The 1991 Honda Civic sits at the point where Honda’s compact hatchback, sedan, and wagon lineup had become known for efficiency, light weight, and sharp everyday usability. It is also a year where trim level matters, because the Civic range spans standard commuter models, a 4WD wagon variant, and the sport-minded Si. Tire fitment reflects that spread, with radial sizes ranging from 13-inch applications such as 165/70R13 and 175/70R13 to 14-inch fitments including 175/65R14, 175/70R14, and 185/60R14. Available choices lean modern and practical, with differences in brand, sidewall style, and series depending on size. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing tire character or appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Honda Civic
The 1991 Honda Civic uses five different primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some Civics use 13-inch rims, while others use 14-inch rims, so confirming the actual wheel size should come first. Once that is settled, the choice becomes finding the correct radial tire within that size and deciding whether appearance, series, or road-use character matters most for the way the car is set up.
The 175/70R13 size uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1991 Honda Civic, this is a modern metric radial fitment used on several sub-models, making it one of the more familiar and straightforward Civic sizes from the period. Available choices in this size include a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ radial tire. It is a useful starting point for owners who want to keep the correct size on a 13-inch wheel while comparing brand character, intended use, and wheel-width compatibility.
The 175/65R14 size indicates a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1991 Honda Civic, this size belongs to a specific 14-inch application rather than the broader 13-inch Civic fitments, so it should be chosen only after the exact sub-model and wheel size are confirmed. This format gives the buyer a modern metric reference that is easy to recognize when checking existing tires or replacement needs. It is especially important on a Civic that may have had wheel changes over time, since 14-inch fitment is not universal across the lineup.
The 165/70R13 code represents a 165-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1991 Honda Civic, this size is a narrower 13-inch application, which makes it distinct from the more common 175-section Civic fitments from the same model year. Its practical role is to preserve the intended fitment for the sub-model that uses it rather than substituting a different Civic size simply because the rim diameter matches. Buyers should verify both the exact model configuration and the wheel setup before comparing alternatives within the broader Civic family.
The 175/70R14 size combines a 175-millimeter nominal section width with a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. Within the 1991 Honda Civic range, this is a specific 14-inch fitment and should not be confused with the 175/70R13 size used elsewhere in the lineup. Product choice in this size includes a Travelstar radial in the UN106 series with a narrow whitewall, which gives the buyer a visible sidewall-style distinction rather than a purely blackwall presentation. It is a size that deserves careful wheel confirmation first, then a closer look at appearance and intended use.
The 185/60R14 code identifies a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. For the 1991 Honda Civic, this size stands apart as a lower-profile 14-inch fitment, making it an important one to match correctly to the sub-model that uses it. Available product choice includes a blackwall Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, giving this size a clear series and brand identity within the Civic range. It is the right size to evaluate when the goal is preserving the intended 14-inch setup without drifting into a taller or narrower Civic tire just because it shares the same bolt-on era.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1991 Honda Civic because the lineup uses several different radial tire sizes across both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels. Identifying the exact trim or body configuration is the first step, since matching by model year alone can lead to the wrong rim diameter or profile.
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1991 Honda Civic DX
The 1991 Honda Civic DX uses a 175/70R13 radial tire, placing it in the 13-inch portion of the Civic range for this model year. Tire selection here centers on staying with the correct metric size and then comparing the available product style, wheel-width compatibility, and intended road use.
The 1991 Honda Civic EX uses a 175/65R14 radial tire, which makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important before any replacement choice is made. Once the 14-inch setup is confirmed, the focus shifts to keeping the correct profile rather than substituting another Civic size that only seems close.
The 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback uses a 165/70R13 radial tire, a narrower 13-inch fitment than some other Civic sub-models from the same year. That makes careful size matching worthwhile when replacing aged tires or sorting out a car that may have seen wheel swaps over time.
The 1991 Honda Civic LX uses a 175/70R13 radial tire, sharing its basic fitment approach with other 13-inch Civic configurations. For replacement, the important decision is usually not the size itself but choosing a tire that suits the car’s wheel setup and the kind of road use expected.
The 1991 Honda Civic RT 4WD uses a 175/70R14 radial tire, giving it a distinct 14-inch fitment within the broader Civic lineup. Tire selection should start with that exact size, then move to details such as sidewall presentation and compatibility with the wheel actually on the car.
The 1991 Honda Civic Si uses a 185/60R14 radial tire, a lower-profile 14-inch size that differs noticeably from the other 1991 Civic applications. Keeping that exact fitment matters when the goal is maintaining the intended stance and response rather than blending it with another Civic size.
The 1991 Honda Civic Wagon uses a 175/70R13 radial tire, so it shares the same basic size family as several other 13-inch Civics from 1991. That makes product choice more about the available tire’s character and wheel compatibility than about sorting through multiple primary size options.
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 1991 Honda Civic Tires for Sale
Available tire choices for the 1991 Honda Civic include radial options from Avon, Travelstar, and Michelin, with variation by size, tire series, and sidewall presentation. Depending on the fitment, choices may include blackwall or narrow whitewall styling, along with different rim-width specifications.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used across the 1991 Honda Civic lineup, along with wheel-diameter differences, sub-model fitment, available product styles, and the checks worth making before putting a low-mileage older Civic back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Honda Civic?
A 1991 Honda Civic can use 175/70R13, 175/65R14, 165/70R13, 175/70R14, or 185/60R14, depending on the exact sub-model. All of these are radial tire sizes, but they are not shared across the entire Civic lineup, so there is no single universal size for every 1991 Civic.
The first thing to confirm is the exact Civic trim or body configuration, followed by the wheel diameter actually on the car. Many older Civics have been changed over the years, so checking the current wheel and comparing the installed tire size helps prevent choosing a 13-inch replacement for a 14-inch setup, or the reverse.
What size rim does a 1991 Honda Civic use?
The 1991 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 use 13-inch rims, while 175/65R14, 175/70R14, and 185/60R14 use 14-inch rims.
Rim diameter should be verified before comparing tires because the Civic lineup spans both wheel sizes in the same model year. A quick check of the existing tire sidewall usually confirms the rim diameter, but it is still wise to inspect the wheel itself on a modified car so the replacement tire matches the hardware that is actually mounted.
Why does the 1991 Honda Civic have more than one tire size?
The 1991 Honda Civic has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel and tire combinations. The lineup includes several trims and body styles, and those differences lead to five separate radial sizes across 13-inch and 14-inch applications.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact Civic variant rather than assuming all 1991 models share the same fitment. It also helps explain why two Civics parked side by side may both be correct while wearing different sizes, especially when comparing a Hatchback, Si, EX, Wagon, or RT 4WD.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1991 Honda Civic?
Start with the exact size assigned to the specific 1991 Honda Civic sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter and the tire’s rim-width compatibility when that specification is available. Since every primary fitment here is radial, the main decisions are size accuracy, tire series, sidewall style, and how the car will actually be driven.
A lightly used weekend Civic may call for a different emphasis than a regularly driven car, even within the same size. Looking at the tire’s overall character, load-related specifications where shown, and whether the wheel setup remains stock helps narrow the choice without drifting into another Civic size that does not belong on that configuration.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Honda Civic tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1991 Honda Civic tires include blackwall and narrow whitewall, depending on the size. Blackwall appears in the 175/70R13 and 185/60R14 options shown here, while 175/70R14 is available with a narrow whitewall presentation.
Sidewall style is mainly an appearance decision once the correct tire size has been established. A blackwall usually keeps the look understated and modern for the era, while a narrow whitewall gives a more distinctive visual treatment, so the right choice depends on whether the car is being kept closer to everyday-driver character or styled with a more tailored presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Honda Civic?
Available tire brands for the 1991 Honda Civic include Avon, Travelstar, and Michelin, with brand choice depending on the specific size. The examples here span different series and visual treatments rather than offering the same tire repeated under multiple names.
Brand comparison should begin only after the correct size is pinned down for the sub-model and wheel diameter. Once that is settled, useful differences include the series itself, sidewall style, and any wheel-width specification shown, since those factors usually matter more than choosing a brand name in isolation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Honda Civic?
A period-style 1991 Honda Civic starts with the exact original-size fitment for the specific sub-model, whether that is a 13-inch or 14-inch radial. Keeping the correct size and profile does more for the car’s visual balance than simply choosing a tire by brand, especially on a Civic lineup that used several different combinations in the same year.
After size is confirmed, appearance comes down to the sidewall and overall tire character. Blackwall keeps the look closest to the straightforward compact-car presentation many buyers expect from an early-1990s Civic, while a narrow whitewall creates a more customized look that may suit a specific build better than a restoration-minded one.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1991 Honda Civic restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1991 Honda Civic restoration because the car’s stance, proportions, and wheel-to-tire relationship change noticeably when the wrong size is used. With five different primary sizes across the model range, using the right diameter and profile is part of making the finished car look coherent and properly sorted.
That is especially important when the goal is to preserve the character of a specific DX, EX, Hatchback, Si, Wagon, or RT 4WD rather than building a modified driver. Exact originality questions should be checked against vehicle-specific historical references, but size accuracy remains the foundation before details like sidewall appearance are considered.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Honda Civic?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Honda Civic even when the replacement tire is one of the proper model-year sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, and body or fender modifications can all change the amount of clearance available around the tire.
That matters because the Civic range already uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments, so a modified car may not match its original sub-model configuration anymore. Checking the actual wheel diameter, width, and the space around the tire at steering lock and full suspension movement helps prevent surprises once the car is back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s actual setup, and check that inflation is set correctly for the application. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how a fresh set of radials behaves.
A short local test drive is a smart way to catch rubbing, vibration, pulling, or air-loss issues early. Older Civics are often lightly used or intermittently stored, so this is also a good time to inspect for dry cracking on any remaining spare tire and to make sure lug hardware and wheel seating surfaces are in good condition.
How often should tires on a 1991 Honda Civic be inspected?
Tires on a 1991 Honda Civic should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A visual check for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and low pressure is a sensible routine, since age and storage conditions can matter just as much as mileage on an older compact car.
Monthly pressure checks and periodic close inspections are a practical habit, with another thorough look before any longer drive. Even a properly sized tire can become a problem if it has aged out, lost air, or developed damage while the car sat, so condition should always be evaluated alongside the fitment itself.
