undefinedI found this:
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/0207it_ppcivic/
The Honda D16Y engine--it's the little engine that seems to have started it all. When this motor was introduced in the Civic/CRX line-up, the little Japanese econoboxes were suddenly praised for having a sporty nature, signaling the end of the "economical = boring" equation that occupied the minds of consumers at that time.
With the engine pushing a factory rated 108 hp at 6000 rpm, the engine doesn't sound too impressive now, but relative to the cars available at the start of that decade it was good enough. Coupled with the car's suspension technology and relative cost of ownership, the Civic became a highly desirable vehicle to own.