1977 Honda Civic CVCC Hatchback

The much-publicized technical advances of the new Honda Civic reflected growing demand for economical, environmentally friendly cars. In 1974, as Americans coped with high gasoline prices and shortages, the Civic was the most fuel-efficient car according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings. In 1977 it received an all-time high EPA rating of 54 mpg highway. The clean-burning CVCC engine, added in 1975, met EPA emissions standards without a catalytic converter. Only 12 feet long, the Civic had a roomy interior because of its unusual (for the time) transverse engine and front-wheel drive. Strong sales signaled the growing competitiveness of Japanese imports in the American market.