Honda: Why did they stop making the Civic VX ?

BullyCanadian

Platinum Member
May 4, 2003
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Why was it disscontinued? It got great gas mileage (rivalling some of the Hybrids out now) and was pretty decent power wise (I believe 102hp). Was it because of the NOx concerns because of the lean burning engine? Curious because Im thinking about selling my '92 Saturn SL2 and picking up a '92 Civic VX. Only downside to the Civic is that it has no A/C (My saturns A/C hasnt worked in the last 4 years anyways) but everything looks to be in excellent condition. Any ceveat emptors looking at this model? The guy is asking $2500 obo, I'm thinking of taking $2k cash when I go test drive and offer that take it or leave it.
 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
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76
price of gas bottoming out mid 90s likely a contributing factor.
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
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the VX made less power than other models, i think it was 98 HP, which obviously isn't much of a difference. most of them were 5-speed anyway, and i'd bet they could outrun a slushbox CX.

part of the problem is that car weights have gone up dramatically in order to improve stiffness, crash durability, and handling. the VX was probably around 2200-2300 pounds, compared to around 3000 for a civic today. so they couldn't just use the same engine in a new civic and get that kind of mileage...

but i think it's clear that they could be making normal cars that get great mileage and not just hybrid-gimmick cars. after all, the highway figures on hybrids don't benefit from the system (actually, they are likely impeded by the weight). why not sacrafice just a bit of that for a slightly bigger engine, and ditch the weight and complexity of the hybrid system altogether? you 'd end up with a modern VX: cheap, incredible mileage, light, and easy to maintain.
 

EarthwormJim

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 2003
3,239
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They did continue it essentially till '98 or '99 with the Civic HX coupe. While not a hatchback or getting as good of gas mileage, it still had a VTEC-E engine and got 40/45 miles per gallon or so.

I'd definitely try to work the guy down from even 2k. But either way you'll end up saving a ton on gas money.
 

daveshel

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
5,453
2
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They probably were never widely available. I wanted to buy the Civic HX three years ago. It existed online but the 2 dealers in my area said they could never get them. I ended up with an LX, which only gets around 30mpg around town.