Yes. The 2004 Civic EX coupe is equipped with Honda's i-VTEC 1.7-liter engine, which includes VTEC technology.
Within the seventh-generation Civic lineup, the EX trim commonly used the D17A2 engine, a 1.7-liter four-cylinder with VTEC. This distinguishes EX from base models that used a non-VTEC variant and positions the EX as the sportier option in that year’s coupe lineup.
Engine and VTEC technology in the 2004 Civic EX
What follows outlines the engine and powertrain details relevant to VTEC for the EX coupe, focusing on the system and its performance footprint.
Key technical details about the EX's engine and VTEC are summarized below:
- Engine: 1.7-liter four-cylinder with i-VTEC (D17A2)
- VTEC system: i-VTEC provides variable valve timing and lift, optimizing power at higher RPM while preserving efficiency at lower RPM
- Power output: roughly 127 horsepower and about 114 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic were available with the EX
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD)
In summary, the EX coupe’s VTEC-equipped 1.7-liter engine offered a blend of spirited performance and everyday efficiency that Honda aimed for in the EX trim.
Performance implications of VTEC in the EX
VTEC allows the engine to switch between a low-lift/low-duration cam profile for fuel efficiency at low RPM and a high-lift/high-duration profile for more power at higher RPM. For daily driving, this typically means smooth low-end response and stronger acceleration when you need it on the highway or during overtakes.
When evaluating a used 2004 Civic EX, looking for the i-VTEC badge on the engine and checking the owner’s manual can help confirm the VTEC-equipped configuration, which differentiates EX from non-VTEC base models.
Summary
The 2004 Honda Civic EX coupe uses Honda’s i-VTEC 1.7-liter engine, delivering VTEC-enabled performance with about 127 hp. This places the EX as the VTEC-equipped option in the 2004 Civic lineup, offering a balance of mid-range practicality and higher-RPM power.


