1987 Honda Civic IV Hatchback Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Honda Civic IV Hatchback is around 1007 kg (approximately 2220 lbs), which makes it a relatively light vehicle contributing to its fuel efficiency and agile handling. The maximum weight the vehicle can handle, including passengers and cargo, is 1455 kg (about 3209 lbs). This weight capacity ensures that the hatchback can accommodate a standard load comfortably without compromising performance or safety.

The Honda Civic IV Hatchback offers a luggage capacity of 340 liters (approximately 12 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, the available luggage space significantly increases to 708 liters (around 25 cubic feet), providing ample room for larger cargo or more luggage. This versatility makes the Civic IV a practical choice for those needing flexibility between passenger seating and cargo space.

The Honda Civic IV Hatchback comes with tire sizes of 165/70 R13 and 185/60 R14, depending on the configuration. The corresponding rim sizes are 5J x 13 for the smaller tires and 5.5J x 14 for the larger ones. These tire and rim specifications were designed to provide balanced handling and ride comfort, ensuring a smooth driving experience typical of Honda's engineering during this generation.

Yes, the Honda Civic IV Hatchback can comfortably fit into a standard garage. With a length of 3991 mm (157.1 inches), a width of 1686 mm (66.4 inches), and a height of 1330 mm (52.4 inches), the car is compact enough for usual residential garages, which typically accommodate vehicles up to around 6 meters (about 236 inches) in length and 2.4 meters (94.5 inches) in width. The relatively low height also makes it easy to park under garage doors and in tighter garage spaces.

Compared to the Civic III (third generation), the Civic IV Hatchback shows a moderate evolution in size. While the Civic III was slightly shorter and narrower, the Civic IV extended length and width to improve interior space and stability. The length of the Civic IV at 3991 mm (157.1 inches) is longer than the Civic III, which typically measured around 3860-3900 mm (about 152-153.5 inches). The width increase to 1686 mm (66.4 inches) from the Civic III's narrower stance improves road presence and cabin space. Height remained fairly similar, maintaining a sleek, low-profile hatchback style. These dimensional changes reflect Honda's aim to enhance passenger comfort and driving dynamics without sacrificing the compact nature of the Civic.

In comparison to other popular hatchbacks from the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 and Toyota Corolla hatchbacks, the Honda Civic IV Hatchback holds its own in size and practicality. The Civic's length of 3991 mm (157.1 inches) and width of 1686 mm (66.4 inches) place it in a similar compact segment as the Golf Mk2, which was about 3982 mm (156.8 inches) long but somewhat wider. The Civic's lightweight construction at 1007 kg (2220 lbs) aids fuel efficiency, marginally lighter than many competitors. Its flexible luggage capacity of 340 liters (12 cu ft) expanding to 708 liters (25 cu ft) with seats folded offers competitive cargo versatility. Overall, the Civic IV matched and often outperformed its peers in offering a practical yet compact package with reliable performance in urban and suburban settings.

The roof load limit of the Honda Civic IV Hatchback is specified at 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). This means that when carrying items on the roof rack, such as luggage carriers, bicycles, or sporting equipment, the combined weight should not exceed this limit to maintain safety, vehicle handling, and avoid damage to the roof structure. It's important for owners to consider this weight limit for safe transportation of roof cargo, especially during longer trips or when driving at higher speeds.

The Honda Civic IV Hatchback effectively embodied Honda's commitment to building reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical vehicles during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This generation, produced from 1987 to 1995, was praised for its nimble handling, compact dimensions, and relatively light curb weight of 1007 kg (2220 lbs), which contributed to efficient fuel consumption and responsive driving dynamics. It was frequently chosen for its versatility, solid build quality, and relatively low maintenance costs. The hatchback design provided added practicality with its flexible cargo space, appealing to younger drivers and small families alike. Its enduring popularity is reflected in how it set the stage for future Civic models, balancing everyday usability with a somewhat sporty character.

The Honda Civic IV Hatchback came equipped primarily with two rim sizes: 5J x 13 and 5.5J x 14, paired with corresponding tire sizes of 165/70 R13 and 185/60 R14 respectively. The smaller rim and tire combination offered a comfortable ride and was optimized for fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The larger 14-inch rims and wider tires improved grip and handling characteristics, appealing more to driving enthusiasts seeking a sportier feel. These wheel options allowed owners to choose a setup that balanced comfort and performance depending on their driving priorities, making the Civic IV both practical for daily commuting and enjoyable on more spirited drives.