Top 5 Best Civics Ever

The Civic delivers in key areas and leaves consumers saying the most unexpected thing.

By Charlie Gaston - September 6, 2016

1. 1973 Honda Civic

As is often the case in life, the best usually starts with the original. And the 1973 Honda Civic is no exception. A true small car, but with a whole lot of punch by way of excellent fuel economy and dynamic handling, this top-ranked vehicle burst onto the scene with gusto and hasn't left the world stage since (nor should it).

2. 2007 Honda Civic Type R

The Type R receives glowing reviews because it remains the highest performance version of the Honda Civic ever manufactured. And with a steady flow of relevant updates and imaginative redesigns entering the market every year since 1998, this top performer is sure to stay atop every 'Top Civics Ever' list you find. Notable pluses include excellent brakes, a specially tuned engine, and an overall improved body for improved handling.

3. Honda Civic Si

The praise could go as far back as the 1984 Honda Civic Si; it was during this time that Honda showed some seriousness in delivering real results on performance. Honda pushed even further in terms of performance when it introduced the 1990 Honda Civic Si to the market. Noted for its high-power B16 engine, the 1990 Honda Civic Si proved its bark was as loud and tough as its bite.

The 2002 Honda Civic Si followed in the same vein; this time, however, the interior and exterior saw significant upgrades (as did the newly engineered powertrain). The 1999 model year was also a winning spot in the Si timeline as was the 2006, which featured stronger brakes, safer tires and a much-applauded stiffer suspension.

4. Honda Civic SiR

Four generations of Honda Civic SiRs share the distinction of being ranked #4 on the list of best Civics ever:

1987-1991
1991-1995
1995-2000
2000-2005

What makes the SiR so great is that each new generation ushered in notable redesigns. You can begin to see improvements with the rear suspension as early as the 1987-1991 Honda Civic SiR, and by the introduction of the 1995-2000 Honda Civic, the engine had been completely overhauled for increased power on the road. The exterior also saw updates, including significant facelifts and increases in size throughout the years.

5. 2016 Honda Civic

Let's face it. The Honda Civic has had strong competition in recent years from leading competitors. Of particular note is the Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra, both of which have delivered impeccably on handling and the interior bells and whistles that point to real flair. In 2015, however, Honda decided to go back to the drawing board, and re-emerged with a new kind of small car. Its best yet, the 10th gen 2016 Honda Civic receives glowing reviews for its upgraded interior, more competitive fuel economy, and increased cabin size. It is simply the best Civic ever.

For maintenance and repair guides, visit our technical How-to articles at http://honda-tech.com/how-tos!

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