First Generation

• Honda offered a Civic hatchback in the first year it sold this model. The Civic hatchback initially drew power from 1.2-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced 50 horsepower. Honda coupled this engine to a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission. These hatchbacks delivered an estimated 40 mpg during highway driving. First generation hatchbacks had an 86.6-inch wheelbase, 139.8-inch length and sat four. During the second year of this generation, Honda offered a slightly larger engine that generated 52 horsepower. In 1975, Honda introduced a 1.5-liter Controlled Vortex Combustion Chamber engine that reduced emissions. Honda made a few cosmetic and performance changes in 1978 and 1979.
  
  

Second Generation

• The second generation Civic hatchback debuted in 1980 and featured a redesigned body set on a longer, 88.6-inch wheelbase. Honda offered a pair of CVCC engines for the second generation: a 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter in-line four. These engines generated 55 and 67 horsepower, respectively. Transmission options included a four- or five-speed manual or a two-speed automatic. Second generation Civic hatchbacks began including features such as intermittent wipers, a rear window defroster and side body moldings. This short-lived generation only saw a few cosmetic and trim level changes before Honda moved on to the third generation hatchback.
  
  

Third Generation

• Honda sold its third generation Civic hatchback from 1984 to 1987, which included three trim level choices: base, DX and the sporty S level trim. Third generation Civic hatchbacks had a 96.5-inch wheelbase. Engine choices included a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter in-line four that had an aluminum block and heads. Transmission options consisted of a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual. In 1985, "Car and Driver" magazine named the Civic one of that year's 10 best cars. The company offered its two-door, two-seater CRX hatchback in 1984. Buyers could purchase the CRX with a 1.5-liter fuel-efficient engine that delivered an estimated 52 mpg city and 57 mpg highway. Honda offered a Si trim level Civic hatchback in 1986, offered a four-speed automatic for the first time and made a few cosmetic changes to the model line that year.
  
  

Fourth Generation

• The redesigned fourth generation debuted in 1988 and featured a double wishbone suspension, sportier styling and enhanced performance. Honda lengthened the wheelbase for this generation to 98.4 inches for the Civic hatchback and 90.6 inches for the Civic CRX hatchback. Newer, fuel-injected engines provided more power; a 16-valve 1.5-liter I4 generated 92 horsepower and the CRX drew power from a fuel-efficient 62 horsepower 1.5-liter engine. The Si trim level Civic hatchbacks that arrived in 1989 included a power moonroof and 16-valve 1.6-liter engine that produced 105 horsepower. Transmission options consisted of a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, which continued through the fifth generation as well. Honda introduced a few cosmetic changes to the hatchback's rear in 1990 and discontinued the fourth generation in 1991, dropping the CRX hatchback permanently from the lineup.
  
  

Fifth Generation

• The Civic hatchback grew again during the 1992 to 1995 fifth generation, this time expanding to a 101.3-inch wheelbase and five-passenger seating. Honda expanded the trim levels available on the hatchback as well, offering CX, DX, VX and Si trims. These hatchbacks drew power from a 1.5-liter I4 that varied its output from 70 horsepower for the CX trim to 125 horsepower for the 1.5-liter VTEC engine in the Si. Fuel economy still hovered at over 50 mpg in the city for some Civic hatchback models. In addition to the four-wheel disc brakes offered in the fourth generation, Honda added a driver's side airbag as a standard safety feature to all trim level hatchbacks in the fifth generation. In 1994, Honda made a front passenger airbag standard as well.
  
  

Sixth Generation

• From 1996 to 2000, Honda sold the sixth generation Civic hatchback. This model now had an expanded 103.2-inch wheelbase, but Honda offered a reduced, two trim level lineup of CX and DX. Both trim levels of the sixth generation hatchback included a 106 horsepower 1.6-liter engine. While Honda offered a continuously variable transmission for the Civic sedan during this generation, hatchback buyers could only chose between the four-speed automatic or standard five-speed manual.
  
  

Post-Sixth Generation

• After 2000, Honda discontinued the Civic hatchback as part of the model lineup. In 2002, Honda again sold the Civic Si hatchback as part of the seventh generation Civic. The 2002 Civic Si drew power from a 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC I4 that generated 160 horsepower. Honda coupled this engine to a five-speed manual transmission only. Honda swapped out the double-wishbone front suspension for MacPherson struts. This car had a 101.2-inch wheelbase and featured antilock brakes and dual front airbags. Honda continued to sell this model until 2004; in 2005, Honda again sold the Civic Si, but as a coupe.