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Honda Ballade: 1980–1986 compact sedan and what you need to know
Honda Ballade — a compact Honda sedan produced from 1980–1986 and sold in some European and other markets. It's very rare in Lithuania. We look at the history, tech, and what you need to know when hunting for one of these.
Ballade in brief
The Ballade was a compact four-door sedan based on the Civic family. It offered more comfort and boot space than the hatchback, making it ideal for buyers seeking a classic saloon.
Other manufacturers took inspiration from this model. For instance, the Triumph Acclaim was based on the Ballade, and later similar tech appeared in the Rover 213.
Generations — what's the difference
The first generation (1980–1983) was more basic, with angular styling and smaller engines. The second (1983–1986) was more modern, with improved equipment and a sharper style.
Most used examples are from the second generation, as it has better equipment and more modern driving dynamics. The first generation is less likely to have survived in good condition.
Engines and gearboxes
The Ballade had 1.3–1.6-litre petrol engines, which were known for being economical and smooth. Some versions, marked 'i', had fuel injection.
The car was front-wheel drive. The gearbox was manual or automatic.
What to check when hunting for a Ballade
The main thing — corrosion. Check the wings, sills, wheel arches and boot floor, as Japanese cars from this era weren't corrosion-resistant.
Check the engine: look for oil leaks, the condition of the cooling system, and smooth operation. Inspect the gearbox, clutch, and suspension bushes.
You'll need to hunt for spare parts through enthusiast clubs and overseas suppliers, as this model is rare. Ensure the car is original and has all the paperwork.
Trim levels
Trim names vary by market; we list the most commonly encountered.
Ballade (bazinė)
1980–1986The base version with simpler equipment.
- Smaller engine
- Basic trim
- Often — manual gearbox
EX
1983–1986The better-equipped version.
- Often — larger engine
- Better trim
- Often — electric windows
EXi
1983–1986Version with fuel injection and a more powerful engine.
- Fuel injection
- More powerful engine
- Sportier driving
Comparing the Ballade versions
| Bazinė | EX | EXi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Everyday driving | Comfort | Livelier driving |
| Engine | Smaller | Mid-range | Larger, with injection |
| Interior | Basic | Better trim | More lavish trim |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | €€ |
The Ballade suits those seeking a rare 1980s Japanese classic. If you need a daily driver, you'll choose something else, as parts and availability are scarce.
Pros
- Reliable Honda engineering
- Economical and smooth engines
- Compact, practical body
- A rare and unique classic example
Cons
- Corrosion is a common issue
- Shortage of parts and specialists
- Very limited supply
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ballade the same as the Civic?
The Ballade was based on the Civic family but had its own sedan body and different styling. The technology is quite similar.
Is the Ballade easy to find in Lithuania?
No. It's a very rare car, so you often have to buy it abroad.
Is the Ballade suitable for daily use?
It might be, if it's in good condition, but the safety and comfort levels are inferior to those of modern cars.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
