When this 1982 Honda Civic, recently offered for sale on eBay, arrived on US shores, the Japanese manufacturer was already a well-established brand stateside.
Honda had built a reputation for making economical and fuel-efficient cars. But its vehicles were also fun to drive and offered features not available from competitors.
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Made for Japan
The transverse engine layout and front-wheel drive made for a spacious cockpit for a relatively small car. However, the best part is that this Civic came with a four-wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and front disc brakes. Standard creature comforts included reclining front bucket seats, full carpeting, a digital clock, and a tachometer.
This Civic for sale on eBay is an exceptional example because it’s a Japan-market model imported to the United States. In top EX trim, this rare four-door Civic includes extra goodies like power steering and windows, features that Honda didn’t offer in US models at the time. It’s also equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and factory air conditioning.
As a home market example, the Civic features a right-hand drive. You’ll need to get used to shifting with your left hand. But drivers will have increased visibility due to the car’s signature design element: original front fender-mounted rearview mirrors, which are required in Japan.
Driven 2,400 Miles Per Year
Power comes from the original 1.5-liter four-cylinder CVCC engine, good for a humble yet competent 67 horsepower. That provides sufficient oomph for this Civic—which weighs less than 2,000 pounds. At the same time, it returns a thrifty EPA-estimated 46 miles per gallon on the highway.
Just 70,000 miles show on the odometer. So this Civic has averaged fewer than 2,400 miles of driving in each of its 30 years. Its owners obviously took good care of the car.
The original silver paint shines like new, and all chrome and badging are in good condition.
The two-tone tan cloth seats show remarkably little wear with no rips or tears. The matching door panels, carpeting, and dash are all in excellent original condition, and all instruments and controls are said to operate as they should. An original Japanese language driver’s door instructional sticker is still intact.
Honda Civics Are Now Collectible
Here are the only modifications:
The original suspension is included with the sale.
Not long ago, you could find Honda Civics like this one on nearly every block in the US. Commuters adored the combination of reliability, efficiency, comfort, and go-cart handling. The styling, while an acquired taste for many American auto enthusiasts, also earned devoted fans.
But Civic owners perhaps loved these cars too much. Commuters put them into service for years and ran the vast majority of them into the ground.
These days, collectors now appreciate the remaining examples all over again. And for many of the same reasons that made them popular in the first place. Few, if any, are as well preserved as this one, which was priced at $23,500. Its value is as compelling as ever.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.