The Honda Civic used to be small, light, useful, and fun to drive. The last two, at least, are still intact. On the other hand, Honda’s best years were the 1990s and early 2000s, when Civics were cheap and great cars. This model is in good condition and has been used sparingly. Honda Civics from the late 1980s and early 1990s were easy to get in the past. You can always find a used Civic for a reasonable price, enjoy its well-maintained handling and quick, yet fuel-efficient engine, and then sell it for almost the same price you paid for it. Those good times are over, though, because most Hondas from that time are now just worn out. But every once in a while, a historical prize is found. Today’s featured listing comes from Bring a Trailer, a platform operated by Hearst Autos in partnership with invoice pricing. The 1990 Honda Civic Si, a three-door hatchback, boasts the most useful features in the smallest size possible. Along with other factory and aftermarket improvements, it features a CD player, air conditioning, and a more efficient exhaust system. But what really draws people to this little hatchback is that it’s a lightweight car that uses little gas and loves revving, which makes me think of the good old days. In 1987, the fourth-generation Civic was introduced as the final iteration of the third-generation Civic. It was more of an improvement than a revolution. Because it had a fully independent back suspension and a double-wishbone suspension up front, this car was surprisingly quick, especially the Si version. One overhead cam was in the Si’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but each cylinder had four valves, and the engine could rev as high as 6,500 rpm. It was more advanced and powerful than the Japanese engines. When it debuted, Honda enthusiasts knew it as the D16A6 — a lightweight engine that generated 108 horsepower, powering a car that tipped the scales at under 2,300 pounds. Even though it didn’t have much power, the Civic Si made driving fun when you turned up the tachometer. This car’s odometer indicates 103,000 miles, but there is a slight discrepancy around the 90,000-mile mark. It’s not perfect, but it looks great and is in good shape. With a few finishing touches, it could become the ideal blend of practicality and classic appeal for driving enthusiasts. This simple hatchback is a nice change from today’s complicated people-haulers. Additionally, it reminds people of the days when they had a notebook full of CDs in their glove box. This car doesn’t have Honda’s VTEC, but the Kenwood sound system lets you play *NSYNC and wave goodbye as the road turns. Even if you prefer the hybrid Civic over the Si, the modern model is a great choice because it’s both fun to drive and practical. But it’s the same size as the last Accord. People used to drive small Civics every day, but now you can still enjoy them.
