1995 - 2000 Honda Civic 5 door hatch/Aerodeck

Specs above are for 1.8 VTi/VTiS models.

Introduction

Honda Launched the Civic 5 door range (model codes MA, MB and MC for the Aerodecks) in 1995. In 1996/7, Honda carried out a mild facelift which consisted of different front headlights/front wings and bonnet design, and different bumpers. Here was a stylish, practical car with a range of engines and trim levels from 1.4cc to 1.5cc, 1.6cc and 1.8cc. Equipment levels were good (especially for the time) with even entry level models (Designated "S") getting a decent spec. All models featured dual front airbags, side impact beams seat belt height adjustment, rev counter, radio cassette player (CD changer as an option), electric windows (except the base 1.4 S model, although that was available with an "Electric pack" option) and electric mirrors.  Most models also featured an electric sliding/tilting glass sunroof. Models with disc brakes all round also featured ABS. The range proved very popular, and with Honda's excellent reliability and build quality, sales were high. At the time, British manufacturer Rover were looking for another marque to join forces with (they had already approached Nissan but were turned down) to develop a new model jointly. Honda agreed, and Rover then began producing it's own Rover badged 400 and 45 versions of the Civic. The 5 Door Aerodeck (pictured below) arrived in 1997. Due to costs, Rover opted not to produce it's own version of this although there are photos of 2 Rover badged Civic Aerodecks, but Rover never officially launched an Aerodeck version! The brief for the Aerodeck was to design a compact executive estate/tourer and it was pitched to compete against the BMW 3 series tourer.

Bodywork

Both the Civic 5 door and Civic 5 door Aerodeck models feature plastic side skirts and (except early pre-facelift MA8 & MA9 models) colour coded bumpers and mirrors. Vti models also feature a front spoiler/lip, and VTiS models feature a deeper front spoiler along with deeper side skirts and rear lip.The VTiS kit was available in the accessory brochure for other models. A boot spoiler was also standard on VTi hatchbacks, but again was also on the options list for other models. Base spec models and LS models came with standard 14inch steel wheels (alloys available on any variant as an option) SE upwards coming with alloys as standard.

Rust wise, the Civic 5 door range has proved to be pretty decent at resisting rust, although that doesn't mean there won't be any! Pay attention to the rear wheel arches and rear sills. These can be either really good or really bad! Honda did try to protect them by fitting a rubber trim all the way round the rear arch to protect the paint from stones thrown up by the wheels etc. Some people remove them, their reasoning being that they trap water/dirt causing rust. DON'T! These trims do protect the arch, all that's required is to remove them every so often to clean them out/clean the arch. The plastic side skirts also go some way to protect the sills, although they also hide any rust that may be there! Not easy to remove without breaking the clips, so try and check the area as best you can. The state of the rear sill ends/inner wheel arch will be a good indication of the condition behind the skirt. Front floor pans can also attract rust. Reason being is usually due to the underseal coming off due to age or more likely blocked sunroof drains. These allow water to ingress into the car, and end up soaking the front footwells. Left alone, this will rot out the floor. Other causes can be the bonding around the windscreen has failed. The front jacking points can also rust, so check these as you would do on any other car. Other than the bonnet on pre-facelift models, these Civics are pretty good rust wise.

Interior

Engine and Chassis