In the quest for a reliable and budget-friendly vehicle during my college years in the 1980s, the classified ads pointed me towards an unexpected gem: a 1980 Honda Civic GL. At the time, I wasn’t particularly familiar with this model, but the attractive price tag was enough to pique my interest. Little did I know, this unassuming car would not only become my trusty companion but also introduce me to the enduring appeal of the 1980s Honda Civic.
My initial impression of the Civic was somewhat understated. Its compact size and somewhat “cute” design didn’t immediately align with my preferences. This was, after all, the second generation Civic, a more mature and refined version of the quirky hatchback that Honda had introduced to the US in the 70s. However, stepping inside and comparing it to my Dad’s 1981 Dodge Omni, the Civic was in a different league. The dashboard was a model of simplicity and functionality, boasting full instrumentation, including a tachometer. The controls were clearly laid out, easy to reach, and operated with a smoothness that was absent in the Omni. The ergonomics were, simply put, excellent. These are features we often take for granted today, but back in the 1980s, Honda was setting benchmarks while domestic manufacturers were still grappling with the automotive malaise of the era.
Dashboard of a 1980s Honda Civic GL showing simple and functional design
The Joy of Driving a 1980s Honda Civic
Behind the wheel, the 1980s Honda Civic truly shined, especially when compared to the Omni. The Civic offered a slick 5-speed manual transmission, a light clutch, and responsive manual steering. The eager 1500cc engine was a rev-happy powerplant that encouraged spirited driving. These characteristics were hallmarks of Honda vehicles at the time, and I quickly fell in love with the Civic’s engaging nature. The decision to purchase this car was a no-brainer.
However, being a six-year-old vehicle with 75,000 miles, the Civic did show some signs of age. On a tight college budget, I opted for affordable “Guardsmen” radial tires from Sears to replace the worn-out originals. I also treated myself to a cassette player and amplifier for the stereo and tackled some bodywork to address the rust that was beginning to appear, a common issue for cars in the Midwest due to road salt.
Throughout college and graduate school, this silver Civic became my pride and joy. It reliably transported me to my summer internship in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and served as my occasional weekend autocross companion around campus parking lots. Those Sears Guardsmen tires would often voice their protest with loud squeals as I pushed the car through corners, a wide grin on my face. Summers were filled with memorable road trips across the Midwest, including an unforgettable overnight drive from Chicago to Columbus. Another highlight was a mother-son journey to Boston and New England, traversing scenic upstate New York.
Side profile of a silver 1980s Honda Civic GL showcasing its compact size and design
Honda Engineering and Lasting Impressions
The 1980s Civic was simply a delight to drive. Its agility and maneuverability, combined with an engine that thrived when pushed, made every drive enjoyable. While not particularly fast, the harmonious integration of all its components created a rewarding and fun driving experience. I became convinced that Honda possessed a certain magic in their 1980s engineering. When Honda recruiters visited Ohio State, I was eager to join their ranks, especially with their new factory and tech center located near campus. However, fate had other plans, and I ended up accepting a position with GM after an internship there.
As graduation approached and I prepared to move to Michigan for my new job at GM, I faced a dilemma: how to keep my beloved Honda while also driving something “politically correct” – a GM or American-made car – to work. Unfortunately, the rust that had been a persistent issue was now taking its toll. The rear floorboards had succumbed to corrosion, leaving only the carpet separating passengers’ feet from the road below. Bumps in the road resulted in pieces of the underbody detaching, leaving a trail of rust. The Civic was no longer safe for extended driving. My Dad, having moved on from his Omni to a Ford Escort, offered to lend me the Escort and take over the Civic until I could acquire a suitable GM vehicle.
Rear view of a 1980s Honda Civic GL highlighting its hatchback design and taillights
The final fate of my 1980s Honda Civic remains unknown to me. My Dad drove it for a period before it likely ended up in a junkyard. I missed it dearly, especially when driving his underwhelming 1988 Ford Escort. Despite having a 5-speed transmission, the Escort felt clunky and unrefined compared to the nimble Civic. I couldn’t wait to return the Escort to him. My experience with the 1980s Honda Civic left a lasting impression, a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and the enduring charm of this classic compact car. It remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when simple, well-executed vehicles could deliver an exceptional driving experience.
