The 2012 Honda Civic offered two main transmission options for most trims: a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. The high-performance Civic Si, however, used a 6-speed manual only. There was no CVT (continuously variable transmission) option in the 2012 lineup.
Transmission options in the 2012 Civic
Here is how the transmission choices were distributed across the 2012 Civic lineup:
- Non-Si Civics (LX, EX, EX-L; sedan and coupe) were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. There was no CVT option in 2012.
- The Civic Si was equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
In practice, buyers could choose between manual and automatic on most trims (except Si), giving a balance between sportiness and convenience. The absence of a CVT in 2012 is a notable contrast to some later Honda models.
No CVT option in 2012
Honda did not offer a continuously variable transmission for the 2012 Civic. If you see a listing claiming a CVT for a 2012 Civic, it is likely inaccurate. For manual enthusiasts, the Si variant remains the definitive option with its 6-speed stick; for others, the 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic are the standard choices.
A manual transmission provides a more engaged driving experience and can be preferred by enthusiasts or drivers who want more control over gear shifts. The 5-speed automatic, by contrast, offers smoother operation and convenience, especially in heavy traffic. In a used 2012 Civic, the transmission type is typically indicated by the trim name and the gear shifter itself: a standard “H” pattern stick for manuals or a gated gear selector for the automatic option.
Summary
For the 2012 Honda Civic, most trims offered a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, while the Civic Si was manual-only with a 6-speed gearbox. There was no CVT option in that model year. When shopping, verify the transmission type on the vehicle’s documentation or by inspecting the gear selector to confirm the exact configuration.