What kind of engine is in a 2004 Honda Civic?

Most 2004 Honda Civics use a 1.7-liter inline-four gasoline engine; base DX/LX trims are non-VTEC, the EX adds VTEC for more power, the HX uses a VTEC-E tune for fuel economy, the Si hatchback upgrades to a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC, and the Hybrid pairs a 1.3-liter i-DSI engine with an electric motor. Which engine you have depends on the trim and market.

Engine options by trim (U.S. market, 2004 model year)

The 2004 Civic lineup spanned several trims, each with a distinct powerplant. Here’s a breakdown of the engines fitted to the most common U.S.-spec models.

• DX sedan/coupe: 1.7-liter SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (engine code D17A1), non-VTEC, multiport fuel injection.
• LX sedan/coupe: 1.7-liter SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (D17A1), non-VTEC; similar to DX with broader equipment and ULEV emissions in many states.
• EX sedan/coupe: 1.7-liter SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (D17A2) with VTEC for improved top-end power.
• HX coupe: 1.7-liter SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (D17A6) with VTEC-E (economy-focused VTEC) for lean-burn efficiency; offered with 5-speed manual or CVT.
• Si hatchback: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC inline-4 (K20A3), performance-oriented; 5-speed manual only.
• Civic Hybrid sedan: 1.3-liter i-DSI inline-4 (LDA) paired with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery.

In short, the mainstream Civics carry 1.7-liter D-series engines, the sport-focused Si uses a larger K-series unit, and the Hybrid combines a 1.3-liter i-DSI engine with electric assist.

Key specs and outputs

Power and torque vary by engine and tune. These are the commonly cited factory ratings for U.S.-market 2004 models.

• D17A1 (DX/LX): 1,668 cc; about 115 hp at 6,100 rpm; 110 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.
• D17A2 (EX): 1,668 cc; about 127 hp at 6,300 rpm; 114 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm.
• D17A6 (HX): 1,668 cc; about 117 hp at 6,100 rpm; 111 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm (VTEC-E economy tune).
• K20A3 (Si): 1,998 cc; 160 hp at 6,500 rpm; 132 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm (DOHC i-VTEC).
• LDA + IMA (Hybrid): 1,339 cc gasoline engine (~85 hp) plus an electric motor (~13 hp), with a combined system output of about 93 hp.

These figures reflect factory ratings; minor variations can occur with transmission choice, emissions calibration, and market.

How to identify which engine your Civic has

If you’re unsure which engine is in your car, several quick checks can confirm it without guesswork.

• Trim and body style: DX/LX/EX are sedan or coupe; HX is coupe; Si is the distinctive three-door hatchback; Hybrid is a sedan with “Hybrid” badging.
• Under-hood emissions label: This sticker (near the radiator support or underside of the hood) lists the engine family and emissions cert, which helps identify the engine type.
• Engine code stamping: The code is stamped on the engine block (on D-series, near the front of the block below the cylinder head; on K-series, at the front-left of the block). Look for D17A1/A2/A6, K20A3, or LDA markings.
• Owner’s manual and window sticker: Both typically list the engine displacement and key technology (VTEC/i-VTEC/IMA).

Combining the trim, emissions label, and block stamping will give you a definitive answer in minutes.

Regional variations and exceptions

Engines can differ outside the U.S., so imported or non-U.S. Civics may not match the list above.

• Europe and Asia saw additional options such as 1.4 i-DSI, 1.6 SOHC VTEC, and a 1.7 CTDi turbo-diesel (Europe).
• The Civic Type R (EP3) sold in some markets used the higher-output K20A2 (around 200 hp), not offered in the U.S. 2004 lineup.
• Engine codes and emissions calibrations can vary by country, even when displacement is the same.

If your 2004 Civic isn’t a U.S.-spec car, consult market-specific documentation to confirm the exact engine.

Maintenance notes by engine family

Knowing which engine you have helps you follow the right maintenance schedule and parts specs.

• D-series 1.7 (D17A1/A2/A6): Uses a timing belt; Honda typically recommends replacement around 105,000 miles (or 7 years). Regular 5W-20 oil was specified for 2004 models.
• K-series 2.0 (K20A3): Uses a timing chain (no routine replacement interval); maintain with the specified oil (commonly 5W-20) and keep up with valve-clearance checks per the manual.
• LDA 1.3 Hybrid: Also chain-driven; features dual spark plugs per cylinder (i-DSI) and the IMA battery system—service intervals and software updates are specific to the Hybrid.

Always verify intervals and specifications in your owner’s manual, as recommendations can vary by climate, mileage, and service history.

Summary

A 2004 Honda Civic typically carries a 1.7-liter inline-four (non-VTEC in DX/LX, VTEC in EX, VTEC-E in HX), a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC in the Si hatchback, or a 1.3-liter i-DSI with electric assist in the Hybrid. Identifying your trim and checking the under-hood labels or engine code will pinpoint the exact engine in your car.

What kind of engine does a 2004 Honda Civic have?

Honda’s high-output i-VTEC (“i” for intelligent) 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine produces 160 hp and 130 pounds-feet of torque; it drives a close-ratio five-speed-manual gearbox.

What year of Civic to stay away from?

Which Honda Civic Years to Avoid

Model Year	Main Issues
2001	Transmission failure, airbag recall, engine concerns
2006	Cracked engine blocks, coolant leaks
2007–2008	Premature tire wear, engine and body integrity issues
2012	Poor interior quality, underwhelming ride and build

Is the Honda Civic 2004 a good car?

This gen of Civic is, quite simply put, the ideal commuter and city car. The engine is reasonably smooth and peppy. Very low road noise with Goodyear Affinity Triple-treads. Steering is nicely weighted for city driving.

What Honda Civics have a VTEC engine?

Honda Civic models with a “VTEC” designation, such as the EX, HX, Si, and Type R trims, often feature VTEC engine technology. Other trims like the basic LX, DX, and some Sport models may not have VTEC, though VTEC and i-VTEC systems have been used across various trims and generations, including the current 11th generation. 
Which trims typically have VTEC?

• EX: Often equipped with a SOHC VTEC engine. 
• HX: Featured a VTEC-E engine designed for fuel efficiency. 
• Si: In earlier generations, the Si was known for its powerful DOHC VTEC engine, though this changed with later generations. 
• Type R: This performance model has consistently featured high-performance VTEC engines, including the turbocharged VTEC Turbo in newer models. 

Other considerations:

• i-VTEC: Newer models, like the 11th generation, may use an “i-VTEC” system, which is an evolution of the technology. 
• Turbocharged VTEC: Many modern performance Civics, including the Type R, feature turbocharged VTEC engines for enhanced power and responsiveness. 
• Country-Specific Trims: The availability of VTEC can also vary by market. 
• Vehicle Generation: VTEC was present in some earlier generations of the Civic and continues to be featured in various models.