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Honda Quintet: Civic-based five-door liftback and what to know when buying
Honda Quintet — a five-door liftback produced from 1980 to 1985, based on the Honda Civic. In Japan, it was known as the Quint. We explain what sets it apart, what engine it has, and what to check if you come across one in the used market.
Quintet in brief
The Honda Quint was introduced in February 1980 in Japan as a five-door liftback version of the Civic, more luxurious than the Civic. It reached export markets, including Europe, in 1981 under the Quintet name. From 1983, it was sold in Australia as the Rover Quintet — the first Honda car to bear the Rover badge.
In 1985, it was replaced by the Honda Quint Integra. The Quintet is very rare in Lithuania, usually found as a classic collector's car.
What sets it apart
The Quintet featured a five-door liftback body and better equipment than the contemporary Civic. In keeping with Honda's style, it was compact yet spacious, with a well-utilised interior.
The Rover Quintet sold in Australia came with woodgrain trim and a slightly different interior, and standardly featured a radio with a cassette player.
Engine and transmission
The Quintet came with a 1.6-litre (1602 cc) four-cylinder EP engine, with power rated at around 80 hp, or around 90 hp according to Japanese specifications. Check the exact figures in the specific car's documents.
Transmission — five-speed manual or optional two-speed semi-automatic Hondamatic (from 1982 — three-speed). Front and rear suspension — MacPherson struts with stabilizers.
What to check when buying a Quintet
Cars are old, so the body condition is key: Older car bodies often suffer from corrosion, so check the sills, arches, and floor. Also, check for signs of repair work.
Parts, especially for the body and interior, are almost non-existent in Lithuania, so consider their availability before buying. Check the engine, transmission (especially Hondamatic), suspension, and brakes.
Trim levels
Trim names and equipment vary by market and year; top-tier versions came with more features.
Aukštesnė versija
1980–1985Version with better equipment than standard models.
- Often — air conditioning and central locking
- Often — electric windows and sunroof
- Equipment varies by market and year
Transmission comparison
| Mechaninė | Hondamatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For a more spirited drive | For a smoother ride |
| Number of gears | 5 | 2, later 3 |
| Condition check | Suspension and gears | Transmission operation |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
Most prefer a manual transmission for its simplicity, while the Hondamatic is sought after by rare classic enthusiasts.
Pros
- A compact five-door liftback with Honda reliability
- Better equipment than the Civic
- Independent suspension on all wheels
- A rare classic car
Cons
- Finding parts in Lithuania is very challenging
- Risk of corrosion due to age
- The Hondamatic gearbox can be tricky to repair
Frequently asked questions
How does the Quintet differ from the Civic?
The Quintet is a five-door liftback based on the Civic, with more kit and a more upmarket appearance.
What is the Rover Quintet?
It's the Honda Quintet, sold in Australia from 1983 with a Rover badge.
How has the Quintet been changed?
In 1985, it was replaced by the Honda Quint Integra.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
