| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1983 |
| Production Years: | 1983 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The Honda Civic III Shuttle, produced between 1983 and 1987, represents the station wagon variant of the third-generation Civic lineup. This model was designed to offer practicality and versatility, appealing to drivers needing additional cargo space along with the reliability of the Civic name. The Civic III Shuttle combined the compact dimensions typical of the early 1980s Honda Civics with the extended rear overhang characteristic of station wagons. While precise dimensions varied slightly by market, the vehicle's length typically ranged around 4,300 mm (169.3 inches), width approximately 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), and height near 1,370 mm (53.9 inches). These measurements provided a balance of maneuverability and interior space, suitable for both urban commuting and family use. Its design prioritized efficient use of interior volume, with a flexible rear cargo area that expanded the vehicle's utility beyond the sedan and hatchback variants. Weighing modestly by contemporary standards, the Civic III Shuttle remained light and agile, contributing to its fuel efficiency and ease of handling. This third-generation Civic station wagon stands out historically for its blend of compact car economy with additional cargo capacity typical of larger wagons. It remains a notable example in the evolution of practical compact station wagons in the 1980s automotive market.
Discover the standout features that make the 1983 Honda Civic III Shuttle a leader in its class
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The 1983-1987 Honda Civic III Shuttle station wagon features compact exterior dimensions typical of early 80s wagons. It measures approximately 4140 mm (163 inches) in length, 1640 mm (64.6 inches) in width, and around 1380 mm (54.3 inches) in height. These dimensions give the Civic III Shuttle a practical footprint ideal for urban and suburban use, while ensuring ease of parking and maneuverability. Its length provides enough space to accommodate a spacious interior and cargo capacity without feeling bulky or difficult to drive.
The curb weight of the Honda Civic III Shuttle typically falls in the range of 850 to 900 kg (1874 to 1984 lbs). This relatively light weight for a station wagon of its class contributes to nimble handling, good fuel efficiency, and responsive acceleration. The lower weight also helps the vehicle maintain a balanced ride and improved braking performance. These factors combined make the Civic III Shuttle a practical and enjoyable car to drive, especially considering the technological standards of the early 1980s.
The 1983-1987 Honda Civic III Shuttle offers a flexible interior cargo space typical of station wagons, featuring a rear hatch door for easy loading. While exact figures vary, the cargo area with rear seats up provides approximately 370 to 400 liters (13.1 to 14.1 cubic feet) of space. Folding down the rear seats substantially increases cargo volume, ideal for carrying bulky items. This versatility makes the Shuttle a practical choice for families or those needing extra cargo space without moving to a larger vehicle. Its station wagon design emphasizes utility while maintaining comfortable passenger accommodations.
The front and rear track widths of the Honda Civic III Shuttle are approximately 1380 mm (54.3 inches) for the front and around 1370 mm (53.9 inches) for the rear. A balanced track width like this contributes significantly to vehicle stability, particularly through corners and during sudden maneuvers. The nearly equal front and rear track widths help maintain predictable handling characteristics and reduce body roll, which was especially important for early 80s wagons balancing both cargo and passenger comfort.
Yes, the Honda Civic III Shuttle's compact dimensions enable it to fit comfortably in a standard residential garage. With a length of about 4140 mm (163 inches) and a width of 1640 mm (64.6 inches), it easily fits within typical garage dimensions, which are generally around 6 meters (19.7 feet) deep and 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) wide. Its low height of roughly 1380 mm (54.3 inches) makes vertical clearance a non-issue. Therefore, owners will find parking and storing the vehicle convenient without requiring special accommodations.
Compared to the earlier second-generation Honda Civic station wagon, the Civic III Shuttle grew modestly in size. The third-generation model increased in length and width, offering more interior room and cargo capacity while maintaining compactness. The Shuttle's roughly 4140 mm (163 inches) length and 1640 mm (64.6 inches) width contrast with the previous generation's smaller footprint, reflecting a shift to greater versatility and passenger comfort. However, these increases did not compromise the vehicle’s easy maneuverability or its reputation for being an economical, practical choice.
In the mid-1980s, the Honda Civic III Shuttle was quite competitive in size and practicality compared to similar compact station wagons like the Toyota Corolla wagon or Volkswagen Golf Variant. The Civic III Shuttle offered a slightly more compact but versatile layout with efficient use of interior space. Its lightweight build and modest exterior dimensions translated to better fuel efficiency and easier urban driving. While not the largest in its class, it balanced cargo capacity, passenger comfort, and drivability in a way that appealed to practical buyers seeking reliability and economy.
The wheelbase of the Honda Civic III Shuttle is approximately 2400 mm (94.5 inches). This moderate wheelbase length plays a crucial role in ride comfort and vehicle dynamics. A 2400 mm wheelbase provides a stable and smooth ride without sacrificing maneuverability, making the car comfortable for both city and highway driving. It offers enough distance between axles to absorb road imperfections while allowing tight turning radii, contributing to the Shuttle’s reputation as a practical all-rounder.
The exterior height of the Honda Civic III Shuttle is approximately 1380 mm (54.3 inches), with ground clearance around 140 mm (5.5 inches). The relatively low height improves aerodynamics and stability, while the moderate ground clearance is sufficient for typical urban and light rural road conditions. This balance ensures easy entry and exit for passengers and straightforward loading of cargo. However, the ground clearance makes the car best suited to paved roads rather than rough terrain, consistent with its role as a practical compact family wagon.
The Honda Civic III Shuttle was equipped with a range of small-displacement inline-4 engines typical of early 1980s Honda engineering, usually ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 liters. These engines were known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and modest performance suited for daily commuting rather than sporty driving. Power outputs typically ranged from approximately 55 to 75 horsepower, depending on market and specification. The Civic III Shuttle emphasized economy, practicality, and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious families and individuals.
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