The Honda Civic is the nameplate that began in 1972 and became one of the world’s best-selling cars.
Honda introduced the first-generation Civic in July 1972 in Japan. It was a small, front-wheel-drive car with a transverse-mounted engine, a layout that created unusually generous interior space for its compact footprint. Early versions included two-door and four-door fastback sedans and hatchbacks.
The timing helped the Civic succeed internationally. The 1973 oil crisis increased demand for economical cars, while Honda’s later CVCC engine helped the Civic meet strict U.S. emissions standards without a catalytic converter. Its reputation for fuel economy, practicality and reliability helped it expand well beyond Japan.
The Civic is sometimes confused with the larger Accord, introduced in 1976, or with the compact Fit/Jazz. The Civic remains a separate global nameplate and has reached more than 27 million sales through 2021, making it one of the best-selling automobile nameplates in history.