The 1985 Honda Civic is a compact car from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 1985 Civic VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (13.6%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that blends fun-to-drive dynamics, efficiency and strong safety into an affordable package.
| Model year | 1985 |
|---|---|
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Civic |
| Body | Compact Car |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder |
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA).
U.S. used-market listings for the 1985 Civic (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $1,500 at roughly 81,000 miles, based on 1 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
Defect description: UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Corrective action: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
Defect description: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS MAY DEVELOP FUEL LEAKAGE AT CRIMPED SEAM BETWEEN THE TWO FUEL PUMP HALVES.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CREATES APOSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
Corrective action: INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 1985 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Most-reported problem areas:
THE CAM PULLEY BROKE OFF THE CAR PURCHASE CAR USED FROM OWNER . TT
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME OPEN UPON IMPACT AND DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER CHEST. *AK
⚠ Crash reported.
LEFT REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED FROM THE AXLE HOUSING ATTACHMENT POINT. ALSO SPRING ON SEAT NEARLY ROTTED OUT, AND SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NEARLY ROTTING OUT. *AK
Source: NHTSA Complaints database. To file a complaint, use nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
Every 1996-and-newer vehicle uses the OBD-II standard. Look up any stored code, then search 2,000+ codes — to see what it means and how urgent it is.
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
The 1985 Civic is a Compact Car. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Yes — 2 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
A dependable, low-cost compact that's a top pick for new drivers.
Enter the VIN above to see the factory-decoded specifications and open recalls. Combine with a free vehicle history check and a pre-purchase inspection.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page: NHTSA vPIC (specifications), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA NCAP (safety), EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG), NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Honda or any government agency.