Honda City: Style, Comfort, and Performance in One Smooth Ride

The Honda City is a subcompact car produced by Honda, first launched in 1981 as a two-door convertible or three-door hatchback. After ceasing production in 1994, it resumed in 1996 as a four-door sedan, continuing this format until the 2019 model, which included both a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. The Honda City is a city car, and its history reflects its design and appeal. This summary highlights the connection between the name and the car's urban purpose.

1981 – 1985 (AA/FV/FA) / 1986 – 1995 (GA1/GA2)

The first-generation Honda City, introduced in 1981, was mainly a three-door hatchback and had versions like a two-door convertible and two-seater van, especially in Australia. It featured a "Tallboy" design for spaciousness and offered multiple trims, including a Pininfarina-designed convertible in 1982. The engine options consisted of a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 67 hp, a turbocharged version with 108 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, and various transmission options including a 3-speed automatic and manual versions.

The second-generation Honda City, launched in 1986, featured a low and wide design for improved performance, inspired by the first-generation Honda Civic. Initially a 3-door hatchback with a 1.2-liter SOHC engine producing 76 hp, it was upgraded in 1989 to a 1.3-liter engine with 100 hp and 84 lb-ft of torque, offered with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The "City" name was retired after this generation, leading to the introduction of the Honda Logo and Honda Capa.

1996 – 2001 (SX8) / 2002 – 2007 (GD/GE)

The Honda City, initially retired in 1994, was reintroduced in 1996 as a third-generation 4-door sedan, positioned below the Honda Civic and sharing its EF Civic platform. It was available in LXi and EXi trims and underwent a mid-cycle facelift, known as "Type Z," in 2000, which included new headlights, taillights, an improved suspension, and a single-piece bumper. The 1996 City featured a standard 1.3-liter engine (95 hp) or an optional 1.5-liter engine (103 hp), with a VTEC variant producing 130 hp available in some markets. 

The fourth-generation Honda City, launched in 2002 and known as Honda Fit Aria in Japan, is derived from the Honda Jazz/Fit and features a rounded design. In 2005, the City ZX facelift was introduced, extending front and rear ends and updating grille, lights, and bumpers, while adding features like automatic side mirrors and alloy wheels. Engine options include a standard 1.3-liter 'i-DSI' engine with 82 hp, a 1.5-liter 'i-DSI' engine with 89 hp, and a VTEC model from 2004 offering 109 hp, available with a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission.

2008 – 2013 (GM2/GM3)

The fourth-generation Honda City, launched in 2008, is built on the Honda Jazz/Fit platform but features a longer wheelbase and a refined sedan design with sweeping lines and a lower roof. The model offers various 4-cylinder engines: a 1.3-liter with 98 hp, a 1.5-liter with 120 hp, a 1.8-liter with 140 hp, and a later 1.5-liter i-VTEC with 116 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2014 – 2018 (GM4 – GM9)

The sixth-generation Honda City, launched in 2014, features the "Exciting H Design!!!" focusing on High Tech, High Touch, and High Tension. It has a "Solid Wing Face" design with an elongated grille and central "H" logo. While dimensions have grown for more cabin space, seat comfort for taller passengers is compromised. A facelift in 2017 added LED lighting and a new grille. The engine lineup features a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, with a hybrid variant reaching 130 hp from a petrol engine and an electric motor.

2019 – Present (GN)

The seventh-generation Honda City, launched in 2019, reintroduces the City hatchback after 26 years and is available as both a sedan and hatchback. It features improved legroom in the hatchback and rear Ultra Seats with four configurations. The interior design is enhanced with premium elements like a stylish dashboard, wood inserts, and leather accents. The vehicle is powered by the familiar 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with optimized performance, available with a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission.

Finally

The Honda City has been in production for 40 years, an achievement few cars have reached, attributed to its strong market reputation. It is described as a quiet, refined, feature-rich, and high-quality vehicle that is easy to drive and boasts a strong street presence. Ultimately, it is recommended as a reliable purchase. You can now visit the Honda City stock list for available models and purchase parts here.