Zeigler Honda in Kalamazoo

In the early 1970s, Honda Motor Corp. wanted to be known more than just a maker of motorcycles and small two cylinder runabout cars.  With the development of the highway system in Japan and uncertain fuel prices, Honda aimed to design a practical, fuel efficient car for every day drivers ? civilians- who populated cities thorough out the world. The result was the Honda Civic, a small two-door coupe introduced in the summer of 1972. The fun-to-drive Civic offered room for four passengers and fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Honda followed up by introducing the Honda Civic hatchback in the fall.  

With leading edge technology and thrifty operation, Civic would become the gold standard for small cars for the next 40 years, and Honda's competitors scrambled to develop models to equal it.

The first Civics were powered by a compact, 50-horsepower, transversely mounted, engine with a choice of a four-speed manual or two- speed "Hondamatic" automatic gearbox.  The Civic's all independent suspension provided good ride and handling and gave the model an advantage over small cars offered by American manufacturers.

More than a year after its introduction, the Honda Civic would become the right car at the right time as America was gripped by the 1973 Middle East Oil Embargo.  With demand high and supplies low, U.S. fuel prices soared, and the reliable, fuel efficient Civic's popularity took off: Civic sales went from 32,575 in 1973 to 43,119 in 1974.

To meet strict new American clean air rules, Honda introduced the 53-horsepower Controlled Vortex Combustion Chamber (CVCC) engine on the Civic along with its standard powerplant in 1975.  The CVCC did not require a catalytic converter or unleaded gas to meet the new rules, and became the first engine in the world to meet these tough emission standards. Honda added a station wagon model and a five-speed manual transmission. 

For the first time, U.S. sales for the Civic topped 100,000 a year in 1975, more than double the previous year's sales results. 

The second generation Civic arrived in 1980 and offered enhanced fuel economy, interior comfort and driving performance. The CVCC-II engine gave improved combustion efficiency. Motor Trend Magazine named the Civic "U.S. Import Car of the Year 1980." In 1981, Honda added its first four door sedan and three speed automatic transmission.

Honda made several changes to its venerable Civic as the years progressed. In the early 1980s, the car became available in as many as four body styles, and a two- seater CRX was added as a sporty alternative.  Civic's U.S. sales reached over 200,000 units by 1985. 

By the start of the next decade, Honda began to look at creating more flexible interior space with the Civic. Powertrain technology included Honda's three-stage VTEC engines and new variable speed Multimatic transmissions.

In 2000, Civics featured a new low, flat floor which enabled passengers to easily move from front to rear. In 2003, Honda offered its first Civic Hybrid powered by a 1.3 liter, 85-horse power four cylinder gas engine and a 13-horsepower electric motor. The 2006 Civic featured futuristic styling and a 1.8 liter, 140 horsepower inline four cylinder engine with i-VTEC offered on all trim levels.

Honda has now introduced its latest generation of its iconic small car with an all new exterior and exterior design, plus a variety of fuel thirsty powertrains.  For the 2012 Civic base sedan and coupe, Honda offers a 140-horsepower, 16-valve single overhead cam 1.8 liter engine. The sedan comes with a choice of a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. 

For those looking for more performance, Honda will offer the 2012 Honda Civic Si sedan powered by a 201 horsepower, 2.4 liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine and the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe with its 197 horsepower, 2.0 liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. Standard equipment on the Si series will include anti-lock brakes, McPherson struts and a multi- link rear suspension. 

In addition to gas-powered versions, the 2012 Honda Civic lineup will also include a 45 mile per gallon Hybrid model and, eventually, a natural gas-powered version.  The 2012 Honda Civic HF, or high efficiency, will be offered with the Honda EcoAssist system, a computer controlled technology designed to change throttle response and shift times to maximize fuel economy.