1993 Honda Civic CX from North America - Comments

Clutch is jerking in first gear. First problem I have had since buying the car. I am going to replace the CX motor with a 1.8 DOHC VTEC Integra Type R motor. Brake light bulbs keep blowing up.

This little hatchback may not be much in it's factory form, but here in the United States, it is the car of choice when it comes to import tuning and modifying. It has the BEST POTENTIAL to be a serious sports car when modified, the parts are easily found at any performance shop, and the best thing is most of it's parts are interchangeable with other model Honda's (or Acura here in the U.S.) from different years, newer or older. Another thing is the performance parts cost cheaper than the factory parts. A factory hood weighs about 30 pounds and costs about 600 dollars. A much better looking carbon fibre hood weighs about 5 pounds and costs about 300 dollars. Better performance for a lower price.

A sports car? Um, hello...it's a Civic... made for mileage... leave it be.

Surely if you intended to sport out your little Civic, would it not be best to purchase a Civic that is not the bottom or base model? This would save you lots of money with regards to uprating suspension parts. Also the bigger engine would be more potent when modified.

No..actually the CX is the best model to modify since it has no extra weight. No a/c, no power steering. this car is made to be light, so you stick a better engine under the hood with some turbos and there you have it.. your ready to go!!

The Civic CX from this generation is an awesome car to build. It has unreal handling with upgraded suspension, its real light, and is damn fast with the right modifications. The Type R motor is a perfect swap... Easy to install (including Power Steering) and loads of fun. The best part is beating the ignorant fool next to you @ a red light with ease...

I don't agree with the author's idea of performance modifications being cheap though, unless you're LOADED.

Is it really easy to just swap over the engine? And with power steering, get real, power steering does not just mount in to you stock rack and pinion, you would have to replace that, most likely tie rod's, and run power steering line's, does the tranny even mount up? And does suspension upgrades really make it more comfortable? Nope, lowering your car, adding tighter suspension makes you feel every bump, and yes your car will handle better when cornering, but when you acel your car dances side to side with every small bump. Good luck kids, save your money and give it to your mechanic to do all this easy stuff, that is so easy anyone could do it, lol.

PS can be installed with an Integra or civic PS steering rack & Civic SI lines. GSR/Type R racks are best. The pump, belt, lines, and all that jazz come with the integra motor. Pretty easy, awesome upgrade. As far as swaps go, this an easy one as the EG civic and the integra share similar chassis designs. The Integra motor will drop right in, the axles fit, and the wiring isn't overly complicated. There are no transmission issues. Stiff suspension is pretty uncomfortable, but loads of fun. IMHO if you want to do this, comfort should be a low priority. It's a race car for the street.

Funny, I just bought a 1993 Honda Civic HB CX and I wouldn't want power steering or a more powerful engine. It does good uphill with 3 fullsize adults in it. I haven't had 4 adults in it yet, but 3 is the same as driving empty.

No power steering means better fuel mileage, less weight from the extra parts and it robs power from the engine to turn the power steering belt. I used to have a Mazda B2200 with non-power steering and it was awesome on gas and the engine lasted quite awhile for being at about 670,000kms... that's not a misprint!

Any extra stuff the engine has to spin (fan, P/S, etc) will rob power and cause it to use more fuel, and the engine will inevitably wear out quicker.

I got my Civic CX for 1 thing, transportation to work for as cheap as possible. With gas and insurance added together, it's still cheaper than taking public transportation.

I can't believe it www.fueleconomy.gov has this 1993 civic HB rated at 43MPG... the 2009 civic hybrid gets 42MPG.

Why are they not making more cars like this???

I filled my tank up, including the filler neck, I topped it right up, I've done 150kms already and the fuel gauge is still on Full. $37 to fill it and I'm going to see how many KMS I get out of a tank.

The money I save on gas can be put towards fixing this thing up and insurance to drive it, and it's like so much savings.

Compared to a fullsize SUV with a V8, it's like getting your parts and insurance free with what you can save on gas.

$600 a month on gas or $80.