The 1987 Honda Civic sat squarely in the era when Honda’s small cars had already earned a reputation for efficiency, sharp packaging, and lively road manners. Buyers today often approach this generation with very specific goals, whether that means preserving a clean commuter, keeping a CRX true to its lightweight character, or sorting out a sportier Si setup. Tire fitment on the 1987 Honda Civic is entirely radial, but it is not one-size-fits-all, with 13-inch and 14-inch applications depending on sub-model. That makes size confirmation the first step, followed by choices in brand and tire series where available. Matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel setup matters more here than broad one-size assumptions.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Honda Civic
The 1987 Honda Civic uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. All of them are radial fitments, but there are both 13-inch and 14-inch applications, so confirming the specific trim and the actual wheels on the car should come before comparing tire options.
165/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. On the 1987 Honda Civic, this size is used on select lower-displacement and economy-focused sub-models where maintaining the intended wheel diameter is important. It is a straightforward modern radial format that will feel familiar to buyers used to later compact-car sizing conventions. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car still carries its 13-inch wheel setup, especially on vehicles that may have been updated with different wheels over time.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that indicates a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. This is a primary fitment for several 1987 Honda Civic sub-models, making it one of the most common sizes within the range while still remaining trim-specific rather than universal. Available product choice in this size includes an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, adding a recognizable series option for owners comparing road-use priorities and wheel compatibility. It is the size to evaluate when the car uses the broader 13-inch Civic fitment rather than the narrower 165 section or the 14-inch Si-style setup.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. Within the 1987 Honda Civic lineup, this size stands apart because it moves to a different rim diameter and a lower-profile radial format than the 13-inch applications. Michelin offers a blackwall option in this size through the Pilot Exalto PE2 series, giving buyers a clearly defined product choice for the 14-inch fitment. This size should be considered only after confirming that the car is one of the Civic sub-models built around the 14-inch wheel package.
1987 Honda Civic sub-model tire fitment varies, so selecting tires starts with identifying the exact trim rather than the model name alone. That matters here because the lineup includes two different 13-inch sizes as well as a separate 14-inch application for the sportier setup.
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1987 Honda Civic 1300
The 1987 Honda Civic 1300 uses the narrower 13-inch radial fitment within this lineup. Tire selection for this sub-model centers on preserving the intended wheel size and confirming that the car has not been changed to a different wheel or trim-based setup over the years.
The 1987 Honda Civic 1500 S uses the 175/70R13 radial size rather than the narrower 165 section or the 14-inch Si fitment. That makes correct size confirmation straightforward, after which the decision shifts to comparing the available tire offering in this size and checking wheel-width compatibility.
The 1987 Honda Civic CRX uses 175/70R13 radial tires in this fitment range. Owners choosing replacements should keep the compact hatchback’s wheel diameter in mind first, then compare tire characteristics within the correct size instead of assuming all CRX versions use the same setup.
The 1987 Honda Civic CRX HF uses the 165/70R13 radial size. That points the buyer toward the narrower 13-inch fitment in the Civic family, making it important to confirm the exact HF wheel setup before stepping into the wider 175 or 185-section alternatives used elsewhere.
The 1987 Honda Civic CRX HF 1300 also uses the 165/70R13 radial fitment. Tire choice here is mostly about staying with the correct size and wheel diameter, then checking the current wheel package carefully if the car has seen aftermarket changes or a long restoration history.
The 1987 Honda Civic CRX Si uses the 185/60R14 radial size, separating it from the 13-inch Civic and CRX applications. That means wheel diameter becomes the key fitment checkpoint, followed by selecting among the available 14-inch radial options that suit the car’s intended road use and appearance.
The 1987 Honda Civic DX uses 175/70R13 radial tires. Buyers should treat that as a trim-specific fitment rather than a Civic-wide default, then compare available product characteristics in the correct size while confirming the car still carries its original wheel diameter.
The 1987 Honda Civic Si uses 175/70R13 radial tires in this application. That puts selection focus on staying within the correct 13-inch metric radial size and checking the actual wheel setup on the car before considering any change from the intended fitment.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Honda Civic Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Honda Civic tire options shown here focus on radial blackwall fitments, with Avon covering 175/70R13 through the CR6ZZ series and Michelin offering 185/60R14 in the Pilot Exalto PE2 line. The main comparisons are size, wheel compatibility, and tire series character within the correct trim-based fitment.
Common 1987 Honda Civic tire questions usually come down to exact trim identification, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, and how to choose the right radial tire once the correct size is confirmed.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Honda Civic?
A 1987 Honda Civic can use 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14, depending on the sub-model. All three are radial sizes, but they are not interchangeable as a general Civic-wide fitment because the lineup includes both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications.
The first step is identifying the exact trim, such as 1300, DX, Si, CRX HF, or CRX Si, and then confirming the wheel diameter currently on the car. Many older Civics have been modified over time, so it is smart to check the existing wheel and tire setup rather than relying only on the model name.
What size rim does a 1987 Honda Civic use?
A 1987 Honda Civic uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 165/70R13 and 175/70R13 fitments are built around 13-inch wheels, while 185/60R14 is the 14-inch application used on the CRX Si.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before any tire purchase because moving between 13-inch and 14-inch sizes is not just a matter of preference. The actual wheel on the car also matters if it has seen aftermarket changes, so checking the stamped wheel size and measuring wheel width helps avoid unnecessary fitment mistakes.
Why does the 1987 Honda Civic have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Honda Civic has more than one tire size because the Civic range included several sub-models with different wheel and tire setups. Some versions use 165/70R13, others use 175/70R13, and the CRX Si uses 185/60R14 on a 14-inch rim.
That variation means the correct tire choice starts with the exact sub-model, not just the year and model family. It also helps to verify the car’s current wheel diameter, since a previous owner may have changed wheels or tires, especially on CRX and Si models that are often modified.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Honda Civic?
Start with the correct trim-specific size, because a 1987 Honda Civic may require 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14. Once that is settled, compare radial construction details that matter to your car, including wheel diameter, wheel-width compatibility, tire series, and whether the tire suits a stock-looking restoration or regular road use.
Product choice can vary even within a correct size, so it helps to think about how the car is used and what presentation you want. A lightly driven collector Civic may prioritize proper fitment and appearance, while a more active road car may place more emphasis on selecting the right available series for its wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Honda Civic tires?
The available 1987 Honda Civic products shown here use blackwall sidewalls. That applies to the Avon CR6ZZ in 175/70R13 and the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 in 185/60R14, giving these trim-specific applications a clean, understated modern radial presentation.
Sidewall style affects the overall look of the car even when the tire size is correct, so it is worth considering alongside brand and series. On a late-1980s Civic or CRX, a blackwall tire generally keeps the appearance restrained and appropriate to the period without adding decorative sidewall treatments.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Honda Civic?
The available products shown for the 1987 Honda Civic come from Avon and Michelin. Avon covers the 175/70R13 size with the CR6ZZ series, while Michelin covers the 185/60R14 size with the Pilot Exalto PE2 series.
Brand comparison only matters after the correct size has been matched to the exact Civic or CRX sub-model. A 175/70R13 DX or CRX buyer and a 185/60R14 CRX Si buyer are not choosing between the same products, so trim, wheel diameter, and intended use should guide the comparison first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Honda Civic?
A period-style 1987 Honda Civic tire choice starts with using the correct original fitment category for the exact sub-model, whether that means 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14. Because this Civic generation used radial tires, keeping the proper size and wheel diameter is the foundation of an authentic late-1980s presentation.
After size is confirmed, look at the tire’s visual character, sidewall treatment, and overall stance on the wheel. If exact originality matters at a show-car level, period photos, marque references, and model-specific literature can help narrow down what best suits the trim without assuming every correct-size radial looks the same.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Honda Civic restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Honda Civic restoration because the wrong size can change the car’s visual balance and move it away from the trim-specific setup it was built around. That is especially important here because some versions use 13-inch wheels while the CRX Si uses a 14-inch package.
A restoration-minded buyer should verify the exact sub-model and inspect the wheels currently on the car before choosing tires. Even when the vehicle looks stock, decades of ownership can bring wheel swaps, suspension changes, or mixed parts, and those details can affect both appearance and practical fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Honda Civic?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Honda Civic. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or brake and hub changes can alter the wheel diameter or width the car now uses, which matters on a platform that already spans both 13-inch and 14-inch factory tire fitments.
A Civic or CRX that has been modified should be checked in person before replacing tires by model name alone. Wheel size, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and room around the fenders all deserve attention, especially if the car has a longer restoration history or a mix of parts from different trims.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the exact trim, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated correctly. It also helps to check for suspension wear, uneven old-tire wear patterns, and anything that suggests alignment issues.
A careful walk-around after installation can prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones on the road. Look for adequate clearance at the struts and fenders, verify lug hardware is properly secured, and recheck pressure after the first drives, particularly on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked.
How often should tires on a 1987 Honda Civic be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Honda Civic should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A visual check before use and a more thorough inspection at routine service intervals helps catch cracking, bulges, tread wear, punctures, and gradual air loss.
Low-mile collector cars can develop tire problems simply from age, storage conditions, or long stationary periods, even when tread still looks usable. Paying attention to pressure, sidewall condition, and wear pattern is just as important as mileage, and any Civic with questionable tires should be examined before longer road use.
