96-98 vs 99-00 Civic Front End – What’s The Differences

Honda Civic is one of the top-selling cars in the USA, with two different versions. You will see the Civic 1996-1998 and Civic 1999-2000 versions plying on the roads frequently. With their popularity, people have different opinions about them too. Some say the 96 98 version is better, while others will choose the 99 00 version.

Knowing the 96-98 vs 99-00 Civic Front End differences will help if you need clarification on picking one for your daily rides. Also, there’s an option to upgrade and convert your 1996 1998 model to the latest 1999 one.

Both Honda Civic models are from their 6^th Generation of manufacturing years. However, the latter one has a boxier front with smaller grilles. Its turn signal part on the headlight has a bulge, too, for easy recognition. So, by looking at their different physical properties, you can identify their manufacturing year and model.

We will discuss these physical differences along with performance parameters. Also, we will show you the conversion technique. So, stay with us for a detailed Civic review.

96-98 vs 99-00 Civic Front End Difference

The Civic has three variations with different manufacturing years. It includes the Sedan, hatches, and coupes. All three car types with distinctive versions have design variations. These differences are in their headlight, grille, and front lips.

Differences in Their Headlight Exterior

When you look at the two versions of the Civic, you will see that their headlights look different. It has multiple distinctions in two varieties. You will see dissimilarities in their headlight shape, corners, and internal design.

• The corner of the headlights looks different. The corner shape of the 96 98 models is rounded. On the other end, the 99 00 version has a pointed headlight at the corners.
• As the headlights have two various shapes in their corner, the cars have different fenders and hoods. The fender on the 99 00 is more roundish with a spacious area. Conversely, the 96 98 has a slightly compact fender.
• There’s also a difference in their length. The headlights of the 99 00 Civics are longer than the 96 98 models. The longer headlights affect the car’s bumper and hood design. So, the front bumper support of the later models is slightly updated.
• When you see, you will find a difference in the inner corner shape of the headlights. While the 96 98 models have a roundish look, the 99 00 models look more pointed. It affects how the bumper seems in the two versions.
• The blinker bulb inside the headlight also has design variations. The blinkers on the 96-98 models have a foggy glass cover. Conversely, the 99 00 version includes orange blinker bulbs inside it. The previous one has an amber reflector strip, but the latter doesn’t have one.

All these variations make the front headlight of the 96 99 Civic less aerodynamic. The 99 00 looks more aerodynamic on the headlight section. So, it appears sporty and aggressive, with aerodynamics helping in better fuel efficiency.

Besides the headlight exterior, you will also see the difference in their interior design. You may not find these variations, but with a close look, you will find them.

Differences in Their Headlight Interior

The front headlights on the Civic are extremely powerful. They can illuminate up to 100 feet of space. Of course, their real-life performance is similar. However, you will see a distinct appearance in their inner shape.

The amber reflector of the 96 98 models is longer than the later model. Similarly, the amber bulb cap of the 96 98 Civic is longer than the 99 00 Civic.

The turn signal of the 99 00 car looks smaller due to the small amber reflector design inside the inner chrome wall. The chrome wall gives the 99 00 Civics a distinctive aerodynamic and modern look.

When you look into the driver-side headlight turn signal, you will find less space between the housing of the turn signal and the headlight. As a result, the amber reflector and bulb cap look smaller.

So, you will find the hood of the 99 00 models compact. However, these Honda Civics’ front ends are the same size in real life.

The illusion will also affect the inner tail lights design. The tail lights of the 99 00 look smaller than the 96 98 versions.

They are more roundish in the 96-98 and pointed in the 99 00. When you turn on the lights on the tail, you will see the illumination and lighting distinctions.

Space between Grille and Headlight

The space between the grille and headlight of any automobile essentially controls its design and outlook. It looks larger if a car has more space between the headlight and grille.

On the contrary, an automobile looks sporty and aggressive with a smaller distance between the grille and the headlight.

So, what’s the condition of the front bumper, hood, and fenders? They have differences too.

The 96 98 models have more space between their grille and headlight than the 99 00 ones. So, it impacts the overall look of the front bumper hood too. The later models look slightly lifted with less space.

The Difference in Their Grille Design

The 1996 and 1998 Honda Civics have smaller and more compact grilles. The grille fins also have a difference in their numbers.

While 96 98 has more grilles, the newer models feature fewer grilles. It improves the overall look of the more contemporary Civics considerably.

• There are three fins on the 96 98 sedans. On the contrary, you will find two fins in the 99 00 models for the sedan version.
• However, only one fin runs through the middle of the coupe and hatch. It is similar for both manufacturing years.

The front bumper of the 96 98 has smaller width and length. The sedans and hatches of the Civic on both models have color-matched shells. Nonetheless, you will see chrome shells in the sedans for the newer cars.

However, with different-sized front grills, they look truly unique. You will experience two completely different design languages.

Front Bumper Design Variation

Like the front headlight, you will also see the difference in the front bumper design. Usually, the 1996 and 1998 models look more conventional than the newer ones. The lower grill has a different size. But the older model lacks side vents or duct vents. So, there’s no space for holding OEM foglights.

Nonetheless, the later versions include brake ducts with different-sized grills. The brake ducts are capable of accommodating OEM fog lights. It improves the visibility of the newer cars on nights. So, you can drive them confidently during winter and cloudy nights.

Lastly, the front bumper support is rugged and sturdy. It reduces the impact of collision and increases your survival chance significantly. The bumper cover is a premium material for long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.

Distinctions in the Fender and Hood Design

The fender and hood have different sizing. If you look closely at the headlight and front bumper meeting point, you will find their size differences.

It is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between the Honda Civic manufacturing years. If you need clarification on their models, look closely at the fender and hood to quickly determine their manufacturing models.

Taillight Design Variations

Like the front headlight, these two Honda Civics are also different in their taillight appearance. The 96 98 version has a slight amber covering on the taillights. The covering is on near the reverse lights. Plus, you will see an amber cover on the blinker.

Conversely, you will see taillights whited toward the light’s bottom half. So, you will see its visibility slightly reduced.

Rear Bumper Look

You will find the rear bumper curves underneath for the 1996 models. It results from the curving of the lower lip on the rear bumper. Similarly, on the 1999 versions, the lower lip will first curve underneath.

Then, it takes an outward direction giving the Civic Honda its unique look. These are, thus, shaped differently.

The bumper cover is made sturdy on both versions for extreme driving capability. So, it would support you year after year perfectly.

Interior Design Difference

These two versions have a difference in their interior design too. These distinctions are not subtle but evident and easy to find.

• CD Attachment: The CD attachment of the 99 00 front ends is on the head unit. So, it has adequate storage space right in front of the car’s transmission knob. It is in front of the cupholder, allowing you to keep your items. But, the CD attachment on the 96 98 Civic front end is on the cupholder. So, it has no storage space.
• Temperature and AC knobs: The temperature control knobs fit under the radio in 96 98 front ends. However, in the 99 00 front ends, the temperature control knob is below and left of the radio. So, the tech car interior looks unique.

Tips on Converting 96 98 Civic Into 99 00

If you own the older Civic, you may want it to give a sporty and aggressive look like the newer ones. It’s possible by mounting and replacing the following parts.

• Both Headlights
• Grille
• Hood
• Bumper
• Fenders

You can complete the conversion with the following tools:

• 10mm socket and ratchet
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Dremel with a cutting wheel
• Hand sized sledgehammer
• Drill

You may see the following YouTube video to complete the conversion of the older model to the new one. It will take hours, and so it requires optimal automobile skills. Also, the front-end conversion is a tricky one, so tiny bit faults can hurt the car.

Conclusion

96 98 vs. 99 00 Civic front-enddifferences are easily visible. Some differences in the interior may be subtle. However, the exterior differences are clear and significant.

You may look at their rough measurement, mesh inserts, radiator support, upper grill, and brake ducts. You can, however, convert the automobile with multiple changes. We suggest you take professional help for this purpose.