View source for 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)
* Newer conventional dashboard layout including a new gauge cluster with separated speedometer and tachometer
* Revised center console
* Revised door panel, w/ included map pocket
* 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
* 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