The Honda Civic is a car that has been around for almost 50 years, but it is still one of the most popular and beloved cars among millennials. According to a study by QuoteWizard, the Civic is the most common car owned by millennials, followed by the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima. But what makes the Civic so appealing to this generation of drivers? How did this compact car become a cultural icon and a performance legend? In this article, we will explore the history, evolution and achievements of the Honda Civic, and find out why it is the most popular car among millennials.
The Birth of the Civic: Innovation, Efficiency and
Affordability
The Civic was born in 1972, when Honda was looking for a new car to enter the global market. At that time, the world was facing an oil crisis, and there was a high demand for fuel-efficient and low-emission cars that could meet the environmental regulations. Honda’s founder, Soichiro Honda, was determined to create a car that would meet these challenges, as well as offer high quality and performance. He assigned his chief engineer, Takeo Fujisawa, to lead the project.
Fujisawa and his team designed the Civic with three main
concepts in mind:
- Innovation: They wanted to make a car that would showcase Honda’s technological prowess and engineering excellence.
- Efficiency: They wanted to make a car that would achieve high fuel economy and low emissions, without compromising on power and speed.
- Affordability: They wanted to make a car that would be accessible and attractive to a wide range of customers, especially young and urban ones.
They also wanted to make a car that would be fun to drive,
with a sporty and stylish appearance. The name Civic, which means “of or
relating to a city or citizens”, was chosen to reflect Honda’s vision of
creating a car for everyone.
The first-generation Civic (SB/SG), debuted in July 1972,
with a starting price of 313,000 yen (about $1,300 at that time). It had a
1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 50 horsepower, a four-speed manual
transmission, a front-engine front-wheel drive layout, and an independent
suspension. It also had some innovative features for its class, such as:
- A CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) system that reduced emissions without using a catalytic converter
- A transversely mounted engine that maximized interior space
- A hatchback body style that offered versatility and practicality
The Civic was well-received by customers for its
performance, economy and quality. It quickly became a hit in Japan, as well as
in overseas markets such as the US and Europe. It also won several awards, such
as:
- The Car of the Year Japan in 1972-73
- The US Road Test magazine’s 1974 Car of the Year
The Global Expansion of the Civic: Diversity, Adaptability
and Versatility
The Civic was not only successful in Japan, but also in
overseas markets. In 1973, Honda began exporting the Civic to the US, where it
faced fierce competition from American and European cars. However, the Civic
stood out for its fuel efficiency, reliability and value, which appealed to
American consumers who were looking for alternatives to gas-guzzling and
unreliable cars. The Civic also benefited from Honda’s reputation for customer
service and quality control. By 1974, Honda had sold over 100, 000 Civics in
the US.
The Civic continued to evolve with each generation, adapting
to different customer needs and preferences. Some of the major changes include:
- The second-generation Civic (CV/SS), launched in 1979, had a larger body and engine, as well as more safety features.
- The third-generation Civic (AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT/AU), launched in 1983, introduced a three-door hatchback body style and a four-wheel drive option.
- The fourth-generation Civic (EC/ED/EE/EF), launched in 1987, had a more aerodynamic design and improved fuel economy.
- The fifth-generation Civic (EG/EH/EJ), launched in 1991, had a more modern and refined appearance and offered more power and comfort options.
The Rise of the Civic as the Most Popular Car Among
Millennials: Performance, Style and Personality
The Civic reached its peak of popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when it became the most popular car among millennials. According to a study by Edmunds, the Civic was the most popular car among 18- to 34-year-olds in 2015, with a market share of 8.8%. But what makes the Civic so appealing to this generation of drivers? How did this compact car become a cultural icon and a performance legend? Some of the reasons include:
Performance: The Civic is known for its sporty and agile handling, as well as its powerful and responsive engine. The Civic also has a rich history of racing and tuning, especially with the Si and Type R models, which offer high-performance features such as:
- A VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system that optimizes engine performance
- A turbocharger that boosts engine power and torque
- A limited-slip differential that improves traction and stability
- A sport suspension that enhances handling and cornering
The Civic is also easy to modify and customize, with a wide
range of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
Style: The Civic is known for its sleek and stylish design,
which reflects its fun and youthful spirit. The Civic also offers a variety of
body styles, such as sedan, coupe, hatchback and wagon, to suit different
tastes and preferences. The Civic also has a distinctive and recognizable look,
with features such as:
- A chrome grille that adds elegance and sophistication
- A rear spoiler that adds sportiness and aerodynamics
- A center-mounted exhaust that adds character and sound
- LED headlights that add brightness and visibility
Personality: The Civic is known for its unique and
expressive personality, which matches its drivers’ individuality and lifestyle.
The Civic also has a loyal and passionate fan base, who share their love and
enthusiasm for the car through online communities, clubs and events. The Civic
also has a strong and positive image, with values such as innovation,
efficiency and quality.
The Future of the Civic: Technology, Safety and
Sustainability
The Civic is still going strong in the 21st century, with
over 24 million units sold as of 2020. The tenth-generation Civic (FC/FK),
launched in 2015, is the most advanced and innovative Civic ever, with a new
platform, a new engine, a new design and new features such as:
- A digital instrument cluster that displays vital information
- A touchscreen infotainment system that connects to your smartphone
- A wireless charger that keeps your devices powered
- A suite of driver assistance systems that help you avoid accidents
The Civic is also available in different body styles, such
as sedan, coupe, hatchback and crossover (HR-V), to cater to different markets
and preferences.
The Civic has proven to be a versatile and adaptable car
that can meet the needs and expectations of customers around the world. It has
also been a pioneer and leader in performance, style and personality. The Civic
has earned the trust and loyalty of millions of drivers who appreciate its
value and performance. The Civic is not just a car, but a symbol of Honda’s
philosophy and vision.
The Civic is not resting on its laurels, but is constantly
evolving and improving to stay ahead of the competition and the times. Honda is
committed to making the Civic even better for the future, with more technology,
safety and sustainability. The Civic is not just the most popular car among
millennials, but also the smartest and funnest car for everyone.
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