HONDA Civic Sedan US Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Honda introduced a facelift for the 2008 model-year Civic, which included a few enhancements to its compact sedan.

The Civic was one of the best-selling Honda vehicles, and its popularity grew thanks to its reliable engines, low maintenance costs, and comfortable ride. But all these came with a higher price than many of its competitors.

To attract even more customers to its showrooms, the Japanese carmaker tried a different approach with a more refined design for the 2008 model. At the front, the Civic featured a new bumper, with a wider, three-way split grille and side air-intakes. They were mostly aesthetic since the car didn’t really need an improvement for the cooling area. On the sides, the door mirrors received turn signals for all trim levels, while the wheels got a new look. At the back, a chromed bar linked the two L-shaped taillights.

Inside, the most important changes were on the steering wheel and on the center stack. The former received a three-spoke design inspired by the European version, while the latter got an infotainment system with sat-nav. On the top trim level, the EX, the carmaker installed a seven-speaker sound system, while the lower versions got only four.

Under the hood, Honda installed its 1.8-liter, 140 hp engine on the base level paired with a five-speed manual or, as an option, with a five-speed automatic. A CNG version was exclusively available for fleet buyers in most states, apart from California and New York. The 1.3-liter hybrid was also an excellent choice for commuters, thanks to its high fuel efficiency.

For the 2008 model, the Honda Civic Sedan has received the Si version as well. With the rev-happy engine under the hood and a four-door bodywork, it was a good choice for those who were looking for a reliable family sedan, but with hot-hatch performance.

In 2006, Honda introduced the eight-generation of its Civic model as a Sedan and Coupe in the US. The European received the Sedan and a hatchback with 3 or 5 doors. But only in the U.S. the four-door sedan received the left-hand-drive Si model.

From the outside, the redesigned front bumper, the clear headlights and clear turn-signals were some of the exterior modifications added to the sedan. The Si version received specific 17” light-alloy-wheels and a low-profile rear wing-spoiler on the trunk lid. From the outside, only the front and rear Si badges, and the side decals on the rear doors would tell that it is not an ordinary Civic Sedan.

Inside, the deeply bolstered seats were highlighted with red stitches. Red backlit gaugest, aluminum pedals and few bits of leather round up the interior of the Si version. An option for a 6.5” navigation system for the infotainment unit was available.

The drivetrain of the Civic Si was different than the rest of the Sedan range. It offered a stiffened suspension, a 6-speed manual only transmission with a limited-slip differential. These were good features for a car that boosts out 197 hp.

Besides being known for its reliable cars, Honda was also reckoned for its sporty vehicles, and the Civic Si was a popular model among the Japanese brand's fans.

Let's face it; the Civic was the spearhead for the Japanese automaker. Its affordable price, incredible reliability, and low maintenance costs were parts of this car's essential values. In addition, its fuel efficiency was good, as long as the driver didn't push the skinny pedal too much. But those who asked for more power could get the Si version, which became a sensation on the streets over the years, especially among teenagers. As a result, the 2007 model-year came to keep the brand's flag up during the bleak years of the world financial crisis.

With a look that didn't say too much about its performance, the Civic Si revealed its abilities through just a few details. While it kept the four-door sedan appearance, like a regular daily, it sported a tiny Si red badge on the grille. In addition, the massive bumper was not exactly the prettiest one on the market, and, to cut production costs, Honda didn't bother installing fog lamps on it, as standard. From its profile, the 17" alloy wheels revealed a bit more of the car's sporty designation. Finally, at the back, the automaker adorned the trunk with a small wing and, below the rear bumper, an oval chromed exhaust tip.

Inside, the automaker didn't have to conceal its intentions anymore and installed high-bolstered bucket seats at the front with black upholstery and red stitching. In the back, the bench seat was contoured for two passengers, although there was room for a third person in the middle. The Si featured aluminum pedals and silver trims to enhance the sporty ambiance further.

Under the hood, Honda installed a 197 hp (200 PS) naturally-aspirated engine. It could scream at 8,000 rpm, and, as expected, it sported the VTEC technology. The six-speed manual sent all the oomph to the front wheels via a helical-type LSD.

Compact sized, reliable and with a good resale value, the Honda Civic sedan was a choice for many Americans, and the 2005 generation made a good step in offering a better design.

While the car was sold on various markets around the globe, the U.S. Civic version looked different than the others, which were available in the U.K. or Europe. They shared the same platform and the same body structure, but there were differences in some details.

The U.S. version featured straight-cut angular headlights, with a sharp look. Between them, there was a chromed bar across the grille. The raked A-pillars for the windshield inspired a sport-compact sedan and it was not far from truth depending on the engine version.

Inside, the two-tier instrument panel placed the speedometer on top of the dashboard and the tachometer and other information regarding the engine on a lower cluster, behind the steering wheel. The infotainment system on the center stack was offered as an option for the base trim level. The comfort inside the car was decent for four passengers. The independent suspension in all corners ensured a smooth ride. For the SI version though, the firmer dampers could affect that.

For the engine compartment, the Civic Sedan was offered with a 1.8-liter unit or a 1.4-liter hybrid system mated to a CVT transmission. For fleet owners, the Civic was available with an LPG version.