mirrors and power windows. The EX included leather upholstery and other upscale accents. The Si hatchbacks and sedans shared most of the EX’s features and options. Everything not included standard was available as an option.