In brief: the 2008 Honda Civic offers different horsepower depending on the trim. The standard 1.8-liter models deliver 140 horsepower, the high-performance Civic Si delivers 197 horsepower, and the Civic Hybrid combines to about 110 horsepower.
Engine options and horsepower in the 2008 Civic
The following sections outline the main horsepower figures by trim for the 2008 Civic, including the base gasoline models, the Si, and the hybrid variant.
1.8-liter gasoline models (LX/EX/EX-L)
These are the standard non-performance Civics from that year. The key horsepower figure is:
- 140 hp
Note: these trims also offered around 128 lb-ft of torque and could be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, depending on the exact configuration.
Overall, the 1.8-liter Civics prioritized daily drivability and efficiency over performance.
Civic Si (high-performance variant)
The Si is the enthusiast-focused model with a distinctly different engine and tuning. Its horsepower figure is:
- 197 hp
The Si uses a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering substantially more power for acceleration and sporty driving dynamics.
Civic Hybrid
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright power, the Hybrid combines propulsion with electrification. Its horsepower figure is:
- 110 hp combined (gas engine plus electric motor)
The Hybrid’s focus is efficiency, with a net system output that is lower than the gasoline-only models but optimized for fuel economy.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Civic line offered a range of horsepower: 140 hp for the 1.8-liter gasoline models (LX/EX/EX-L), 197 hp for the Civic Si (2.0-liter engine), and about 110 hp combined for the Civic Hybrid (gas engine plus electric motor). Exact figures can vary slightly by market and transmission choice, so checking the specific trim and window sticker for a given car is advisable.