The fourth-generation Honda Civic is a Japanese sub-compact automobile. It was produced by Honda from 1987 until 1991 with the wagon continuing in production in some markets until 1996. The suspension had a new double-wishbone suspension in the front and an independent suspension in the rear, the wheelbase was increased to 250 centimetres (98 in) from that of the third-generation Civic, and the body was redesigned with a lower hood line and more glass, resulting in less drag. The redesigned Civic was introduced in 1987 for the 1988 model year. The fourth-generation Civic would be available in three variants; 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon with various trim levels offered in each variant.
In Japan, the base version received a 1.3 L SOHC single carbureted engine with 82 PS (60 kW), thus equipped it was called either 23L or 23U. This engine was also available in the commercial version of the Shuttle, sold as the "Honda Pro" initially.[3]

The 1.5 L SOHC engine came in a variety of models, dual-point injection, single carbureted and dual carbureted. Those engines were available in the Japanese-market 25X and 25XT. The Si model featured a 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (ZC) D16A8/A9 engine that produced 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp).

In late 1989, a new trim package was added called the SiR which came equipped with a 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC 16-valve 4-cylinder B16A engine producing 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 7,600 rpm. This first B series engine, marked the introduction of Honda's variable valve timing and electronic lift control technology (VTEC). By providing two different camshaft profiles—one for fuel economy, one for performance, the VTEC engines set a high-revving, naturally aspirated precedent for future performance variants of the Honda Civic.[4] The European model, badged as a "1.6i-VT", used a slightly less powerful B16A1 engine, which had an 8,200 rpm redline and made 150 PS (110 kW), although it made the same 111 lbf⋅ft (150 N⋅m) of torque as the Japanese market B16. In Japan, automatic-equipped SiR Civics also received the lower-powered engine. The SiR was available only as a hatchback, with a distinct updated look. Among the visual changes, the SiR had a very distinct front end. It's easily identifiable by the hood with a raised, rather than lowered center, and turn signals that wrap around the front bumper.

The fourth-generation Civic was introduced for the 1988 model year. Unlike Civics sold in other markets, all North American Civics were fuel injected. The fourth-generation Civic offered larger dimensions than the previous Civic. Initially, the Si model was not available. All fourth-generation Civics have true all independent suspension and power steering is standard on all LX sedans and 4WD wagons and included on some other models when equipped with an automatic transmission. Few changes were introduced in 1989 with the exception of the return of the Si model.

In 1990, the Civic received a minor refresh which included a redesigned front bumper, a revised shaped gauge cluster, updated tail lights and thinner side moldings. Civic sedans and wagons received automatic seat belts as well. The sedan and wagon featured powered automatic shoulder belts that retracted from the B-pillar to a position halfway down the A-pillar when the door was open, while the hatchback received a standard style shoulder and lap belt mechanism that was attached to the door and was intended to remain buckled at all times. The Canadian models continued to use manual front seat belts.

Only minor changes were introduced in 1991 such as full wheel covers and body-colored bumpers on the DX hatchbacks and the Si side mirrors were now body-colored (instead of black). 1991 would be the final year for the fourth-generation Civic.