Sixth-generation Honda Civic

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Sixth generation
(EJ/EK/EM)


production=1996-2000
assembly=Swindon, England, United Kingdom
Suzuka, Japan
East Liberty, Ohio, United States
Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Lahore, Pakistan
Sumaré, Brasil
South Africa
body_style=2-door coupe (EJ6/7/8/EM1)
3-door hatchback (EK)
4-door sedan (EJ6/8)
5-door hatchback (based on the Domani) [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Civic_MA8.jpg]
4-door wagon (based on the Domani)
engine=1.5 L "D15Z4"
1.6 L "D16Y4" I4 (AUS version)
1.6 L "D16Y5" I4
1.6 L "D16Y7" I4
1.6 L "D16Y8" I4
1.6 L "B16A2" I4
1.6 L "B16B" I4
1.8 L "B18B4"
transmission=5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
CVT - HX only
layout=Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
wheelbase=103.2 in (2.621 m)
length=164.5 in (4.178 m) (1996-97 hatchback)
164.2 in (4.17 m) (1998-2000 hatchback)
175.1 in (444.8 cm) (coupe & sedan)
weight=2,319 lb (1,052 kg)
width=67.1 in (1.70 m)
height=54.1 in (1.37 m) (coupe)
54.7 in (1.39 m)(sedan)
fuel_capacity=45 L (11.9 US gal)
related=Rover 400
Rover 200
Acura Integra
Isuzu Gemini
Honda Ballade
Honda CRX Del Sol
Acura EL
Honda CR-V
Honda Domani
Honda Integra

The sixth-generation Honda Civic was introduced in 1996. It retained its class-leading handling as it, along with the fourth and fifth generations, had front and rear double wishbone suspension, the advanced four-wheel independent suspension inspired by Honda's racing research. However, the sixth iteration of Civic did not have the high power-to-weight ratio as its two predecessors. Since 2001, succeeding Civics have used the simpler front MacPherson strut.

Trims and equipment (US)

Coupe: Trims available in the coupe body style were the DX, HX, EX and Si (only 1999 and 2000) (designated as the EJ6/7/8 and EM1, respectively).
Hatchback: Trims available in the hatchback body style were the CX and the DX (EK2 and EK3).
Sedan: Trims available in the sedan body style were the Value Package, Vi-RS (EK3) [not available USDM] , LX (EJ6), EX (EJ8), GX (beginning in 1998) and Si (JDM).

The CX hatchback and all DX models with a manual transmission lacked power steering. DX models with automatic transmission did have power steering standard. DX models also did not come with options such as power locks and windows, cruise control, or the sunroof. Value Package trims came with a CD player and remote entry system. The LX trim (sedan only) added the power windows and locks and cruise control while the EX trim added the sunroof. HX trim levels were specifically designed for better fuel efficiency and had features similar to LX sedans but without cruise control.

Special Edition (SE) models were available in various North American markets. 1996 coupes could be had in a rosewood color in limited production. This color was a common color outside North America, but was fairly rare to see in US models. In Canada, the SE was an upgraded LX.

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.

Facelift or Minor Model Update

In 1999 the Civic had some updates for both the interior and exterior. The car received a face lift which included a new grille, new headlights, and a new front bumper and fenders and redesigned taillights. On the 1996 to 1998 sedans, the stop lights were on top of the reverse and turn lights, in 1999-2000 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 lights themselves remained 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

All CX, DX, Value Package, and LX models used the "D16Y7" I4.

The HX had the "D16Y5" and the EX had the "D16Y8".

The Si used the "B16A2". In the UK, Europe, Australia , South Africa and the Philippines, there were a number of sedans and aerodecks between 1996-2000 produced with the B16A,B16B,B18B and even B18C motors.

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 has an uncommon transmission with longer gears than the Si. The HX model was offered with the 5-speed manual or a "CVT" Continuously Variable Transmission which offered three driving ranges, D (for normal driving), S (for spirited driving with higher engine speeds), and L (to keep the engine running as low a speed as possible). The conventional 4-speed automatic was not available on the HX model.

Worldwide

The JDM Civic Si Sedan (known as Ferio) featured a convert|170|PS|kW|0|abbr=on DOHC VTEC engine, rear headrests, an Integra Type-R style shift knob, unique seating fabric and 15" alloy wheels that appeared on the 98-00 USDM Civic Si Coupe. 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.

Two distinctly different wagons were made- the Orthia, based on the "regular" Civic sedan, for Japan, and a Domani-based model for Europe. Neither were offered in North America. A Domani based hatchback was also offered for sale in Europe alongside the regular Civic model from 1995-2001.

Canada

Canadian models were mostly similar to US models, though with different designations. Generally, the EX was called the Si, while the Si was called the SiR. Canadian Civic sedans came in LX and EX, which would roughly correspond to the American DX and LX; there was no Canadian equivalent to the American EX sedan. Civic coupes came in DX, Si, and SiR, the equivalent of the DX, EX, and Si in the United States. Only the EX sedan and Si coupe had power locks and power windows, the Si coupe was the only Canadian Civic model with a power moonroof. All sedans and coupes had an optional package available that added air conditioning and anti-lock brakes. The hatchbacks which came in CX and DX trims were sold as economy cars, so they had none of the amenities of the other models in the Civic lineup, not even as options. All sedans and coupes and the hatchback DX had two front airbags; while the CX had only the driver's side airbag.

Canadian SiR models included ABS brakes and heated mirrors which were not included on US Si models.

There was a change that occurred in the Si and SiR models from 1998 to 1999. The front bumper was altered to give two in-slots, which allowed customization to fit fog lights. The tail lights also changed to two pieces of red and white lights instead of the orange, red and white. The exterior paint was also changed, giving the newer models much shinier complexions. Many of the Si and SiR from 1999 to 2000 featured high tip wings, though low tip wings were also common.

Asian SiRII

From 1996 to 2000, Honda produced Civic SiRII which came with a B16A engine, but it was only available in Asian market. This engine produced 170hp@7800 rpm with a displacement of 1595 cc

Japanese Type-R

There was also a Japanese domestic market only Type R convert|185|hp|abbr=on/around 8200 rpm. Civic Type-R, that was only available as a hatchback and 5 speed manual with LSD. This model was equipped with a very powerful B16B (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.