How much was a 1996 Honda Civic?

In the U.S. market, a new 1996 Honda Civic typically listed between about $10,500 for a base CX hatchback and roughly $16,300 for a well-equipped EX coupe or sedan, before destination charges and options. Adjusted for inflation, that’s approximately $21,000 to $33,000 in 2025 dollars. Below, we break down how those prices varied by trim, what influenced the sticker, and what comparable examples cost on today’s used market.

Original MSRP in 1996 (U.S.)

Honda’s 1996 Civic lineup spanned multiple body styles and trims, each with distinct standard equipment. Exact prices varied slightly by timing and region, but period window stickers and price sheets put most models in the ranges below; all figures exclude destination and dealer-installed options.

• CX hatchback (3-door): approximately $10,500–$10,900
• DX hatchback (3-door): approximately $11,300–$11,900
• DX sedan (4-door): approximately $12,300–$12,900
• HX coupe (fuel-economy focus): approximately $13,000–$13,600
• LX sedan (added comforts): approximately $14,100–$14,700
• EX coupe/sedan (SOHC VTEC, more features): approximately $15,700–$16,300

Buyers typically also paid a destination charge (commonly around the high-$300 range in the mid-1990s), plus any options such as air conditioning on lower trims, automatic transmission, alloy wheels, upgraded audio, or anti-lock brakes where offered.

What that equals in today’s dollars

Using broad consumer price inflation since 1996, Civic MSRPs from that year roughly double in purchasing power terms today. This provides a useful yardstick when comparing the 1996 car’s value proposition to modern compacts.

• Base CX hatchback (~$10,500 in 1996): roughly $21,000–$22,000 today
• EX coupe/sedan (~$16,000 in 1996): roughly $32,000–$33,000 today

These approximations help frame how the Civic’s then-affordable entry price compares to contemporary compact-car pricing, acknowledging that safety, tech, and performance expectations have also evolved substantially.

What a 1996 Civic costs now (used market, 2025)

Values for 1996 Civics in 2025 reflect condition, mileage, provenance, geographic rust exposure, and modifications. The model’s popularity and 1990s nostalgia have buoyed prices for clean, unmodified examples.

• Rough/high-mileage drivers: about $1,500–$4,000
• Solid daily drivers with moderate miles and light mods: about $4,000–$7,000
• Clean, largely stock, well-maintained examples: about $7,000–$12,000
• Exceptional low-mileage or enthusiast-grade builds: can exceed $12,000–$18,000+

Special cases—such as rare factory options, documented one-owner cars, or legal imports of high-spec overseas variants—can command premiums, while heavy modifications or rust can depress values.

What drove the original price differences

Beyond body style, several equipment and powertrain choices separated entry-level from higher-priced models in 1996.

• Trim content: EX added features such as SOHC VTEC engine, power accessories, and often a sunroof; LX offered comfort features over DX/CX.
• Powertrains: DX/CX used a non-VTEC 1.6L; HX introduced a fuel-economy-focused VTEC-E setup; EX featured a more powerful SOHC VTEC 1.6L.
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual standard; 4-speed automatic typically added several hundred dollars.
• Options and packages: Air conditioning, ABS (availability varied by trim), alloy wheels, and upgraded audio could move the price notably.
• Destination and regional factors: Delivery fees and local ad assessments applied on top of MSRP.

The combination of trim level, transmission, and option content largely determined whether a buyer paid closer to the low-$10,000s or the mid-$16,000s before fees.

Model lineup context in 1996

The 1996 Civic marked the start of the sixth-generation model in the U.S., offered as hatchback, coupe, and sedan. Entry trims prioritized affordability and efficiency, the HX targeted fuel economy, and the EX delivered the most performance and features in the mainstream lineup. The high-revving Si badge would not return to U.S. Civics until later in the generation, while performance-oriented variants like the Type R were never officially sold stateside at the time.

Summary

A 1996 Honda Civic cost roughly $10,500 to $16,300 new in the U.S., depending on trim and options, plus destination—about $21,000 to $33,000 in today’s dollars. On the 2025 used market, prices range widely from under $4,000 for tired examples to well over $12,000 for clean, stock, or special cars. Trim level, transmission, and equipment were the main drivers of original price differences, with the EX sitting at the top of the mainstream lineup.

How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1997?

A 1997 Honda Civic’s price varies, with the average used price ranging from approximately $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the specific trim, features, mileage, condition, and location. For example, the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Fair Purchase Price for a DX Coupe is around $2,172, while an LX Sedan might be closer to $2,277.
 
Here’s a breakdown of factors influencing the price:

• Trim Level: Different trims like the CX, DX, LX, and EX had different original MSRPs and thus influence the current used value. 
• Mileage: Vehicles with lower mileage generally have higher prices. 
• Condition: The overall condition of the vehicle, including any accident history or mechanical issues, significantly impacts its market value. 
• Features: Optional features and packages can also add to the car’s value. 
• Location: Prices can vary regionally. 

Where to find more specific pricing:

• Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Provides current resale and trade-in values based on trim, mileage, and condition. 
• Edmunds: Offers a range of values based on condition, mileage, and vehicle history. 
• J.D. Power: Offers pricing for specific trims like the LX 4-Door Sedan across different retail levels. 
• Local Marketplaces: Websites like Cars.com and CarGurus.com list vehicles for sale in your area, showing current asking prices. 

How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1998?

1998 Honda Civic pricing starts at $2,100 for the Civic CX Hatchback 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $11,045 when new. The range-topping 1998 Civic EX Sedan 4D starts at $2,708 today, originally priced from $16,875.

How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1996?

The original MSRP for a 1996 Honda Civic ranged from around $10,350 to $16,660, depending on the trim. A used 1996 Honda Civic’s value can vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and trim, but generally falls between $326 and $1,653, according to Edmunds. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) suggests a fair purchase price for a DX Coupe 2D is around $1,981, while the LX Sedan 4D is around $2,086. 
Factors Affecting Used Civic Prices:

• Condition: Vehicles in better condition with lower mileage will command higher prices. 
• Trim Level: Higher trim levels like the EX often have a higher original MSRP and therefore may hold their value better than base trims. 
• Features: Features such as air conditioning, power windows, and other options can also influence the price. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally translates to a higher price. 
• Location: Prices can vary based on location and local market conditions. 
• Demand: Popularity of the model and local demand can affect the selling price. 

How much did a Honda Civic cost in 1995?

1995 Honda Civic Pricing

	Original MSRP	KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
LX Sedan 4D	$13,700	$1,986
Si Hatchback 2D	$13,920	$2,203
EX Coupe 2D	$14,410	$2,149
EX Sedan 4D	$16,580	$2,487