1988 Honda Civic LX Test Drive

1988 was a big year for Honda, with two of its three model lines undergoing complete generational changeovers. The Civic lineup was all new, with more aerodynamic looks, more powerful engines, and more room inside. The Civic hatchback and sedan both moved upscale for 1988. The Hatch added 4.7 in. to the wheelbase, most of it to the benefit of rear seat passengers. The 4-door made do with only a 1.9 in. stretch, but enjoyed noticeable refinements in NVH characteristics along with a more plush interior and larger trunk. A new top line LX was added. Both hatch and sedan got 1.5 liter 16v engines. Base powerplant in the former made 70hp, while the DX version got a 92 hp variant, ditto for both sedan models.