| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The Honda Civic II refers to the second generation of the Honda Civic, produced between 1979 and 1983. This generation marked Honda's continued commitment to producing efficient, reliable, and compact sedans suitable for urban and suburban environments. The Civic II is classified as a compact sedan, designed to meet the needs of small families and daily commuters who valued practicality and economical operation.
Although exact dimensions vary slightly depending on the market and trim level, the Civic II sedan typically featured a length of approximately 3,930 mm (154.7 inches), a width of around 1,555 mm (61.2 inches), and a height near 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These compact dimensions provided a nimble and easy-to-maneuver vehicle footprint, ideal for navigating crowded city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces.
The Honda Civic II maintained a lightweight profile compared to larger sedans, contributing to its fuel efficiency and agile driving experience. Its design included straightforward lines and a focus on maximizing interior space within its compact exterior dimensions. The second generation Civic offered improved stability and comfort over its predecessor while continuing to prioritize economy and ease of maintenance.
Overall, the Honda Civic II sedan of 1979-1983 remains a noteworthy model in Honda's lineup, notable for combining compact size with functional interior space and reliable performance. For enthusiasts and buyers interested in classic compact sedans, this generation of the Civic represents an important evolution in Honda’s design philosophy and engineering excellence.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Honda Civic II a leader in its class
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The 1979 Honda Civic II sedan, produced from 1979 to 1983, features a compact exterior size well-suited for its category at the time. Its length measures approximately 3,950 mm (155.5 inches), with a width around 1,555 mm (61.2 inches), and a height standing near 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These dimensions contribute to its nimble handling, ease of parking, and practical urban use. The size is typical for subcompact sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, combining functionality with a small footprint.
The wheelbase of the 1979 Honda Civic II sedan is roughly 2,330 mm (91.7 inches), providing a foundation that balances interior space with maneuverability. The ground clearance is about 165 mm (6.5 inches), which is practical for normal road driving conditions, offering a good compromise between ride comfort and the ability to clear minor road obstacles or uneven surfaces. This wheelbase and clearance help make the Civic II a versatile and practical vehicle for everyday use during its production years.
The curb weight of the Honda Civic II sedan typically ranges around 850 to 900 kg (1,874 to 1,984 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. This relatively lightweight construction benefits fuel efficiency, agility, and responsive handling, making it easy to drive and park in crowded urban environments. The modest weight of the Civic II also contributes to reduced braking distances and better overall driving confidence compared to heavier vehicles from the same era.
Inside the 1979 Honda Civic II sedan, the design focuses on maximizing cabin space within its compact exterior dimensions. The front and rear legroom offer sufficient space for average-sized adults, with headroom optimized at approximately 880 mm (34.6 inches) to accommodate passengers comfortably. While the Civic II's interior is snug compared to modern cars, it was regarded as spacious and practical for a subcompact in its time, suitable for daily commuting and small family use.
The fuel tank capacity of the 1979 Honda Civic II sedan is about 40 liters (10.6 US gallons). This size supports reasonable driving range capabilities, considering the car's efficient four-cylinder engine and lightweight design. Drivers could typically expect an approximate range of 500 to 600 kilometers (310 to 373 miles) per full tank depending on driving conditions and style, making it a practical choice for both city driving and longer trips during its era.
Yes, the 1979 Honda Civic II sedan comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With its length at around 3.95 meters (155.5 inches) and width about 1.56 meters (61.2 inches), it occupies less space than many modern cars, leaving room for storage or other uses within typical garage dimensions designed to accommodate vehicles up to about 5 meters (16.4 feet) long. Its compact size makes parking easy, especially in tighter urban environments.
Compared to the original Honda Civic generation (1972–1979), the Civic II (1979–1983) maintained a similar compact footprint but introduced subtle evolutions in dimensions. There was a slight increase in length, improving interior space and trunk capacity. The width and height dimensions remained almost similar to the predecessor, emphasizing efficiency and practicality. This evolution balanced more interior comfort and improved ride quality while retaining the model's strong appeal as a subcompact economical car.
The Honda Civic II sedan was very competitive in size compared to other subcompact sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Toyota Corolla second generation and Datsun 210. The Civic II’s more compact length and narrower width made it particularly easy to maneuver in urban settings. Despite its smaller footprint, it offered comparable interior space and trunk capacity, appealing to drivers looking for economical, practical transportation with reliable engineering and efficiency.
The 1979 Honda Civic II sedan emphasized practicality, fuel efficiency, and a reliable driving experience. Its boxy, compact design reflected late-70s styling trends focused on maximized interior room within small exterior dimensions. Performance-wise, it featured efficient four-cylinder engines that, while modest in power compared to later models, delivered excellent fuel economy and dependability. The Civic II gained popularity for its balance of everyday usability and economy, setting the stage for Honda's ongoing success in the subcompact car market.
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