The 2011 Honda Civic offers three unique engine options: the standard i-VTEC 1.8-liter, a performance-inspired 2.0 on SI models, and a 1.3 I4 paired to a 20-horsepower electric motor on Civic Hybrids. No matter your choice, only a handful of complaints and a single recall have ever been issued on any Civic engine from this year.
Key Points
- Three engines are offered in the 2011 Honda Civic, all i-VTEC four-cylinders. Two are naturally aspirated, and one is a hybrid with a 20-horsepower electric motor. Overall, we think its 41-mpg average is impressive.
- The 2011 Honda Civic with its base 1.8-liter engine isn’t as quick as most competitors. Still, it delivers decent fuel economy and packs plenty of high-tech features to up the performance.
- The Civic SI’s 2.0-liter is for those that prefer some oomph when they press the gas pedal. With 57 extra horsepower, it’s definitely a noticeable upgrade over the 1.8.
- Hybrid Civics boast the most impressive mpg figures: 39 miles per gallon around town, 43 on the highway, and 41 combined. Yet, the 1.3-liter gets paired to a CVT, which many see as a negative.
- While all engines in 2011 Civic’s are reliable, a single fuel-pump recall and a handful of complaints have been registered. While we wish the SI came in an automatic, the 1.8-liter is an all-around performer, albeit dull.
1.8-liter I4 May Be the Base Civic Engine, but it Delivers on Most Fronts, Including Fuel Economy and Tech to Keep it Cool
At just 140 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Civics non-turbo i-VTEC 1.8-liter four-cylinder is pretty slow. In fact, it crawls from 0-60 in 9.3-seconds, half a second quicker than a Corolla with its base engine, but slower than most other competitors.
When paired with a five-speed manual transmission, Honda’s 1.8-liter-equipped Civic delivers 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, and 29 combined. Opt for the automatic and lose one mpg in the city but gain one at highway speeds. The 1.8-liter engine takes 3.9 quarts of 5W-20 viscosity oil regardless of the outside temperature.
If you do need to replace the 1.8-liter engine in a 2011 Civic, used blocks go for about $1,750 and rebuilt options for about $3,200 (not including labor), per Car Part Planet.
As for problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has only received a handful of complaints about any 2011 Civic motor. Additionally, there’s only been a single engine-related recall issued involving over 18,000 units.
2.0-liter I4 in Civic SI Models Lack Turbocharger Upgrade, but Still Pack a Noticeable Performance Boost
For those seeking something more thrilling, the SI has made a name as the “fast” Civic thanks to its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine.
The 2.0 puts out 197 horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired to a close-ratio six-speed manual. While no turbo is present, the 2.0-liter does pack a mean punch, propelling from 0-60 in about 7.4 seconds. Sadly, an automatic transmission isn’t an option on SI models.
The Civic SI takes a big hit with fuel economy, putting up just 21 in the city and 29 on the highway. What’s more, the 2.0-liter requires premium fuel to attain these numbers, a cost that can quickly add up when tallying your monthly fuel expenses.
As for oil capacity, the 2011 Civic SI takes 4.6 quarts with a viscosity of 5W-30.
Pricing for a replacement 2.0-liter seems to be about the same as the 1.8, but you’ll likely have a more challenging time finding one as fewer SI units were sold in general.
1.3-liter Hybrid with 20-hp Electric Motor and CVT Boast Impressive MPG Figures, Up to 43 On the Highway
At just 110 horsepower and 123 lb.-ft. of torque, the 1.3-liter four-cylinder in the Civic Hybrid is no racecar, even with the help of its 20-hp electric motor working alongside the engine. What’s more, the Hybrid only comes with a CVT. While Honda seems to have figured out this transmission type, most prefer the feel of a conventional five or six-speed.
As you may have guessed, the 1.3-liter Hybrid also offers the best fuel economy. EPA tests reveal an impressive 39 mpg in the city and 43 at highway speeds for a combined mpg of 41. The 1.3-liter requires an oil viscosity of 5W-20 and has a capacity of 3.4 quarts.
Replacing the 1.3-liter with a used block should cost about $800 pre-labor. Just make sure the block is the actual issue and not the electric motor or battery, as there are many extra parts on Hybrid models.
The 2011 Honda Civic Has an Engine to Suit Just About Any Driver’s Needs, and a Reputation for Lasting 200,000 Miles or More
Be it the standard 1.8-liter, the 2.0 in the SI, or the 1.3 in the Hybrid, all 2011 Honda Civic engines have a reliable reputation.
So, how long will a 2011 Honda Civic engine last? Depending on how you drive, with proper maintenance, it’s easily capable of 200,000 miles without any major repairs, with one owner even hitting 5,000,000 miles on the original block and transmission.
While the 1.3 and 1.8-liter engines are a bit too slow for our tastes, the 2.0 in the SI offers just the right amount of power if you’re comfortable operating a manual transmission.
Photos: Honda
