About 140 horsepower.
In the 2008 Civic, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (R18A family) delivers 140 horsepower (SAE net) with peak torque around 128 lb-ft. This figure applies to most LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the sportier Si model uses a different 2.0-liter engine with higher output.
Engine specs at a glance
Here are the core mechanical figures most buyers care about for the 1.8 L engine in the 2008 Civic:
- Displacement: 1.8 L (1799 cc)
- Horsepower: 140 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: 128 lb-ft
- Redline: approximately 6,800 rpm
These numbers reflect the engine's output under typical testing conditions; actual on-road performance depends on the transmission and vehicle condition.
Trims and drivetrain context
The 1.8 L four-cylinder powered most non-Si Civics in the 2008 lineup, including base LX and higher trims such as EX and EX-L. The Si model, by contrast, used a 2.0 L engine with substantially more horsepower. Hybrid variants used a different powertrain altogether.
What this means for daily driving
With 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, the 1.8 L Civic offers adequate acceleration for daily commuting and highway merging. Real-world performance depends on transmission choice (manual vs. automatic), vehicle weight, and overall maintenance.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Civic's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower (SAE net) and 128 lb-ft of torque, making it a reliable and efficient powerplant for most non-Si Civics in that year. For more spirited performance, Honda offered the Si with a different engine and tuning.
Was 2008 a good year for the Honda Civic?
Among the 2050 owners who provided feedback on the 2008 Honda Civic for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 85% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and styling to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest.
How much horsepower does a 2008 Honda Civic 1.8 have?
140-horsepower
"The Civic sedan isn't all that quick off the mark, but it really responds when you punch the gas at speeds of 25 to 65 mph (Honda engineered the Civic to be the fastest car in its class in that speed range)." "I'd be happy with the standard 1.8-liter, four-cylinder 140-horsepower engine in the new car. It has zip.
Is the 1.8 L Honda engine VTEC?
1.8-Liter, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine - 2022 Honda HR-V | Honda Info Center.
Which oil is best for a Honda Civic?
full synthetic 0W-20 engine
Modern Honda Civics require full synthetic 0W-20 engine oil, a specific viscosity grade providing optimal protection for Civic engine components while contributing to improved fuel efficiency.