The sixth-generation Civic offered two new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the HX model.

It included all standard equipment from the LX plus a 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC 16-valve 4-cylinder D16Y8 engine producing 127 hp (95 kW), power moonroof, air conditioning, 6-speaker stereo (coupe only), cruise control, remote entry system, auto-down driver's window, plus body-colored side mirrors and side molding.

[7] GX: Introduced in 1997 and available as a sedan for fleet-purchase only, this trim package was specially designed to run on natural gas.

It included all standard equipment from DX plus an automatic transmission, power door locks, CD player, air conditioning, keyless entry, and special paint.

While similar to the powerplant in the del Sol VTEC, the Civic Si saw some notable differences, which included a larger throttle body, improved intake manifold, strengthened connecting rods, low-friction/high-silicon pistons, a fully counterweighted crankshaft, and an exhaust system with larger-diameter piping.

Due to its good fuel economy (27/31 city/hwy MPG), and a more popular coupe form, the trim package garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.

It was available with a 5-speed manual transmission only, the exhaust-piping diameter was increased to a 2 1/4 inch to reduce back pressure, standard equipment also included 4-wheel disc brakes.

All sedans and coupes had a group option package available that added air conditioning and anti-lock brakes.

A Canadian SE sedan trim that slotted between the LX and EX was available for the 1999-2000 model years, which included all standard equipment from DX plus automatic transmission, power locks, CD player, air conditioning, and keyless entry.

The Civic received a facelift which included a new grille, new headlights, new front bumper, fenders and hood and redesigned taillights.

In the Middle East market, the Civic came with a 105 hp (78 kW) D15Z4 engine for LXi and EXi trims.

A JDM variant called the Civic RTi was also produced and it featured either manual and automatic transmissions coupled to a Honda real-time all-wheel-drive layout.

The Civic Type R was sold only in the Japanese domestic market[20][21] and was only available as a hatchback with a 5-speed manual transmission with a helical-type limited-slip differential.

The EK9 was unique as it was based on the JDM EK4 SiR but taken out of the production line and given additional reinforcement to the chassis and body shell.

Other additions were bigger brakes, 5-stud wheel hub, quicker steering ratio, specially-tuned suspension, Recaro seats, MOMO steering wheel, titanium shift knob, front lip spoiler, rear wing and smoked headlights.

The high output 118 kW (158 hp) 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16A2 4-cylinder engine was introduced later and available in the EK4 hatchback, known as the VTi-R.

It came with a P6ZD1 (B16A2) 1.6L DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine and was initially available in Nighthawk Black, Tafetta White and Passion Orange variants.

Formula Red and Sunburst Yellow color variants followed afterwards with silver accents on the center console.

Other notable differences were a mesh grill (similar with the EK9), three-spoke red-stitched steering wheel, 15-inch Enkei alloy wheels (similar to the USDM Si & JDM Vi-RS), leather-stitched shift knob (similar to the JDM SiR), front upper strut bar, Kenwood CD player, bigger front and rear disc brakes, unique interior fabric colors and an optional front chin and spoiler.

Leather seats, electric power windows and better performance all came with the VTEC models (Civic or Ballade).

An AMG/Sport version Ballade was also released featuring a performance exhaust system, Type R style gearshift knob and AMG body pieces.

It was built in five-door hatchback and Aerodeck (Estate) models in various trim levels and engine sizes.

These came with five-door body and fifty-five liter fuel tank, ABS, driver and passenger air bags, power steering and electric door mirrors, amongst other things.

The Domani-based Civics were also available with the Rover L-Series diesel engine which was a 2-liter, eight-valve, direct-injection turbocharged unit (20T2N, 20T2R); an essential addition in the European market.

Compared to the original Domani, the Liftback and Aerodeck featured a new interior, similar to that of the more upmarket Rover 400.

Rover made mostly cosmetic changes (which included front fenders/wings, bonnet, headlights, bumpers, rear lights and tailgate were different on the Rover as well as more upmarket cabin materials and greater use of wood and decals) to have a brand new design in the showrooms, which was very cost effective but divided opinion amongst brand enthusiasts.

Interior: Unique half leather sports style seats (full leather optional), front and rear electric windows, heated side mirrors, air conditioning, dashboard instrument light dimmer, front and rear head rests and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.

Like the MB6 VTi-S, the EK4 VTi-S was based on the standard VTi hatch, with differences being the Starlight Black paint, front and rear bumper lips/skirts, rear mid-spoiler, 15-inch speedline chrono alloy wheels, the dashboard cluster used white numbering on the speedometer, fuel gauge etc., rather than orange/red as in the regular VTi, however it still retained the red needles.

Due to a problem with the registration process, many genuine VTi-S' were not on the log books as a VTi-S, but a VTi, and regular VTi Civics were logged as VTi-S; this problem also affected the special edition EK4 Civic Jordan, of which some were also logged as a VTi-S. To commemorate the Honda (Mugen) Jordan F1 team, a limited edition Honda Civic VTi (EK4 3-door model) was created with their own signed Eddie Jordan plaque with the specific number stamped on it in the center console.

It had the same basic spec as the EK4 VTi, but the extras included: Sunlight Yellow paint work, yellow-and-black leather interior, Jordan decals on the sides and rear of the car as well as stitched into the seats and floor carpets.