In 1976 when I got my MD drivers liscence (which was cardboard, not laminated), I had the chance to drive my future mother in law's 76 or 77? 2 door lt blue civic. It had an automatic which was like an old GM powerglide. The floor shifter had low and drive and had to be shifted manually. This car was not driven gently, being a 17 year old boy who's friends had all American V8's. 71 Camaro, 67 LeMans, 74 Road Runner etc. Looking back I firmly believe the Honda was more reliable and durable than the American cars I envied. Little did I know at the time that Honda would become a performance name and start a luxury line (Acura).

I bought a white 1977 4 speed manual, Civic CVCC hatchback and drove it for 8 years and put 150K miles on it! I sold it for $950..not bad for a car that only cost $2,700 new. Rust was an issue but there was copious room in the engine compartment for plug wrenches, a tach/dwell meter and a timing light. Oil and filter changes along with points and plugs about summed up the maintenance requirements. I loved this car...have owned 5 Honda's since with the '92 Accord EX my favorite!