Honda Civic 1200
A small car made roomy by turning its engine sideways and putting people first.
1973 Honda Civic Coupe (23433060569).jpg · Sicnag · CC BY 2.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Honda launched the first Civic in Japan in 1972 and began exporting it to the United States in 1973. This profile covers the original 1,169 cc car, before the later CVCC version. Its short, wide two-box body, sideways engine and front-wheel drive left useful room for people and luggage. Four-wheel independent strut suspension was unusual for a small front-wheel-drive car at the time.
Look a little closer.
Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” idea means giving more space to people and less to machinery.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Small outside, carefully packed inside
The three-door Civic was 3,405 mm long and 1,505 mm wide, with a 2,200 mm wheelbase. Honda used a tray-like dashboard and a transverse engine to make the cabin feel larger than the exterior suggested.
Source: Honda · Man Maximum, Machine Minimum: first Civic packaging ↗Four wheels, four independent struts
Instead of joining the rear wheels with a rigid axle, the development team chose strut suspension at all four corners. Honda says the layout helped interior space, balance, handling and weight. The rear struts were tilted to make room for passengers.
Source: Honda · 75-year history: developing the Civic ↗The later CVCC is a different version
Honda released the Civic CVCC in December 1973. Its special combustion system became famous for meeting U.S. emissions rules without a catalytic converter. That history matters, but its engine should not be mixed into this earlier 1,169 cc non-CVCC profile.
Source: Honda · Civic development and CVCC timeline ↗Where these facts come from
- Honda · 75 Years: first Civic engineering and history
- Honda · Man Maximum, Machine Minimum: dimensions and transmission
- Honda · U.S. Civic exports began in 1973
- Honda · announcing the Civic and later CVCC timeline
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.