The 1983 Honda Civic represents the final year of the popular second-generation, known for its groundbreaking fuel efficiency and reliability. Available in 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and the versatile 5-door Wagovan body styles, it solidified Honda's reputation in the compact car segment. Key trims included the 1300, 1500 DX, GL, and the sportier S model. Originally priced from approximately $5,000 to $8,000, its affordability, economical operation, and surprisingly spacious interior made it immensely popular among budget-conscious buyers and urban commuters.
The Good
The 1983 Honda Civic offers remarkable fuel efficiency, legendary Honda reliability, and a practical, compact design. Its surprisingly comfortable ride and good visibility appeal to practical buyers seeking economical, dependable transportation. For emotional buyers, its zippy handling for the era and charming vintage aesthetic provide a nostalgic, engaging driving experience, making it a beloved classic with enduring value.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 1983 Honda Civic primarily include susceptibility to rust, especially in humid climates or areas with road salt, often affecting wheel arches and rocker panels. Performance is modest by modern standards, and the lack of contemporary safety features is a significant drawback. Additionally, finding certain replacement parts can be challenging, and carbureted engines may require specialized maintenance.
1983 Honda Civic: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 1983 Honda Civic typically came with two primary engine options, both SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) inline-four cylinder units. The smaller engine was a 1.3-liter (1300cc) unit, while a more powerful 1.5-liter (1500cc) engine was also available, especially in higher trims and for the American market. These were carbureted engines, emphasizing efficiency over raw power.
- Horsepower: Horsepower figures were modest, aligning with the vehicle's economical nature. The 1.3L engine typically produced around 55-60 horsepower, while the 1.5L engine could offer approximately 60-75 horsepower, depending on the specific tuning and market.
- Fuel Economy: This was a strong suit for the 1983 Civic, with excellent fuel economy figures. Owners could expect combined EPA ratings generally in the range of 30-40+ miles per gallon, making it a very economical choice during its time.
- 0-60 Times: Performance was not a priority. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was leisurely, typically taking 12 to 15 seconds or more, depending on the engine, transmission, and body style.
- Towing Capacity: The 1983 Honda Civic was not designed for towing. Official towing capacities were either non-existent or extremely low (e.g., a few hundred pounds), and towing is generally not recommended due to the vehicle's light construction and modest powertrain.
- Trim-Level Features:
- 1300/DX: These were the more basic trims, often featuring manual steering, manual windows, vinyl or basic cloth upholstery, and an AM/FM radio. The focus was on affordability and fundamental transportation.
- 1500 GL: Stepping up, the GL trim added a more powerful 1.5L engine, better interior materials, full cloth upholstery, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, remote fuel door release, and often radial tires. Air conditioning was typically an optional extra.
- S: The "S" trim was the sportier variant, usually based on the 1.5L engine. It featured firmer suspension tuning, unique interior touches like sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and specific exterior badging, aiming for a more engaging driving experience.
- Wagovan: This 5-door wagon variant prioritized cargo space and utility, offering a very practical and versatile interior layout, appealing to those needing more hauling capability in a compact package. Features generally mirrored the DX or GL trims.
1983 Honda Civic Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1983 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Civic |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | SUZUKA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 1.5L L4 |
| Engine Size | 1.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5 Manual/Standard |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 1983 Honda Civic Have?
While the 1983 Honda Civic is renowned for its overall reliability, several age-related and design-specific issues frequently arise for long-term owners. Foremost among these is rust. Japanese cars of this era, particularly the Civic, were notoriously prone to rust, especially in areas exposed to road salt or high humidity. Common rust spots include the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floorboards, front fenders, and around the windshield and rear hatch glass. Inspecting these areas thoroughly is crucial for any potential buyer.
Another common issue relates to the carburetor. As a carbureted vehicle, the original units can become finicky over time due to wear, clogging, or vacuum leaks, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling, or hesitation. Rebuilding or replacing the carburetor is a common maintenance task for older Civics.
Electrical gremlins are also not uncommon, largely due to aging wiring, corroded connections, or failing grounds. Owners might experience intermittent issues with lights, gauges, wipers, or the radio. The distributor and ignition components (spark plugs, wires, coil) are also wear items that can lead to starting or running problems.
Over time, suspension components like bushings, ball joints, and original shocks/struts will wear out, leading to a less stable ride, noise, or poor handling. Brake components, including the master cylinder, calipers/wheel cylinders, and lines, can also deteriorate with age.
Regarding recalls, information for a vehicle of this age can be scarce and difficult to track precisely by model year. However, common recalls for vehicles of this era across manufacturers often involved potential issues with brake components, fuel system leaks, or seatbelt mechanisms. Owners should always check historical recall databases if they can, but many issues would have been addressed decades ago. Long-term reliability concerns are generally manageable for those willing to perform routine maintenance and address rust proactively. The simple mechanical design makes many repairs DIY-friendly, but parts availability for specific trim pieces or unique mechanical components can become a challenge. Despite these points, a well-maintained 1983 Civic can provide many years of dependable service.
Another common issue relates to the carburetor. As a carbureted vehicle, the original units can become finicky over time due to wear, clogging, or vacuum leaks, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling, or hesitation. Rebuilding or replacing the carburetor is a common maintenance task for older Civics.
Electrical gremlins are also not uncommon, largely due to aging wiring, corroded connections, or failing grounds. Owners might experience intermittent issues with lights, gauges, wipers, or the radio. The distributor and ignition components (spark plugs, wires, coil) are also wear items that can lead to starting or running problems.
Over time, suspension components like bushings, ball joints, and original shocks/struts will wear out, leading to a less stable ride, noise, or poor handling. Brake components, including the master cylinder, calipers/wheel cylinders, and lines, can also deteriorate with age.
Regarding recalls, information for a vehicle of this age can be scarce and difficult to track precisely by model year. However, common recalls for vehicles of this era across manufacturers often involved potential issues with brake components, fuel system leaks, or seatbelt mechanisms. Owners should always check historical recall databases if they can, but many issues would have been addressed decades ago. Long-term reliability concerns are generally manageable for those willing to perform routine maintenance and address rust proactively. The simple mechanical design makes many repairs DIY-friendly, but parts availability for specific trim pieces or unique mechanical components can become a challenge. Despite these points, a well-maintained 1983 Civic can provide many years of dependable service.
How long will the 1983 Honda Civic last?
The 1983 Honda Civic, a testament to Honda's early reputation for durability, can easily achieve and often surpass 150,000 to 200,000 miles with diligent maintenance. Many examples are still running today, highlighting a potential service life well over 30-40 years for well-cared-for units. Its long-term durability stems from its simple, robust mechanical design, which is less prone to complex electronic failures seen in modern cars.
However, weaknesses emerge over time. Rust remains the primary long-term threat, progressively weakening the body structure if not addressed. Rubber components like hoses, seals, and suspension bushings inevitably degrade, requiring replacement to maintain performance and safety. Electrical connections can become intermittent. Consistent fluid changes, regular tune-ups for the carbureted engine, and proactive rust prevention are paramount to achieving and exceeding high mileage and prolonged years of service. Neglecting these can significantly shorten its lifespan, especially in harsh environments.
However, weaknesses emerge over time. Rust remains the primary long-term threat, progressively weakening the body structure if not addressed. Rubber components like hoses, seals, and suspension bushings inevitably degrade, requiring replacement to maintain performance and safety. Electrical connections can become intermittent. Consistent fluid changes, regular tune-ups for the carbureted engine, and proactive rust prevention are paramount to achieving and exceeding high mileage and prolonged years of service. Neglecting these can significantly shorten its lifespan, especially in harsh environments.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1983 Honda Civic, characteristic of its era, featured extremely minimal built-in technology. Drivers would find basic analog gauges for speed, fuel level, and engine temperature, along with warning lights for essential functions. There were no onboard computers, complex sensor systems, or digital displays as we know them today. The vehicle's operation was purely mechanical, offering a direct and unfiltered driving experience.
For entertainment, the standard offering was typically an AM/FM radio, often a monaural unit, sometimes with a cassette player as an optional or dealer-installed upgrade. There was no Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, satellite radio, or any form of integrated infotainment system. The "tech" highlights were often limited to features like a remote fuel door release or intermittent wipers on higher trims.
Driver-assistance features were entirely absent. The 1983 Civic predates technologies like Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), traction control, stability control, cruise control, or power steering (which was often manual on base models, power assist being rare or optional on higher trims). The driving experience relied solely on driver input and skill.
Regarding safety features, the 1983 Civic came with fundamental passive safety measures. These included 3-point seatbelts for front occupants (lap belts for rear passengers), basic crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy, and a robust steel body construction. Airbags were not yet standard in vehicles and were completely unavailable. There were no side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like collision warning, lane keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring.
Crash-test ratings, as conducted by modern agencies like NHTSA or IIHS with their rigorous multi-angle tests and star ratings, did not exist for vehicles of this vintage. While the Civic met the safety standards of 1983, it would perform very poorly by contemporary crash safety standards due to the lack of modern safety structures and occupant protection systems. Optional features were mostly convenience-oriented, such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, or a rear window wiper, rather than safety or advanced tech.
For entertainment, the standard offering was typically an AM/FM radio, often a monaural unit, sometimes with a cassette player as an optional or dealer-installed upgrade. There was no Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, satellite radio, or any form of integrated infotainment system. The "tech" highlights were often limited to features like a remote fuel door release or intermittent wipers on higher trims.
Driver-assistance features were entirely absent. The 1983 Civic predates technologies like Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), traction control, stability control, cruise control, or power steering (which was often manual on base models, power assist being rare or optional on higher trims). The driving experience relied solely on driver input and skill.
Regarding safety features, the 1983 Civic came with fundamental passive safety measures. These included 3-point seatbelts for front occupants (lap belts for rear passengers), basic crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy, and a robust steel body construction. Airbags were not yet standard in vehicles and were completely unavailable. There were no side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like collision warning, lane keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring.
Crash-test ratings, as conducted by modern agencies like NHTSA or IIHS with their rigorous multi-angle tests and star ratings, did not exist for vehicles of this vintage. While the Civic met the safety standards of 1983, it would perform very poorly by contemporary crash safety standards due to the lack of modern safety structures and occupant protection systems. Optional features were mostly convenience-oriented, such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, or a rear window wiper, rather than safety or advanced tech.
What Colors Options are Available?
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In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1983 Honda Civic Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1983 Honda Civic was an affordable option, with MSRPs generally ranging from approximately $5,000 for a basic 3-door hatchback to around $8,000 for a well-equipped GL or Wagovan model. As expected, these vehicles experienced significant depreciation during their first decade, becoming inexpensive used cars.
Today, current used market prices are highly variable. Project cars or those needing significant work might fetch a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Running, average condition examples typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. Exceptionally well-preserved, low-mileage, or restored models, especially the rarer 'S' trim, can command $5,000 to $10,000 or more, showing an appreciation among collectors. Factors affecting resale value include the overall condition (rust-free bodies are highly prized), maintenance history, originality, and the specific trim level. Well-documented history also adds significant value, indicating its status as a collector's item rather than just old transportation.
Today, current used market prices are highly variable. Project cars or those needing significant work might fetch a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Running, average condition examples typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. Exceptionally well-preserved, low-mileage, or restored models, especially the rarer 'S' trim, can command $5,000 to $10,000 or more, showing an appreciation among collectors. Factors affecting resale value include the overall condition (rust-free bodies are highly prized), maintenance history, originality, and the specific trim level. Well-documented history also adds significant value, indicating its status as a collector's item rather than just old transportation.
1983 Honda Civic Cost of Ownership
The 1983 Honda Civic is generally an economical vehicle to own, particularly regarding fuel and basic maintenance. Its excellent fuel economy means low running costs at the pump. Insurance is often low due to its limited value and performance, though classic car insurance might apply for pristine examples.
Routine maintenance is relatively inexpensive, thanks to its simple mechanical design and widely available basic parts. However, repairs for specific age-related issues, such as rust remediation or carburetor overhauls, can be more costly. Finding specialized parts or mechanics familiar with vintage carbureted engines can also add to repair expenses. Overall, it remains economical if you are handy or have access to affordable, knowledgeable service, but expect occasional age-related component failures. It's less about "costly" and more about "vintage car considerations."
Routine maintenance is relatively inexpensive, thanks to its simple mechanical design and widely available basic parts. However, repairs for specific age-related issues, such as rust remediation or carburetor overhauls, can be more costly. Finding specialized parts or mechanics familiar with vintage carbureted engines can also add to repair expenses. Overall, it remains economical if you are handy or have access to affordable, knowledgeable service, but expect occasional age-related component failures. It's less about "costly" and more about "vintage car considerations."
1983 Honda Civic Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1983 Honda Civic Insurance
Insurance for a 1983 Honda Civic is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1983 Honda Civic Compare to Other Sedan?
The 1983 Honda Civic competed fiercely in the subcompact and compact segments against formidable rivals like the Toyota Corolla (E70 generation), Nissan Sentra (B11 generation), Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf Mk1, Ford Escort, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
In terms of performance, the Civic's 1.5L engine offered zippy, if not fast, acceleration, often feeling more agile than the comparable Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra. The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, however, stood out as the performance leader with its fuel-injected engine and superior handling. The domestic Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier often felt less refined and powerful in comparison.
Features across this class were generally basic, focusing on utility. The Civic offered a well-packaged interior with good visibility and surprising room for its size, often matching or slightly exceeding rivals like the Corolla and Sentra in perceived quality and ergonomics. Most vehicles in this class lacked significant creature comforts, with air conditioning and automatic transmissions being common options. The Civic's Wagovan body style offered a unique versatility that few rivals directly matched in such a compact footprint.
Reliability was a significant strength for the Japanese contenders. The Honda Civic, alongside the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra, set high benchmarks for dependability and longevity. They consistently outshone their European and American counterparts, which often suffered from more frequent mechanical or electrical issues. While all cars of this vintage are prone to rust, the Japanese models earned their reputation for mechanical robustness.
Price was competitive across the board, with all models aiming for the budget-conscious consumer. The Civic offered excellent value for money given its fuel efficiency and reliability.
Recommendation: For pure long-term reliability and fuel economy, the 1983 Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla (E70) remain top choices. They are often considered "bulletproof" if maintained. If a slightly sportier driving experience is desired, the Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf (especially the GTI variant) is a compelling alternative, though it might come with higher maintenance demands for its more complex engine and potentially higher rust susceptibility. For those prioritizing cargo space, the Civic Wagovan was a remarkably practical option, a niche that few rivals filled as effectively. The Civic offered a robust blend of practicality, economy, and dependability, making it an excellent choice for a vintage daily driver or enthusiast project, particularly a rust-free example.
In terms of performance, the Civic's 1.5L engine offered zippy, if not fast, acceleration, often feeling more agile than the comparable Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra. The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, however, stood out as the performance leader with its fuel-injected engine and superior handling. The domestic Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier often felt less refined and powerful in comparison.
Features across this class were generally basic, focusing on utility. The Civic offered a well-packaged interior with good visibility and surprising room for its size, often matching or slightly exceeding rivals like the Corolla and Sentra in perceived quality and ergonomics. Most vehicles in this class lacked significant creature comforts, with air conditioning and automatic transmissions being common options. The Civic's Wagovan body style offered a unique versatility that few rivals directly matched in such a compact footprint.
Reliability was a significant strength for the Japanese contenders. The Honda Civic, alongside the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra, set high benchmarks for dependability and longevity. They consistently outshone their European and American counterparts, which often suffered from more frequent mechanical or electrical issues. While all cars of this vintage are prone to rust, the Japanese models earned their reputation for mechanical robustness.
Price was competitive across the board, with all models aiming for the budget-conscious consumer. The Civic offered excellent value for money given its fuel efficiency and reliability.
Recommendation: For pure long-term reliability and fuel economy, the 1983 Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla (E70) remain top choices. They are often considered "bulletproof" if maintained. If a slightly sportier driving experience is desired, the Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf (especially the GTI variant) is a compelling alternative, though it might come with higher maintenance demands for its more complex engine and potentially higher rust susceptibility. For those prioritizing cargo space, the Civic Wagovan was a remarkably practical option, a niche that few rivals filled as effectively. The Civic offered a robust blend of practicality, economy, and dependability, making it an excellent choice for a vintage daily driver or enthusiast project, particularly a rust-free example.
Final Verdict: Is the 1983 Honda Civic a Good Sedan?
The 1983 Honda Civic is ideal for several distinct groups: the budget-conscious urban commuter seeking ultra-economical and reliable transportation, the classic car enthusiast appreciating its historical significance and simple mechanics, and the DIY mechanic looking for a relatively straightforward project.
Is it worth buying today? Yes, but with significant caveats. It's exclusively a used purchase now, and finding a well-maintained, rust-free example is paramount. The 'S' trim appeals to enthusiasts for its sportier characteristics, while DX and GL trims offer practical daily usability.
This vehicle is an excellent secondary car or a fun, engaging project for someone who understands its limitations regarding modern safety, amenities, and performance. It's not recommended as a primary family vehicle. Be prepared for age-related maintenance, and prioritize examples with documented history and minimal rust to truly enjoy the enduring charm and reliability of this iconic compact.
Is it worth buying today? Yes, but with significant caveats. It's exclusively a used purchase now, and finding a well-maintained, rust-free example is paramount. The 'S' trim appeals to enthusiasts for its sportier characteristics, while DX and GL trims offer practical daily usability.
This vehicle is an excellent secondary car or a fun, engaging project for someone who understands its limitations regarding modern safety, amenities, and performance. It's not recommended as a primary family vehicle. Be prepared for age-related maintenance, and prioritize examples with documented history and minimal rust to truly enjoy the enduring charm and reliability of this iconic compact.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.