Honda Civic's Popularity in Canada
Honda Civic's Popularity in Canada
Posted on February 12, 2024
Canadians have loved the Honda Civic since its wheels first touched the tar in 1973. In its first year, it only sold 747 units, but the car-buying public quickly recognized this car for what it was, and it has enjoyed top billing on the best-selling passenger car list in Canada for 23 years. It has come out in many guises, two-door coupes, three-door hatchbacks, and four-door sedans - it has covered all the bases and is still as popular as ever.
One reason that the Civic has been so popular in Canada is that it has been locally produced in Alliston since 1988. Thirty-five years later, the plant is still producing the Civic, holding the record for the longest production run for any car at any Honda plant.
Another of the Civic’s key attributes was the CVCC engine. This motor, introduced in 1975, reduced emissions and had great fuel economy. When Canada suffered, like the rest of the world, from the oil crisis and stricter emissions controls were introduced, the CVCC engine met these challenges head-on, making it a poster child for agility. The fact that it could run on both leaded and unleaded fuel added to its popularity.
Not only has the Civic been frugal on fuel, but it has perfect road manners. Perhaps the engines haven’t always had the greatest torque, but they made up for it in zippy performance. Every learner driver thought they were well on their way to being a racing driver when driving mum's Civic. They were so easy to drive, forgiving and easy to park, making them ideal as a learner’s car.
The Honda Civic has long been Honda’s star performer. It may have grown up, but the 11th Generation (since 2021) has continued the above-average fuel economy, and it’s still a great drive. Turbochargers were introduced on the 1.5-litre EX-T model in the 10th generation, which added to the horsepower without damaging its other great characteristics.
In 2017, Honda released the Si, a boy racer and tuner’s dream. It came equipped with a trunk spoiler, fat 235-millimetre low-profile tires mounted on trendy two-tone 10-spoke alloy wheels, and a blacked-out fascia to round off the bad-boy look. Inside, the look continued with bucket seats sporting red stitching, soft-touch materials, a 7-inch touchscreen, and aluminum foot pedals and gear knob. To match the look, Honda dished up suspension that stiffened the ride with front struts and multi-link hardware at the rear.
The Civic has long been the choice of the hot rod and tuner community. The car lends itself to interior, exterior, engine, and suspension changes. The Civic has appeared in movies such as The Fast and the Furious, which added to its popularity. It’s also regularly seen at car shows, such as the SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The Honda Civic has been recognized by motoring journalists for its quality of build, safety, performance, and comfort. The 10th Generation Honda was awarded Car of the Year by the Canadian Automobile Journalists Association and Best of the Best by the Canadian Automotive Jury.
Honda Civic: Canada’s Favourite Car
The Civic has an unassailable place in Canada’s motoring heritage, and almost every Canadian family has a story about a family member and a beloved Civic. Japanese-designed and Canadian-built, the Civic has been regenerated to match the prevailing motoring trends through the years. Now, for 2024, it is, once again, coming in a new guise. 2024 will see the Civic in an electric format as a hatchback and a sedan.
If you are a Civic fan or would like to test drive one, pop into Riverview Honda and have a chat.