Honda Civic Sixth generation

(1996 to 2000) 

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Honda Ballade (South Africa)
Production	1995–2000
Assembly	Swindon, England Suzuka, Japan East Liberty, Ohio, United States Alliston, Ontario, Canada Lahore, Pakistan Aragua, Venezuela Sumaré, Brasil South Africa Hsinchu, Taiwan Nelson, New Zealand Gebze, Turkey Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines
Predecessor	Honda Civic (fifth generation)
Successor	Honda Civic (seventh generation)
Body style	2-door coupe (EJ6/7/8/EM1) 3-door hatchback (EK/EK9) 4-door sedan (EJ6/8) 5-door hatchback (Domani based, MA/MB/MC) 5-door wagon (Orthia) 5-door wagon (Aerodeck - Domani based)
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	1.4 L D13B4 I4 1.4 L D14A3/A4/A7/A8 I4 1.5 L D15Z4 I4 1.6 L D16Y4 I4 (AUS version) 1.6 L D16Y5/Y7/Y8 I4 1.6 L B16A2 I4 1.6 L B16B VTEC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT - HX only
Wheelbase	103.2 in (2,621 mm)
Length	164.5 in (4,178 mm) (1996-97 hatchback) 164.2 in (4,171 mm) (1998–2000 hatchback) 175.1 in (4,448 mm) (coupe & sedan)
Width	67.1 in (1,704 mm)
Height	54.1 in (1,374 mm) (coupe) 54.7 in (1,389 mm) (sedan)
Curb weight	2,319 lb (1,052 kg)
Related	Honda CR-V Honda Domani Honda Integra Honda Orthia Honda Partner Acura EL Isuzu Gemini Rover 200 Rover 400
Designer(s)	Masakazu Udagawa; Yoshi Kigoyoshi (1993)

Trims and equipment

Coupe: Trims available in the coupe body style were the EJ6 (US DX, Canadian DX and DX-V), EJ7 (US HX), EJ8 (US EX, Canadian Si) and EM1 (only 1999 and 2000; US Si, Canadian SiR).

Hatchback: Trims available in the hatchback body style were the EJ6 (US CX and DX, Canadian CX/CX-G/DX/SE), EJ9 (1.4L SOHC model), EK1 (1.5L SOHC VTEC-E model), EK2 (1.3L model), EK3 (1.5L SOHC model), EK4 (Japanese SiR, European SiR and/or VTi), EK6 (Japanese 1.6L SOHC model), EK7 (Japanese 1.6L SOHC model) and the EK9 (Japanese Type R).

Sedan: Trims available in the sedan body style were the EJ6 (US DX/LX/VP, Canadian EX/LX), EJ8 (US EX), EJ9 (1.4L SOHC model), EK1 (1.5L SOHC VTEC-E model), EK2 (1.3L model), EK3 (1.5L SOHC model), EK4 (Japanese SiR, European SiR and/or VTi), EK5 (Japanese 1.6L SOHC 4WD model), EK8 (Japanese 1.6L SOHC model) and EN1 (US GX).

CX: The base trim, available as a hatchback only. Appointed very sparingly (no standard radio or power steering), it came equipped with 13-inch wheels, 4-wheel double wishbone suspension, dual airbags, tinted windows, split/folding rear seat, and seating for five people. In 1997, the CX added 14-inch wheels as standard equipment. In 2000, the CX added tilt steering as standard equipment

DX: Available as a hatchback, coupé, or sedan. It included all standard equipment from CX plus tilt steering and am/fm radio. Power steering was standard on all sedans, and on the coupes when ordered with automatic transmission. For 1997, the DX added 14-inch wheels as standard equipment

LX: Available as a four-door only. It included all standard equipment from DX plus 14-inch wheels, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power steering, front stabilizer bar, front center armrest with storage compartment, cargo area light, cruise control, and tachometer. For 1997, the LX added air conditioning as standard equipment.

EX: Available as a coupé or sedan. It included all standard equipment from LX plus a higher-horsepower SOHC VTEC engine, power sunroof, air conditioning, remote entry system, plus body-colored side mirrors and side molding. ABS was standard on sedan only. For 1999, the EX added a cd player as standard equipment.

HX: Available as coupé only, this trim was specially tooled for higher fuel efficiency. It was the only model available with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), though customers could also choose a 5-speed manual transmission. It included all standard equipment from DX, plus a slightly higher horsepower VTEC-E engine, alloy wheels, power windows, power locks, power steering, and tachometer.

GX: Introduced in 1997 and available as a sedan for fleet-purchase only, this trim was specially designed to run on natural gas. See Honda Civic GX for detail and references.

VP: Introduced in 1998 and available as a sedan only, this trim was designed as a “Value Package” above the DX. It included all standard equipment from DX plus automatic transmission, power locks, cd player, air conditioning, keyless entry, and special paint.

Most models had a standard AM/FM radio in the center dashboard with a backlit LCD display (except CX had no radio) but a slave cassette player or CD player was available through dealer-installed options and was installed in the forward portion of the console and was hidden from view when the cupholder was open. EX models had the slave cassette player standard. Dealers also offered AM/FM cassette and AM/FM CD decks to replace the stock radio. All vehicles were equipped with four speakers (except for the EX which included two extra tweeters located on the front doors), radio wiring (prep), and an antenna regardless of whether or not they had a radio.

Si

After a brief hiatus, the Civic Si reappeared in 1998, available as a coupé only. With the adoption of the VTi badge in Europe and the SiR and Type R badges in Japan for the sports variants of Civics, the Si became primarily a US-specific badge, a branding trend that would continue in subsequent Civic generations. Going from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, the 1999 Civic Si trim featured a 1.6-litre B16A2 engine that made 160 hp (119 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 111 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 rpm. While similar to the powerplant in the Del Sol VTEC, the Civic Si saw some notable differences, which include a larger throttle body, improved intake manifold, strengthened connecting rods, low-friction/high-silicon pistons, a fully counterweighted crankshaft, and an exhaust system with larger piping diameter. Due to its good fuel economy (27/31 city/hwy MPG), independent suspension at all four corners, and a more popular coupe form, the trim garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.

Changes from the standard Civic included stiffer, progressive-rate springs, stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars, and a tower brace, which contributed to a flatter-cornering ride. It was available with a five-speed manual transmission only, standard equipment also including disc brakes all around. Aesthetic exterior changes from the LX/EX models were minimal, with the Si trim featuring a lower-profile and wider 15-inch wheel/tire package, a subtle chin-spoiler, painted side sills, and Si badging. There are power locks, power windows, a cd-player, cruise control, air conditioning, power sunroof, and tilt steering. For the interior, the sixth generation Si also had tilt adjustment for the bottom cushion, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, and red-faced instrumentation with Si branding.

Facelift

In 1998 for the 1999 model year, the Civic had some updates for both the interior and exterior. These redesigns could vary according to the country of origin for the car. For example, in some European countries there was no redesign to the climate control area or to the rear of the sedan models.

The updated cars received a face lift which included a new grille, new headlights, and a new front bumper, fenders and hood and redesigned taillights. The coupe and sedans models also received a slight redesign to the bottom of the rear bumper. On the pre-facelift sedans, the stop lights were on top of the reverse and turn lights; for the facelift version, the reverse and turn lights were on top of the stop lights. For the coupe and hatchback the layouts remained as before; however, the rear turn signal lenses became clear/white instead of amber to match the reverse lights (the turn light bulbs themselves now were amber).

Inside, the center console had a makeover. The sliding air system controls were replaced by rotary ones, which freed up space to accommodate an enlarged radio, which included the cassette player or CD player. Previously, the large size of the ventilation controls reduced the size of the radio, necessitating a slave cassette player or CD player at the bottom of the console.

Engines

In Japan, the cheapest model was the EL (and also a short-lived special EL-II model), powered by a 1,343 cc D13B engine with 91 PS (67 kW) at 6,300 rpm. As for most of the sixth generation Civics, it has a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder.

All US model CX, DX, Value Package, and LX models used the D16Y7 I4. It produced 106 hp (79 kW) at 6,200 rpm, 103 lb·ft (140 N·m) of torque at 4,600 rpm, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Fuel injection was multi-point, with SOHC (single overhead camshaft) and four valves per cylinder.

The US model HX had the D16Y5. It produced 115 hp (86 kW) at 6,300 rpm, 104 lb·ft (141 N·m) of torque at 5,400 rpm, with a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Fuel injection was multi-point, with SOHC, four valves per cylinder, and VTEC-E (electronically controlled variable valve timing, tuned for economy).

The US model EX and Canadian Si had the D16Y8. It produced 127 hp (95 kW) at 6600 rpm, 107 lb·ft (145 N·m) of torque at 5500 rpm, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Fuel injection was multi-point, with SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and VTEC (electronically controlled variable valve timing, tuned for power).

The US model Si and Canadian SiR used the B16A2. It produced 160 hp (119 kW) at 7600 rpm, 111 lb·ft (150 N·m) of torque at 7000 rpm, with a compression ratio of 10.2:1. Fuel injection was multi-point, with DOHC (dual overhead camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, and VTEC.

In the UK, Europe, South Africa and the Philippines, there were a number of sedans and aerodecks between 1996 and 2000 produced with the B16A1, B16A2, B18B and even B18C motors.

The GX sedan was a trim available only in the United States. These cars were produced in fairly limited numbers and were sold to government agencies. The D16B5 which powered the GX was a compressed natural gas engine.

In Japan, the Civic Ferio Si used the second generation B16A engine while the other models used D15B, D16A or D13B engines.

In the Middle East market, the Civic came with a 105 hp (78 kW) D15Z4 engine for LXi and EXi models.

in Australia, most models came with the D16Y4 engine; the VTI sedan model had the D16Y5, the VTI coupe the D16Y8 and the VTI-R Hatchback and Coupe had the B16A engine.

Transmissions

Most models (DX, LX, EX, Si) were available with a standard 5-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The CX shares the same tall geared manual transmission as that used in the HX. The HX model was offered with the 5-speed manual or a CVT Continuously Variable Transmission which offered three driving ranges, D (standard transmission ratios for normal driving), S (secondary ratios for spirited driving with higher engine speeds), and L (lowest ratios to provide maximum engine braking and peak power). The conventional 4-speed automatic was not available on the HX model. A JDM variant called the civic RTi was also produced and it featured either manual and automatic transmissions coupled to a Honda real-time all-wheel-drive layout.

Worldwide

The JDM Civic Sedan (known as the Civic Ferio Si) featured a 170 PS (125 kW) DOHC VTEC B16A engine, rear headrests, an Integra Type-R style shift knob, unique seating fabric and the same 15" alloy wheels that also appeared on the 1999-2000 US market Civic Si Coupé. Other JDM Ferio models included a model with the RealTime 4wheel drive and a rear wiper in the back window of the sedan, which was not seen in other markets.

Japanese Type-R

There was also a Japanese domestic market only Civic Type-R, that was only available as a hatchback and 5-speed manual with LSD. This model was equipped with a powerful B16B (185 PS (136 kW) at 8,200 rpm) (AKA PCT), which is essentially a destroked version of the Integra Type-R B18C engine. The chassis was given the designation EK9. The EK9 was very special as it was essentially based on the JDM EK4 SiR but taken out of the production line and given additional reinforcement to the chassis and body shell. Weight was also meticulously removed to create a light weight racecar feel. Other additions over the EK4 were bigger brakes, quicker steering ratio, specially tuned suspension, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, titanium shift knob, front lip spoiler, rear wing, smoked headlights and a hand built engine that embodied the racing spirit of Honda. This engine featured a hand ported cylinder head, lighter flywheel, redesigned cam profiles, high compression pistons and balanced crankshaft. The gearbox was fitted with a helical type limited slip differential.

South Africa 180i Civic

In South Africa, the fifth and sixth generation Civics (Honda Ballade as it was known) were available with the Acura Integra B18B3 and B18B4 engine, respectively.

 European MA MB MC five-door Civic / Civic Aerodeck

Based on the Domani, this version was marketed in Europe as the MA/MB/MC Civic and Civic Aerodeck. It was built in five-door and Aerodeck (Estate) models in various trim levels and engine sizes. The Aerodeck name was previously used on the Honda Accord Aerodeck, which was a two-door station wagon, popularly known in Europe as a shooting-brake. Right from the thrifty 1.4 L engines (D14A2/A5/A7), 1.5 L engines (D15Z8/Z3), 1.6 L Engines (D16Y2/Y3, D16W2/W3, D16B2 etc.) and ever popular 1.8 litre DOHC VTEC engine (B18C4). These came with five-door, 55 L fuel tank, ABS, driver and passenger air bags, power steering, electric wing mirrors, etcetera. The later models came with air conditioning as standard. The 1.8 VTi model was the flagship model (explained in detail below) with the biggest petrol engine to be given to MA MB MC Civics. The Domani-based Civics were also available with 2-litre, eight-valve turbodiesel engines (20T2N, 20T2R), a must in the European market. Later diesel engines came with factory fitted intercoolers. The chassis codes designated to this model and generation of Civics were chassis codes MA8, MA9, MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB6, MB7, and MB8 for the liftback, while the Aerodeck chassis codes are MB9, MC1, MC2, MC3, and MC9. Compared to the original Domani, the Liftback and Aerodeck featured a new interior, similar to that of the 1995 Rover 400 - Honda had entered a deal with the Rover group, who at the time didn't have enough funds for the tooling to produce an all new car, allowing Rover to produce its own version based around the design of the Domani shell and using a lot of its underpinnings to produce the Rover 400/45/MG ZS. All Rover had to do was to make cosmetic changes (front fenders/wings, bonnet, headlights, bumpers, rear lights and tailgate were different on the Rover) to have a brand new design in the showrooms, which was very cost effective if not entirely convincing.

1.8 /1.6 VTi 

Performance  1.6

As with all Honda models of the age, VTi denoted the inclusion of Honda's VTEC technology. There was a rear VTi badge, and decals of "DOHC VTEC" on the rear doors, as well as front/rear bumper lips and side skirts (in VTI-S models). 1996 saw the introduction of the VTi model and then a limited edition VTI-S. The VTI came in two different flavours - the DOHC 1.6 VTi hatch and sedan (B16A2 engine) and the DOHC 1.8 VTi five-door (with the larger B18C4). The 1.6 VTi car was actually slightly faster in acceleration than the 1.8 due to the different gear ratios. The 1.6 was also a lighter engine in a lighter car, helping to reduce the 0-60 mph acceleration time by about 0.3 seconds. Front/rear disc brakes were standard on all VTi/VTi-S versions. The five-door versions (VTi/VTi-S) included a Torsen limited slip differential which meant they were quicker out of corners than the 1.6 (three-door) due to being able to accelerate out of corners more effectively.

The 1.8 VTi Civic came with a host of standard equipment, some of which was not available on the three-door (1.6) equivalents. Standard 1.8 spec includes:

Exterior: Front lip/spoiler, Rear boot spoiler with integral brake light, Headlight washers, electric sunroof, colour-coded mirrors, colour-coded door handles, colour-coded front rear bumpers, front fog lights, lightweight Speedline 5 spoke alloy wheels.

Interior: Unique half leather sports style seats (full leather optional), front/rear electric windows, Electrically operated/heated door mirrors, air conditioning, dashboard instrument light dimmer, front and rear head rests. Leather steering wheel with red stitching.

United Kingdom Limited Editions

VTi-S

Performance

Power	166 bhp
Top Speed	138 mph
0-60 mph	8 secs
Torque	166 Nm
CO2 Emissions	206 g/km
Euro Emissions Standard	-
Miles Per Tank	387 miles

The MB6 VTi-S five-door was made in a limited run of 500 of each body type, and only sold in the Honda colour 'Pirates Black', with body coloured bumpers. The VTI-S improved on the appearance of the standard Civic VTi five-door with a more pronounced front lip and also a rear lip on the bumpers, and different side skirts. The VTi-S specification also included chrome/aluminium gear-knob(silver/black plastic on later VTiS models), VTI-S floor-mats and tailgate badging. It also came fitted with lightweight 15" Speedline Chrono alloy wheels, with a split spoke design. The later VTi-S models came fitted with the lightweight Speedline "fan" alloy wheels. Other than this, the it is identical to the regular VTi. The instrument dials on later VTi-S models changed slightly, now with italic numbering.

The three-door EK4 VTi-S was produced in 1998 only and 200 were produced in this time, all on 'R' registration plates. Like the MB6 VTi-S, the EK4 VTi-S was based on the standard VTi hatch, with differences being the Starlight Black paint, front and rear bumper lips/skirts, rear mid-spoiler, 15" speedline chrono alloy wheels, the dashboard cluster used white numbering on the speedometer, fuel gauge etc., rather than orange/red as in the regular VTi, however it still retained the red needles. The boot badges spelling out 'Honda' 'Civic' '1.6VTi' and 'VTEC' were all replaced with a single VTi-S badge, and there was an alloy gear knob and VTi-S floor mats. Mechanically and in performance terms it is identical to a regular EK4 VTi. Due to a problem with the registration process many genuine VTi-S' were not on the log books as a VTi-S, but a VTi, and regular VTi Civic's were logged as VTi-S, this problem also affected the special edition EK4 Civic Jordan, of which some were also logged as a VTi-S.

Civic Jordan

Performance

Power	157 bhp
Top Speed	129 mph
0-60 mph	7.9 secs
Torque	153 Nm
CO2 Emissions	198 g/km
Euro Emissions Standard	2

To commemorate the Honda (Mugen) Jordan F1 team. A 500 car special limited edition Honda Civic VTi (EK4 3-door model) was created with their own signed Eddie Jordan Plaque with the specific number stamped on it in the centre console. This car was sold in 1999–2000. It had the same basic spec as the EK4 VTi, but the extras included: Sunlight Yellow paint work, yellow-and-black leather interior, Jordan decals on the sides and rear of the car as well as stitched into the seats and floor carpets.