The first generation of Honda Civic was produced from 1972 to 1979. It was a compact car designed to be fuel-efficient and affordable. The Civic was available in various body styles, including a two-door sedan (CVCC), three-door hatchback (CVCC), and van.
Engine Options:
- CVCC engine: A revolutionary, compact, and high-revving 1.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produced 50-70 horsepower.
- KE20/KE21 engine: A more powerful version of the CVCC engine with 65-75 horsepower.
Design and Features:
- The Civic was designed by Soichiro Honda and his team, with a focus on practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
- Its boxy design made it distinct from other cars in its class, with a prominent front grille and rectangular headlights.
- The interior featured a basic dashboard with minimal trim, but included essential features like a rearview mirror, folding rear seat, and storage compartments.
Safety Features:
- None were standard initially, but some models (1978 and 1979) came equipped with basic safety features such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and driver's side window with an emergency exit switch.
Transmission and Performance:
- The Civic was available with a three-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic.
- Its performance was not impressive, especially for the CVCC engine variant, which had limited power output.
Sales and Impact:
- Over 700,000 units of the first-generation Civic were sold worldwide during its production run from 1972 to 1979.
- The success of the Honda Civic marked a significant milestone in Honda's history, demonstrating that a small Japanese car manufacturer could successfully produce a fuel-efficient vehicle for global markets.
Notable Variations:
- In some countries (e.g., Europe), Honda sold the Civic with diesel engines or slightly larger engine variants.
- There were also limited-edition models, like the CVCC 1976 "Pilot" which featured additional styling elements such as black bumpers and an exterior sunshade.
Importance in the Automotive History:
- The first-generation Honda Civic is significant because it was one of the first cars to introduce a revolutionary engine design (CVCC), influencing future automotive development.
- Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it appealing to many consumers worldwide.
Discontinuation:
- In 1979, Honda discontinued production of the original generation, opting for an entirely new second-generation design that would further establish its place as a leader in the compact car market.
