Honda Civic 2008 Specs | Complete Trim Guide

The 2008 Honda Civic offers eight trims in sedan and coupe body styles, with the standard 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine producing 140 horsepower.

Anyone looking up Honda Civic 2008 specs will find a lineup that covers everything from a fuel-sipping hybrid to a 197-horsepower Si, all wrapped in the eighth-generation platform. The 2008 model year also introduced the EX-L trim, which added leather seating and heated front seats to the options list for the first time in the Civic lineup.

2008 Honda Civic Engine Specs and Fuel Economy

The standard powertrain across DX, LX, EX, and EX-L trims is a 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder producing 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates come in at 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank good for up to 475 miles of range. Honda’s official spec sheet lays out the complete performance data for each variant.

The Si sits at the top of the performance lineup with a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine rated at 197 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. It requires premium unleaded fuel and delivers a 383-mile max range on its 13.2-gallon tank. A limited-run Si Mugen sedan debuted for 2008 with the same powertrain but unique styling touches and a price near $26,000. At the efficient end, the Hybrid combines a 1.3-liter four-cylinder with an Integrated Motor Assist system for a combined 110 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque, with EPA estimates of 40 city / 45 highway MPG through a continuously variable transmission. The GX runs on compressed natural gas from an 8.0-gallon-equivalent tank and was certified as the cleanest internal combustion vehicle available at the time.

Which Trim Level Fits Your Budget?

Pricing for the 2008 Civic started at $15,445 for the DX Coupe and climbed to about $29,500 for the GX sedan. The EX-L, new for 2008, landed around $22,000 with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and heated mirrors as standard equipment. The Si sedan started near $24,000, while the limited-run Si Mugen sedan hit roughly $26,000. The EX and EX-L trims could also be ordered with Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation. A 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty covers the entire lineup.

For shoppers weighing which trim makes sense, our roundup of the best 2008 Honda Civic trims can help match your budget and driving preferences.

Dimensions and Interior Space

The 2008 Civic sedan measures 176.7 inches long with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and offers 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space. The coupe provides roughly 10.5 cubic feet with a sportier profile. Front legroom is 42.2 inches, while rear passengers get 34.6 inches. Passenger volume ranges from 88.4 cubic feet in EX and Si trims to 90.9 in the DX, LX, Hybrid, and GX. The Si and Hybrid sit slightly lower at 56.3 inches tall compared to the standard 56.5 inches. Body styles differ by trim — the Si Mugen, GX, and Hybrid are sedan-only, while DX through EX-L are available in both sedan and coupe.

Curb weight varies from 2,628 pounds for the lightest DX manual coupe up to 2,945 pounds for the Si. All trims include side-impact curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system as standard safety equipment. Standard trims use 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65 R15 tires, while the EX-L and Si upgrade to 16-inch wheels.

FAQs

Does the 2008 Civic Si have an automatic transmission option?

No, the Si is exclusively a 6-speed manual. The 5-speed automatic is available on DX, LX, EX, and EX-L trims but not on the higher-performance Si models.

What fuel does the 2008 Civic Hybrid require?

The Hybrid runs on regular unleaded fuel like most Civic trims. Only the Si requires premium unleaded gasoline due to its higher-compression 2.0-liter engine producing 197 horsepower.

Is the GX trim still practical to own today?

The GX was built for fleet use on compressed natural gas, and CNG stations are scarce in most areas. Parts and service expertise are also limited, so the gasoline-powered trims are a more realistic choice for most buyers.