Honda Civic 4th Gen

The 4th generation Civic, known by its 'EF' chassis code, debuted for the 1988 model year with a lower, wider body and a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. This feature, typically found on more expensive sports cars, gave the affordable Civic excellent handling characteristics and cemented its reputation with enthusiasts. Body styles included a hatchback, sedan, wagon (Shuttle), and the CRX coupe, with fuel-injected engines becoming standard across the line.

Collectors are drawn to the EF Civic for its simple mechanics, light weight, and huge role in the 1990s import tuner scene. Finding an unmodified example is a challenge, as most were modified for performance or simply used up as daily transportation. The Si hatchback, with its more powerful D16A6 engine and sport-tuned suspension, is the most sought-after model, followed by the rare, all-wheel-drive RT4WD "Wagovan."

Market values reflect this rarity and demand. While project cars can still be found for a few thousand dollars, the average price hovers around $9,000. Exceptional, low-mileage examples, especially the Si model, have sold for over $30,000, showing a strong upward trend for this once-disposable economy car.

Prices range from as little as $300 for project cars to over $31,000 for top-spec, low-mileage examples.