1988 Honda Civic Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Let the drum rolls begin. Power and looks are at the forefront of generation four of the Honda Civic, and a wide variety of engines come into play. All models except for the CRX had a longer wheel base and all had more glass and a lower hood line added to looks, almost making the Civic a stylish ride.

It is 2006 as this is written, but even back then, the '88 Honda Civic was technically advanced. Its top CRX and hatchback models incorporated VTEC technology (more about this in a second); most all had a double wishbone suspension in both the front and rear; and each cylinder had 4 valves.

Still it was VTEC that had tongues wagging. VTEC stands for variable timing and lift, electronically controlled and simply means that engine speed controls the amount that the intake/exhaust valves are opened to enhance performance.

But even those Civics that didn't rate VTEC had changes. The wagon, DX sedan and hatchback, and new LX sedan all boasted a 1.5-liter engine with 16-valves, 16-valve producing greater horsepower. Even the base hatchback had a version of the same engine, just a bit lower in hp. And, the CRX got kicked up, too with a 16 valve, 1.6 liter engine.

The '88 Civic came in several models: a hatchback, sedan, wagon, and the ultra-cool 3-door CRX.

Most drivers, of any '88 Civic model, love it and some even suggest, "if it's good new, it's even better used."