The 1983 Honda Civic seems to be the first time that owners actually voiced any complaints — and those are today's complaints. Drivers find that the lightness of the Civic (about 1200 pounds) makes it difficult to get good road traction and other complain that it rusts (well, after 24 years, it's hard to expect otherwise, I'd think).

The Civic S was introduced in 1983 to begin competing with other sportier cars. The '83 Civic S had a rear stabilizer bar for firmer suspension and announced itself with an encircled S so everyone could tell that you had the best and newest and sportiest little Civic.

Used '83 Civics are considered by lots of used car owners and buyers to be the "best transportation bargain on the planet." And, if you look hard enough you can still find some decent ones for sale. Also, if you're handy, there are loads of spare parts and repair manuals to be found online.