The fifth-gen Civic arrived for the 1992 model year with much more aerodynamic, rounded lines than the preceding generations of the small car. It promptly won the Car of the Year award in Japan.
VTEC – touted by Honda as the first commercially successful variable valve timing and lift design in a production car – appeared on this generation of the Civic for the first time in America, helping to boost the Civic Si’s output to 125 hp. Meanwhile, the Civic VX’s VTEC-E system increased efficiency (up to 43 mpg combined, according to the EPA). Besides its powertrain, this Civic was also safer, with airbags and antilock brakes being introduced.
This generation of the Civic wasn’t particularly refined, but it’s hugely reliable, parts are cheap and accessible, and it was a favorite in the aftermarket community. Climbing into one of these Civics today is a reminder of simpler times, long before technology tainted the driving experience.
Modified EJ1 coupes of this generation appeared in the Fast and the Furious movie, underlining their popularity in pop culture and the tuning scene.
The fifth-gen Civic combined the nameplate’s attributes of affordability, simplicity, reliability, and driver appeal to perfection.
