<Ul> <Li> Honda N600 </Li> <Li> Honda Z600 </Li> </Ul> <Tr> <Th> Successor </Th> <Td> Honda Civic (second generation) </Td> </Tr> <P> The first generation Honda Civic is an automobile which was produced by Honda in Japan from July 1972 to 1979 . </P> <P> Honda began selling the 1169 cc (70 in3) transversely mounted inline - four engine Civic for about US $2,200 . The Civic was largely developed as a new platform, and was the result of taking the previous Honda N600 and increasing the length, width, height, and wheelbase . The engine displacement was almost double the previous N600 (599 cc) at 1,170 cc, with two more cylinders added . The car produced roughly 50 hp (37 kW) and included power front disc brakes, vinyl seating, reclining bucket seats, and a woodgrain - accented dashboard which has many similarities to the later Rover SD1 . The hatchback version added a fold - down rear seat, an AM radio, and cloth upholstery . The car had front and rear independent suspension . A four - speed manual transmission was standard . Options for the Civic were kept to a minimum, consisting of air conditioning, a two - speed semi-automatic transmission called the Hondamatic, radial tires, and a rear wiper for the hatchback . The car could achieve 40 mpg (5.9 L / 100 km; 48 mpg) on the highway, and with a small 86.6 - inch (2,200 mm) wheelbase and 139.8 - inch (3,550 mm) overall length, the vehicle weighed 1,500 pounds (680 kg). </P>

When did the honda civic first come out