What engine does a 1999 Honda Civic have?
It depends on the trim and market: most 1999 Honda Civics use a 1.6-liter inline-four from Honda’s D-series, while performance variants use a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC from the B-series. In the U.S., common engines are the D16Y7 (DX/LX/VP), D16Y5 (HX), D16Y8 (EX), and the B16A2 in the Si. Other regions offered additional 1.4L, 1.5L, and 1.6L options, including the B16A/B16B in sport models.
Contents
Why the answer varies
The sixth-generation Honda Civic (1996–2000, known internally as the EK/EM chassis family) was sold globally with market-specific trims and engines. Emissions rules, fuel economy targets, and model positioning led Honda to offer several distinct powertrains in 1999, even though many shared the same 1.6-liter displacement.
United States market (1999 Civic)
In the U.S., the 1999 Civic lineup spanned fuel-sipping commuters to a high-revving Si. Here are the engines by mainstream trim, which cover the vast majority of U.S.-sold cars that year.
- D16Y7 — 1.6L SOHC, non-VTEC (DX, LX, and Value Package/VP)
- D16Y5 — 1.6L SOHC VTEC-E, lean-burn economy tune (HX)
- D16Y8 — 1.6L SOHC VTEC (EX; also used in some Canadian “Si” trims)
- B16A2 — 1.6L DOHC VTEC (Si, 1999–2000 only)
If you have a U.S.-spec 1999 Civic, there’s a very strong chance it carries one of the D16Y7/Y5/Y8 engines unless it’s the Si, which uniquely features the B16A2 performance motor.
Other markets and notable variants
Europe
European-market Civics of this era offered smaller-displacement options alongside familiar 1.6-liter engines. While exact codes vary by country, the lineup commonly included the following displacements and engine families.
- 1.4L D14-series SOHC (various trims, widely sold)
- 1.5L VTEC-E SOHC (economy-focused variants in select markets)
- 1.6L SOHC (mid-spec trims)
- 1.6L DOHC VTEC B16A2 (VTi performance models)
European models frequently used the B16A2 for the VTi hot hatch/sedan, while entry and mid-level trims leaned on the D14/D15/D16 SOHC engines for efficiency and affordability.
Japan (and select Asia-Pacific)
Japan’s domestic lineup included unique high-performance and economy variants, some of which differ from U.S./EU offerings. These are the most commonly referenced 1999 JDM powertrains.
- D15B — 1.5L SOHC (including 3-stage VTEC versions in certain trims)
- B16A — 1.6L DOHC VTEC (SiR/SiR-T performance models)
- B16B — 1.6L DOHC VTEC (Civic Type R EK9, high-output variant)
The JDM Civic Type R’s B16B is a notable outlier for its hand-built, high-revving character, while the D15B offered exceptional efficiency with VTEC-E or 3-stage VTEC setups in everyday trims.
How to confirm which engine is in your car
If you’re unsure which engine your specific 1999 Civic has, you can verify it in a few reliable ways without guesswork.
- Check the under-hood emissions label: Most cars have a factory label that states the engine family and displacement.
- Locate the engine code on the block: Honda stamps the engine code (e.g., D16Y8, B16A2) on a flat pad at the front of the engine block, typically below the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold.
- Consult the owner’s manual or original sales paperwork: Trim and engine details are often listed.
- Use the chassis/trim info: While Honda VINs don’t directly encode the engine type, the chassis code (EK/EM) plus trim level can be cross-referenced with official documentation or reliable model guides.
These checks will quickly pinpoint your exact engine code and help you source correct parts and service information.
Summary
A 1999 Honda Civic typically has a 1.6-liter inline-four, but the exact engine depends on the trim and market. In the U.S., that means D16Y7 (DX/LX/VP), D16Y5 (HX), D16Y8 (EX), and B16A2 (Si). Europe commonly offered 1.4L and 1.6L options including the B16A2 in VTi models, while Japan ranged from efficient D15B variants to the high-rev B16A/B16B in SiR and Type R. Verify your specific engine by checking the under-hood label and the stamped code on the block.
Does the 1999 Civic have VTEC?
Four different versions of the 1.6-liter SOHC four-cylinder aluminum engine are available on the Civic. The most common variety has an output of 106 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. EX models get 127 VTEC-inspired horsepower at 6,600 rpm, and the HX Coupe uses an economical VTEC-E engine with 115 horsepower at 6,300 rpm.
Is the 1.7 L Honda motor a VTEC?
In May 2004, alongside the introduction of a 2.0L i-VTEC variant, a 1.7-liter VTEC variant unofficially replaced the 1.7-liter VTi-S variant.
What engine is in a 1999 Honda Civic?
1999 Honda Civic Specs, Features & Options
| Save 1 of 4 Civic DX Coupe 2D | Save 2 of 4 Civic HX Coupe 2D | Save 4 of 4 Civic Si Coupe 2D |
|---|---|---|
| See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock |
| Engine | ||
| 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.6 Liter |
| Cargo Volume |
What kind of engine is in the 1999 Honda Civic Type R?
DOHC VTEC B16B engine
The hand-ported, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC B16B engine in this 1999 GF-EK9 Type R model is famous for producing high output per liter of displacement. Its 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) horsepower, 8,000 to 10,000 rpm redline and close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission make driving super fun.


