Which engine is in a 1989 Honda Civic?

It depends on the trim and market. In the U.S., most 1989 Honda Civics came with one of three D‑series four‑cylinder engines: the 1.5L D15B1 (base), the 1.5L D15B2 (DX/LX and most FWD wagons), or the 1.6L D16A6 (Si hatch and RT4WD wagon). In Japan and some other regions, higher‑spec Civics could also have a DOHC engine such as the ZC or the B16A VTEC. Below are the details and how to confirm what’s in your car.

U.S.-market engines offered for 1989

Honda sold the fourth‑generation Civic (chassis code EF/EE/ED) with different engines depending on trim. These are the common factory engines for 1989 U.S.-spec Civics and where you’d typically find them.

• D15B1 — 1.5L SOHC, 16‑valve, dual‑point fuel injection (DPFI), about 70 hp and ~83 lb‑ft. Usually in the base “STD” hatchback.
• D15B2 — 1.5L SOHC, 16‑valve, multi‑point PGM‑FI, about 92 hp and ~89 lb‑ft. Common in DX hatch/sedan, LX sedan, and most front‑wheel‑drive Civic wagons.
• D16A6 — 1.6L SOHC, 16‑valve, PGM‑FI, about 108 hp and ~100 lb‑ft (some wagon calibrations list ~105 hp). Found in the Civic Si hatchback and the RT4WD wagon.

If your 1989 Civic is U.S.-spec and unmodified, it very likely has one of the engines above, with the D16A6 reserved for the sportier Si and the 4WD wagon, and the D15 variants in most other trims.

Engines in other markets (if your ’89 Civic isn’t U.S.-spec)

Outside the U.S., Honda offered additional powertrains. That’s why two otherwise similar 1989 Civics can have very different engines, especially in Japan and Europe.

• Japan: Lower trims often used D13/D15 variants (carbureted or PGM‑FI). Mid/high trims could get the DOHC “ZC” 1.6 (~130 PS). Beginning in late 1989, the Civic SiR (EF9) introduced the B16A 1.6 DOHC VTEC rated around 160 PS.
• Europe: A wide mix, including D13B2 (1.3), D14A1 (1.4 16V), D15 variants (carbureted or EFI depending on country), and the DOHC D16A9 (ZC equivalent) in the “1.6i-16” models (~130 PS).
• Australia/New Zealand and others: Lineups broadly mirrored Europe, often featuring twin‑carb 1.5L engines and DOHC 1.6L options on higher trims.

If your car was imported or sold new outside the U.S., the engine could be a carbureted D‑series, a DOHC ZC/D16A8/A9, or even the B16A in the Japanese‑market SiR.

How to confirm which engine is in your car

Because trims, swaps, and regional differences complicate things, the most reliable way to identify your engine is to check the markings on the car itself.

• Under‑hood emissions/engine label: On U.S. cars, a factory sticker under the hood typically lists the engine family and displacement.
• Block stamping: Honda stamps the engine code on a flat machined pad on the front of the engine block (facing the radiator), just below the cylinder head and near the transmission bellhousing. You’ll see something like “D15B2” or “D16A6” followed by a serial number.
• Build records and trim: Original sales documents, the owner’s manual, and trim badges can corroborate the engine, though the VIN itself usually does not specify the exact engine code on these older Civics.

If the label is missing or the car has been modified, the block stamping is the definitive identifier for the engine code.

Why the engine code matters

Parts compatibility, service intervals, and performance specs differ between engines. For example, D‑series engines of this era are timing‑belt driven (commonly treated as non‑interference for the U.S.-spec SOHC D‑series, though care is still advised), while the B16A DOHC VTEC is an interference engine. Using the correct engine code ensures you get the right belt kit, ignition components, gaskets, and ECU calibration references.

Summary

A 1989 Honda Civic typically has a D‑series four‑cylinder in the U.S. (D15B1, D15B2, or D16A6), with the D16A6 reserved for Si and many RT4WD wagons. Outside the U.S., options expanded to include carbureted D‑series, DOHC ZC/D16A8/A9, and—starting in late 1989 Japan—the B16A VTEC in the SiR. To know for sure, read the stamped engine code on the block or check the under‑hood label.

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