In early 1996, Car and Driver tested the Honda Civic HX with a revolutionary new feature: a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This wasn’t just another car review; it marked a turning point in automotive technology. Honda’s long-running Civic, already a mainstay for over two decades, was pushing boundaries with this gearless system.
A New Design, Inside and Out
The sixth-generation Civic retained its sleek coupe profile but featured updated aesthetics. Redesigned headlights, elongated taillamps, and subtle dimensional changes (slightly longer, wider, and taller) made it stand out. More importantly, interior space increased noticeably, adding 4.5 cubic feet of passenger volume for greater comfort. The dashboard was constructed from recyclable polypropylene, reducing glare and enhancing practicality.
The Engine: Lean-Burn Efficiency
Under the hood was a refined 1.6-liter VTEC-E four-cylinder engine, now producing 115 horsepower—a 23-hp increase from previous models. This engine used clever variable valve timing to optimize combustion under low-load conditions. By selectively closing one intake valve, it created a richer air-fuel mixture for reliable ignition, then switched to full-valve operation at higher speeds for improved power.
The CVT: A Radical Shift in Transmission Tech
The real story was the CVT. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gears, this system used a single metal V-belt between two variable-diameter pulleys. The computer dynamically adjusted pulley sizes to provide a seamless range of ratios, from 2.45:1 at takeoff to 0.45:1 at high speeds. The driver could select Drive (D), Sport (S), or Low (L) modes, each altering the CVT’s behavior for economy, performance, or engine braking.
Performance and Track Testing
The CVT proved surprisingly capable. Instrumented testing showed a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.4 seconds in Sport mode—faster than a comparable Civic with a conventional four-speed automatic. The quarter-mile was covered in 17.3 seconds at 81 mph, nearly a second quicker than the traditional automatic. While fuel economy suffered slightly during hard acceleration, the CVT’s efficiency was evident in everyday driving.
Street Impressions: Smooth and Refined
Reviewers praised the CVT’s quiet operation at idle and its smooth acceleration. Unlike conventional automatics, the engine speed remained stable during cruising, and the transmission responded instantly to throttle inputs. One tester described the experience as appealing to their “new-tech instincts.” Honda priced the HX with CVT at under $14,700, making it a compelling option for tech-savvy buyers.
Reliability Concerns, But Potential Gains
Despite reservations about long-term reliability (a common concern with new technologies), the CVT impressed early adopters. The Honda Civic HX CVT was a bold step forward, demonstrating that gearless driving wasn’t just possible—it could be enjoyable and efficient. The test showed that the transmission delivered measurable performance improvements over conventional options, while also providing a refined driving experience.
