USDM Model Year Changes

Throughout the 4 year production run, numerous changes were made either for engine performance, emissions or aesthetics. The items below are only for the USDM models.

1979 Standard Features:

1.8L CVCC Engine - Advance Stratified Charge Engine
Electronic Ignition
Front-Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Independent Suspension (McPherson Struts
Rack & Pinion Steering
Negative Steering Roll Radius
Power-Assisted Front Disc Brakes
Dual Diagonal Brake Circuits
Steel-Belted Radial Ply Blackwell Tires (175/70SR13)
Bright Metal Wheel Trim Rings
Power-operated Moonroof with Sunshade
AM/FM Stereo w/ Unique Controls Mounted Beside Gauge Cluster
Maintenance Reminder System (Gauge Cluster)
Low Fuel Warning Light
Digital Clock
Cigarette Lighter
Glove Box Light
Two Speed Plus Intermittent Wipers
Rear Wiper Defrosters
Tinted Glass
Rectangular Headlights with Snow Drains
Trip Odometer
Day/Night Rearview Mirror
Coin Box w/ Lid
Stowage Boxes in Rear Seat Side Panels
Stowage Box in Center Console
Fully Reclining Front Bucket Seats
Full Carpeting
Combination Light Switch on Steering Column
Inside Hood Release
Remote Trunk Lid Release & Interior Light
Truck Stowage Boxes (X2)
Protective Body Side Moldings
Plastic Corrosion-Resistant Fender Liners
Vanity Mirror (Right Sun Visor)
Passenger Assist Handle
Mud Flaps (Front Wheels Only)

1980 Standard Features:

Includes all Standard Features for 1979
Radio, speakers and antenna were not standard
Radio no longer on side of gauge cluster, now located to lower dashboard
Sunroof switch relocated to dashboard (no longer above rearview mirror)
Transmission Gear Ratio Changes Transmission Specs
New 3-Speed Fully Automatic Transmission replaced the 2-speed Hondamatic
Manual transmission uses new style synchronization rings
Brake booster check valve pressed into vacuum hose, not exposed
Bypass solenoid valve relay added for the evaporative emission system, located in center dashboard
Front side marker lights on fenders were relocated closer to the wheel wells and more visible
New color (Longleet Gold w/ Ivory Interior), (Inverness Blue Metallic w/ Red Interior) deleted
Tudor Red w/ Ivory Interior switched to Red Interior

1981 Standard Features:

Includes all Standard Features for 1980
New 17 Digit VIN system used (Vehicle Identification Number)
CVCC-II Engine with revised intake and exhaust layout, alongside compression increase
Standard Catalytic Converter
Transmission gearing ratios changed for auto and manual
Manual trans fifth gear updated design with new shift shaft added
Updated rear taillight design (round reflector changed to square)
Chrome accent on all bumpers
Newer conventional dashboard layout including a new gauge cluster with separated speedometer and tachometer
Revised center console
Revised door panel, w/ included map pocket
Updated seat style with moquette fabric with vinyl edges
Revised front grill with two chrome stripes
Revised side mirrors (smaller than 79-80 models)
Revised seats, new moquette fabric with vinyl seat edges and head rests
New courtesy key light under steering column
New self-locking bolt replaces front/rear shock absorber pinch bolts and lower control arm pivot bolts (Resin pellet on threads)
Transmission have a magnetized drain bolt
Higher output coil that raises secondary voltage from 16_3KV to 22_4KV
Crank pully bolt torque raises from 16lb-ft to 82lb-ft
Coolant drain bolt in front of block added for 1981
A new two stage thermostat is used
Baffled exhaust manifold is replaced with solid cast iron manifold
Combustion chambers redesigned to help maintain a uniform 8:8:1 compression ration with increased dish on pistons
Standard NGK spark plugs upgraded to a step hotter than previous year (B6EB-L11)
Oil filler cap diameter increased and spring tension increased for easier removal on valve cover
Power Steering optional with automatic transmissions only
Fuse locations changed

1982 Standard Features:

Includes all Standard Features for 1981
CVCC-II engine update with a revised intake and exhaust layout to help isolate the exhaust valves and heat distribution
New 9.3:1 Cylinder compression (1982 Honda Model Intro Book, may not be true)
Combustion chamber improvement with a 1.4mm lowered roof (increased compression) and intake/exhaust valve angles slightly changed (1982 Honda Model Intro, Book, may not be true)
Piston crowns modified to coincide with change in combustion shape. Deeper dished than 1981 models
EGR now picks up exhaust gas from Cylinder #3
Newly added secondary fuel filter at carburetor (two fuel filters for 1982)
Carburetors feature a new float level adjustment window
Revised manual transmission w/ new gearing and shift linkage (similar to 2nd gen accord transmission w/ hydraulic clutch)
Manual transmissions for 1982 do not require an engine oil cooler. New single stage oil pump used.
Automatic torque converter housings have 3 dowel pins, compared to two (1981)
New double stage type oil pump used with automatic transmissions
Power steering pump changed from cast iron to aluminum for better heat distribution and increase in pump pressure
Power steering effort changed from 6lbs to 4lbs at zero speed
Gauge cluster features extra digit for odometer
Headlights "ON" buzzer reminder"
Updated brake caliper and increased pad size (2nd gen civic calipers and pads)
Revised brake dual proportioning valve
New stabilizer bar stopper added
Revised front grill with Honda "H" badge in center
Newer steering wheel (similar to 2nd gen Civic)
Revised rear seat layout including built-in center armrest w/ storage compartment
Outer driveshaft & matching wheel-hub spline pattern changed to a larger diameter w/ different spline counts