Honda Civic 3rd Gen

The 3rd generation Honda Civic, sold from 1984-1987, was a significant step forward for the nameplate. Known in Japan as the “Wonder Civic,” it featured a distinctive, angular design and a variety of body styles including a 3-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, a tall wagon called the Shuttle, and the sporty CRX coupe. Honda introduced advanced engineering for its class, with front double wishbone suspension on most models, creating a car praised for its sharp handling and efficient packaging.

Collectors appreciate the 3rd gen Civic for its pure, lightweight driving experience and quintessential 1980s aesthetic. The fuel-injected Si models, available in both hatchback and CRX forms, are the most desirable variants thanks to their rev-happy 1.5L engines and agile chassis. These cars represent a golden era for Honda, combining reliability and economy with genuine driver involvement, making them a cornerstone of the early import tuning scene.

The market for these Civics is highly dependent on condition and originality. The average sale price hovers around $9,000, but this figure includes many well-used examples. Survivor-quality, low-mileage cars, particularly Si models, can achieve surprising results, with top sales exceeding $42,000. It's a market where pristine, un-modified examples command a massive premium over typical driver-quality cars.

Prices range from under $1,000 for project cars to over $42,750 for pristine, collector-grade Si models.