Honda Civic (seventh generation)

The seventh generation Honda Civic is an automobile which was produced by Honda from 2000 to 2005. It was released in September 2000 as a 2001 model. Compared to its predecessor, it retained similar exterior dimensions, but increased significantly in interior space thus bumping up Civic to a compact car size segment. There was a flat rear floor, giving better comfort to the rear seat passengers. This generation abandoned the front double wishbone suspension, which had been used in the fourth to sixth generations, replacing it with MacPherson strut. The seventh generation was the last to offer 4WD variants.

Honda Civic Seventh generation (EU/ES/EP/EM)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Honda Civic Ferio (sedan, Japan)
Production	June 2000–September 2005
Model years	2001–2005
Assembly	Swindon, United Kingdom (hatchback versions only) Suzuka, Japan Lahore, Pakistan East Liberty, Ohio, United States Alliston, Ontario, Canada Hsinchu, Taiwan (Contract manufacturing ended 2002) Ayutthaya, Thailand Sumaré, Brasil Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines Gebze,Turkey
Designer	Shuji Koman (sedan: 1997, coupe: 1998) Satoshi Kazama (Si: 1999)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Body style	2-door coupe (EM, North America and Europe only) 3-door hatchback (EP) 4-door sedan (ES) 5-door hatchback (EU)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive
Related	Honda Integra DC5 Acura EL Honda CR-V Honda Stream
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L D14Z6 I4 1.5 L D15Y3 I4 1.5 L D15Z6 I4 1.6 L D16W7 I4 1.6 L D16W9 I4 1.7 L D17A1 I4 1.7 L D17A6 I4 1.7 L D17A2 I4 2.0 L K20A2 I4 2.0 L K20A3 I4
Transmission	5/6-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic Continuously variable transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2,619 mm) (sedan/coupe) 101.6 in (2,581 mm) (3-door hatchback)
Length	174.7 in (4,437 mm) (2001-03 coupe) 174.6 in (4,435 mm) (2001-03 sedan) 168.4 in (4,277 mm) (3-door hatchback) 175.4 in (4,455 mm) (2004-05 sedan/coupe)
Width	67.7 in (1,720 mm) (Int'l) 66.7 in (1,694 mm) (Japan)
Height	55.1 in (coupé) 56.7 in (1,440 mm) (sedan) 58.7 in (1,491 mm) (3-door hatchback)
Curb weight	2,744 lb (1,245 kg) (hatchback) 2,405 lb (1,091 kg) (coupé) 2,421 lb (1,098 kg) (sedan)
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda Civic (sixth generation)
Successor	Honda Civic (eighth generation)

Main article: Honda Civic

At its introduction in 2000, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award for a record fourth time, and it won the Japan Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in 2001.

History

Sedan (pre-facelift)

3-door hatchback (pre-facelift)

5-door hatchback (pre-facelift)

2-door coupe (pre-facelift)

In 2002, 2003 models were introduced with new tail lights which created a circle when illuminated and also gained revised dials and new wheel designs. In September 2003, 2004 model year Civics received a facelifted front end (designed in 2002) with new headlights, bumper, and grille; it also received side skirts, and body colored hood and trunk trim. In September 2004, the Special Edition trim level was introduced for the 2005 model year, available as the LX or EX Special Edition.

The hybrid version arrived at North America in spring 2002 as a 2003 model being imported from Japan.[2] It used both a small 1.3 L I4 main gasoline engine and auxiliary electric motors, producing a combined 93 hp. The electric motors are powered by a battery array which is charged by regenerative braking during deceleration, thus reducing exhaust emissions and extending fuel mileage to 46 mpg city / 51 mpg highway with the manual transmission according to EPA fuel mileage estimates.[3] The Hybrid also had unique lightweight wheels, a rear spoiler, different front bumper, folding mirrors, and aerodynamic enhancements underneath.

A sporting hatchback model called the Si was unveiled in August 2005 for the European market only. This model featured from launch a 1.4 L I-DSI and a 1.6 L VTEC rated at 83 PS (81 hp/61 kW) and 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) respectively, with 177 and 207 km/h (110 and 129 mph) top speeds and 14.2 and 13.6 s 0–100 km/h sprint. The Sport Hatchback is also available with a 2.2 L I-CTDI diesel engine from the Accord, Edix/FR-V and CR-V, rated at 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and is capable of 205 km/h (127 mph) and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Starting with this generation, cabin air filters (also known as pollen filters) were installed as standard equipment and are located behind the glove compartment internationally.

Trim levels

USDM (United States and Canada)

Coupe: Trim levels available in North America for the coupe body style were the VP, DX (up to 2003), EX, HX, LX (EM2), LX Special Edition or EX Special Edition, Si and RAJ. The coupe, no longer available in Japan, was still sold in Europe.

Sedan: Trim levels available in the sedan body style were the DX (ES1), VP (ES2), EX (EN2), GX, LX (ES1), LX Special Edition (ES1), EX Special Edition (ES1), and Hybrid (ES9). EX trim includes sunroof. The LX, EX & RAJ Special Edition included a six-disc changer, rear spoiler, ABS, larger 15-inch wheels and a more powerful engine (see below). There was also the EX Special Edition which added a sunroof and rear single cup holder. The Hybrid was the only trim available for the sedan style in Europe.

In Canada, until 2003, there were DX and LX trims for both sedan and coupe, with the coupe additionally having the Si trim, largely equivalent to the US market EX coupe.

In 2002, Honda Canada, in recognition of the one millionth sale of the Civic in Canada, introduced a limited edition version of the Civic called the Civic Coupe Si Veloz ('Veloz' meaning 'swift' in Spanish). The Veloz edition adds a front, rear and side skirts, rear spoiler, carbon fibre trim pieces, chrome exhaust tip, custom Veloz embroidered floor mats and Veloz badges.[4]

In 2003, a 30th Anniversary Edition was added to all models, as well as a Sport model for sedans. In 2004, the DX trim was replaced by a Special Edition (SE) model and the previous Sport model was replaced by a LX-G trim.

Si / SiR / Type R / 2.0 i-VTEC

2002-03 Honda Civic Si (US)

3-door hatchback (facelift)

Sedan (facelift)

5-door hatchback (facelift)

The US (Si) was badged SiR in Canada. Unlike other generations of the Civic Si, this one was not produced in Canada or the United States, and it does not share a body style or interior with the USDM Civic (offered only in sedan and coupé forms) sold there. Instead, the 2002-05 Civic Si/SiR is manufactured in Swindon, England, and exported to Canada and the United States. The Si/SiR was the only trim available for the hatchback style in Canada and the United States.[5][6][7]

The Civic Si returned to form as a hatchback, after having been sold only as a coupé in the previous generation. The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter.

Shifting away from the 1.6 liter B-series engine, the seventh generation Civic Si adopted the K-series K20A3 engine used in the Acura RSX base model rated at 160 bhp (120 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 132 lbf⋅ft (179 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm.[8] With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition; the switch to MacPherson strut from double wishbone suspension resulted in less responsive handling, and a near-150 lb (68 kg) increase in weight to 2,744 lb (1,245 kg) contributed to slower acceleration than the lighter '99-'00 Si.[9] The new front suspension did allow for a tighter turning radius than the better handling wishbone setup used earlier. Much of the weight gain is attributed to the chassis' stouter structure when compared to the previous generation hatchback, with the '02 Si boasting an increase in torsional rigidity by 95 percent and a bending rigidity increase of 22 percent.[10]

The fifth-generation Civic Si saw roughly the same performance numbers as the previous generation Si, with 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.9 seconds at the quarter mile, which were comparable to that of Ford SVT Focus and Hyundai Tiburon GT V6.[11] Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of a limited slip differential, having to shift into third gear to get from zero to 60, and increased curb weight due to a stiffer chassis. Other changes include a switch to electric power steering over hydraulic and coil on plug ignition.

Features of this generation Si include: Dash mounted shifter, 15-inch (2001–03) or 16-inch wheels (2004–05), air conditioning, electronic power steering, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio, CD player, clock, cruise control, cloth bucket seats, 4 interior cup holders, center console and folding rear seats.[12]

The EP3's uniquely rare body style in the U.S., having been designed for the Japanese and European markets, has significantly more distinct lighting than most North American designs. While the 2001–03 models have red rear turn signals and combined high/low beam headlights, the 2004 and 2005 models have dual separate high and low beam headlights, individual parking lights in the headlight housings, amber turn signals, amber side fender turn signals, four individual side markers at all corners, and the ability to shut off all lights while driving.

The 2004–05 models received minor revisions.[13] Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and taillight designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) upgrade. The suspension was updated with a change from 4 lug to 5 lug bolt pattern, a larger rear sway bar, and a change from 15-inch wheels (195/60-15) to 16-inch wheels (205/55-16). The interior received more silver accents in place of the chrome ones (the lock switch).[14]

Civic i-VTEC / Sport

Using the same K20A engine block as the US Civic Si, it was sold in sedan bodyshell exclusively in Asia and manufactured by Honda Automobile Thailand in Ayutthaya, Thailand. These Civics were named 2.0 i-VTEC and exported to ASEAN Countries.[15]

5-door K20A Civic hatchbacks were sold in some parts of Europe. For example, under the "Type-S" name in UK (Not to be confused with the eighth generation EU Type-S) with a 2.0 badge in the front grill and Sport in Germany (model code EV1).[16]

Civic Type R

The EP3 Civic Si hatchback bodyshell is also used for the second generation Civic Type R which was sold only in Europe and Japan.

Honda of Europe designed the EP3 Civic Type R hatchback to be marketed in Europe. Then Honda of Japan marketed the EP3 Civic Type R using the more powerful Honda Integra DC5 Japanese-spec K20A powertrain using electric steering rack.

2003 Honda Civic Si Concept (2002)

For the 2002 SEMA show, Honda unveiled the 2003 Civic Si Concept, which showcased the aftermarket versatility of the Si.

Powertrain/chassis modifications included a GReddy T518Z turbocharger with an integral wastegate, a prototype GReddy front-mounted intercooler kit with aluminum piping, a GReddy Airinx high-flow intake system, a GReddy e-manage engine control manager, a GReddy Profec E-01 electronic boost controller (with e-manage programmer), widened track, Factory Performance sport suspension, a center mounted high-flow exhaust system and a four-piston Brembo brake system.

The exterior saw changes including a Rally-inspired body kit, a carbon fiber grill, front intake and rear bumper diffuser, a black chrome-finish headlights and smoked taillights, high-mounted two-stage rear wing. For the interior, Honda included Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered in red Alcantara suede with 6-point racing harness, a sport 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package and center mounted information display.[17]

Regions

Malaysia

The seventh generation Honda Civic was introduced in Malaysia in February 2001 where it was only available with the sedan bodystyle powered by a 1.7 litre engine with two variants:[18] EX-i and VTi. In November 2001, a third variant known as VTi (SRS) was introduced. This variant came with dual front airbags,[19] something lacking from the EX-i and VTi variants. In August 2003, the Civic was updated in Malaysia. The Civic was now only available with a sole 1.7L VTi-S variant.[20] In May 2004, alongside the introduction of a 2.0L i-VTEC variant, a 1.7L VTEC variant unofficiaclly replaced the 1.7L VTi-S variant.[21] A couple of limited edition seventh generation Honda Civic was available once in April 2003 with 60 units known as the Civic RX[22] and in January 2005 with 150 units known as the Civic RX2.[23]

Philippines

The seventh generation Civic was introduced in the Philippines in 2001 where it is only available in sedan bodystyle. Trim includes; LXi with 1.4 litre D14Z6 l4 engine, and VTi with 1.6 litre D16W7/9 l4 engine. Both came with regular front disk brakes and rear drum brakes. Transmission choice were a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, available in both trims. During 2003 facelift, the VTi-S was released, with 1.7 litre engine, featuring fabric seats, 4-spoke steering wheel with chrome Honda logo on the center, chrome accents in interior and now with front fog lights. And in 2004, the 2.0 i-VTEC of the Civic was released, with 2.0-liter DOHC 16-Valve Inline 4 i-VTEC engine, which is the top-of-the-line variant, including leather seats, unique style alloy wheels, and also available in 5-speed automatic transmission.

Engines

Most DX and LX models were built with the D17A1, the HX had the D17A6 and the EX was powered by the D17A2. The Si/SiR (EP3) had the K20A3. The JDM 5-door hatchback (EU) had the D15B. The GX runs on CNG.

The Philippine and Middle East version of the seventh generation Honda Civic used the 3-stage VTEC mechanism for their VTi/VTi-S/RS and the Pakistan version VTi Civic, equipped with a D16W9 rated at 130 hp (97 kW). There was another seventh generation Civic in Pakistan, which is known as EXi, the non-VTEC variant equipped with a D15Y3 capable of producing 120 HP at 6200 RPM. The Japan RS model was equipped with the D17A. Factbook. Thai models received the 1.7-liter stroked engine in regular models, with the 2.0 i-VTEC available as the top model.

In Europe the Civic was sold with a D16V1 rated at 110 hp and a D14Z6 rated at 88 hp, also a common-rail diesel engine produced by Isuzu Motors Polska. This engine is a 1.7L 4EE2 Circle L engine with 100 hp (75 kW) the European Type R Civic was equipped with a K20A2

In the United States and Canada, a 115 hp (86 kW) engine powered all Civics except the Hybrid, EX, and Si models, up 9 hp (7 kW) from the previous model. Power in the EX remained at 127 hp (95 kW), and all engines except for the Si were stroked to 1.7 liters. The seventh generation North American Civic DX/LX/Value Package (VP) engines were the last Hondas not to use the company's variable valve time system (VTEC); the second to last was the 1996-2004 Acura 3.5RL.

U.S. sales

In 2004, Honda Civic was the seventh best selling vehicle overall and third best selling passenger car in the U.S.[24]

Awards and recognitions

• 2001 – recognized by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy: the natural gas powered Civic GX tied for the top spot with Honda's hybrid vehicle Insight; the Civic HX took the best vehicle in class award[25]
• 2002 – recognized by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy amongst the top ten Greenest Vehicles: the natural gas powered Civic GX tied for the second best score with an electric vehicle; the Civic HX coupe took the fourth place and the rest Civic models took the seventh place[26]
• 2003 – Consumer Reports gave the Civic EX sedan a Recommended and the Civic top the charts it was Number #1

References

1. US D444418
2. "2003 Honda Civic Hybrid - Car News". Caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
3. "EPA fuel estimate 2003 MY Civic hybrid". Fueleconomy.gov. 2006-09-10. Archived from the original on 2012-03-20. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
4. "Honda announces new Odyssey rear entertainment system, new Civic Coupe Si Veloz". CanadianDriver.com. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
5. "Test Drive: 2004 Honda Civic Si Sedan". Canadiandriver.com. 2004-04-30. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
6. "Test Drive: 2002 Honda Civic SiR". Canadiandriver.com. 2002-07-19. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
8. "2003 Honda Civic Si Specs". JB car pages.
9. "2002 Sport Hatchbacks Comparison Test". Edmunds.com.
10. "2002 Honda Civic Si". Honda Worldwide. Archived from the original on 2012-07-07.
11. Road & Track, July 2002
12. "2002 Honda Civic Si Specs". Honda.com.
13. "2004 Honda Civic Review". JB car pages.
14. "2004 Honda Civic Si Continues to Build on its Performance Heritage". Honda Worldwide. Archived from the original on 2009-02-11.
15. http://asia.vtec.net/Reviews/20CivicRev/index.html
16. http://www.autobild.de/artikel/test-honda-civic-2.0i-sport-49562.html
17. "2003 Honda and Acura SEMA Display Vehicles Fact Sheet". Automobiles.honda.com. 2002-11-05. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
18. 3348 (2001-02-06). "The new Honda Civic - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
19. 3348 (2001-11-16). "Honda Civic Gets Dual Front Airbags - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
20. 3348 (2003-08-13). "New Honda Civic 1.7 VTi-S - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
21. 3348 (2003-08-13). "New Honda Civic 1.7 VTi-S - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
22. 3348 (2003-04-07). "Honda Civic RX - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
23. khong, ys (2005-01-26). "Limited Edition Honda Civic RX2 - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
24. "Honda Announces All New 2006 Civic for the US" (Press release). Honda Motor. 2005-08-31. Archived from the original on 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-02-25.
25. "Honda Insight Tops Rankings in 2001 ACEEE Green Book". Hondanews.com. 2001-02-23. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
26. "Honda Vehicles Earn Top Rankings in 2002 ACEEE Green Book". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-02-26.