1992-1995 Honda Civic Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Honda Civic. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Honda Civic.

1992-1995 Honda Civic Review

Restyling of Honda's front-drive subcompact for 1992 brought the demise of the prior generation's station wagon. But 2-door hatchbacks and 4-door sedans returned with a standard driver-side airbag. Sedans rode a slightly longer wheelbase than hatchbacks. A 102-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder went into DX and LX models. The top-rung EX 4-door carried a 1.6-liter four with variable valve timing, plus antilock brakes. Other models included the base CX with a 70-horsepower, 1.5-liter four, a miserly new VX that featured a 92-horsepower engine, and a sporty Si with a higher-output 1.6-liter four and standard antilock braking.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Honda Civic: A notchback Civic Coupe joined the other two bodies for '93, in midrange DX and upscale EX trim, and a passenger-side airbag was available in the EX as part of an option group.

1994 Honda Civic: A passenger-side airbag went into all Civics for '94, and antilock braking became available on additional models. The LX gained 14-inch tires, while DX Civics stayed with 13-inch.

1995 Honda Civic: With a complete redesign awaiting the 1996 model year, the carryover Civics went to dealerships without further change.

1992-1995 Honda Civic Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration (CX and VX)

Acceleration (EX and Si)	Rear-seat room (hatchback)

Ride (4-door)	Noise (hatchback)

Handling/roadholding	Cargo room (hatchback)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

All four engines are weak on low-end torque, lacking in zest. Although they pull smoothly enough in the middle gears, they fail to exhibit much overall gusto--especially with automatic transmissions. To climb hills and keep up with highway traffic you'll have to shift gears often and push hard on the gas pedal. Automatic transmissions shift neatly, lacking the harsh jolt of earlier models. Fuel economy is great. Over a long-term trial, a 5-speed EX sedan averaged 29.6 mpg. Wind and exhaust sounds are reduced, especially in sedans, though tire noise is a problem. Civics ride smoothly for a subcompact, although sedans have a much better ride than coupe and hatchback models. Handling can best be described as modest, if agile, with the narrow tires and softer suspension leaning over in tight turns. The steering and brakes work well. Interior room is surprisingly good for a subcompact. Four adults can stretch out in modest comfort. Interior controls are thoughtfully designed and easy to use. Cargo space is good as well, but the hatchbacks' split opening makes loading and unloading difficult.

Value for the Money
You pay a hefty price for a nice Civic, but in this case the expenditure might well be worth it. Flaws are few in these refined, quietly impressive subcompacts, overwhelmed by some highly tempting virtues. Civics stand apart from the crowd because of their nimble handling, smooth running, enjoyable operation, and miserly gas mileage.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Honda Civic EX 4-door	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	7

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	8

Total:	46

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-1995 Honda Civic Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: If the air-conditioner belt repeatedly comes off, the splash shield under the engine is probably knocking it off when the car goes over a parking curb, etc. (1992-95)

Audio system: If the CD changer in the trunk will not eject, the company will exchange the CD magazines with a redesigned one. (All)

Automatic transmission: Cars with high mileage may begin to shift more harshly, which may be corrected by adding a bottle of Lubeguard conditioner to the automatic-transmission fluid. (1992-95)

Trunk latch: There may not be sufficient clearance on the trunk latch making it hard to open with the key. (1992-95)

Water leak: There may be water leaking into the passenger footwell because of insufficient sealer on the seam at the firewall. Look for rust on the floor pan and run water over the right lower corner of the windshield to watch for water leaks before buying the car. (1992-95)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$470

Alternator	$310

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$750

Brakes	$180

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$455

Constant Velocity Joints	$550

Exhaust System	$428

Radiator	$360

Shocks and/or Struts	$580

Timing Chain or Belt	$190

NHTSA Recall History

1992-94: Retaining clip at automatic transmission can come off, so position of lever does not match actual transmission gear range.

1994: Passenger-side airbag module on small number of cars may contain incorrect inflator, therefore unable to provide adequate protection.

1992-1995 Honda Civic Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Civic	$1,000-1,500	$600-900	$100-200
Civic EX	$1,600-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$200-300
Civic Si	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1993
Civic	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
Civic EX	$1,800-2,400	$1,200-1,600	$300-400
Civic Si	$1,800-2,300	$1,200-1,600	$300

1994
Civic	$1,400-2,000	$900-1,300	$200
Civic EX	$2,200-2,800	$1,600-2,000	$400-500
Civic Si	$2,300-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$400-600

1995
Civic	$1,700-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$300-400
Civic EX	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Civic Si	$2,600-3,200	$1,900-2,400	$500-700

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-1995 Honda Civic Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe	2-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	103.2	101.3	103.2

Overall Length, in.	172.8	160.2	173.0

Overall Width, in.	66.9	66.9	66.9

Overall Height, in.	50.9	50.7	51.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	2231	2108	2213

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.8	13.3	12.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	11.9	11.9	11.9

Seating Capacity	5	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5	38.6	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5	42.5	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	34.9	36.5	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.1	30.5	32.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Civics of the early 1990s used four different overhead-cam 4-cylinder engines. DX and LX models held a 102-horsepower, 1.5-liter powerplant. A 1.6-liter four with variable-valve timing, rated at 125 horsepower, went into the EX 4-door sedan. In between was a base CX with a 70-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. Rounding out the quarter, the VX used a 92-horsepower "VTEC-E" engine. Civics had either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic, but the latter was not available on all models.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	1.5 / 91	70	90	5-speed manual: 42/46	5-speed manual: --

ohc I4	1.5 / 91	92	97	5-speed manual: 47/56	5-speed manual: --

ohc I4	1.5 / 91	102	98	5-speed manual: 34/40 4-speed automatic: 29/36	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohc I4	1.6 / 97	125	106	5-speed manual: 29/35 4-speed automatic: 26/34	5-speed manual: 29.6 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1995 Civic	1995 Civic	1995 Civic

Front Impact, Driver	3	3	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3	3	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada, Japan, USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-1995 Honda Civic Review:

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Road Test

Honda Civic Reliability

Honda Civic Prices

Honda Civic Specs & Safety

Honda Civic Photos

Honda Civic Full Review