How to Upgrade Your Honda Civic Sound System

Honda Civic owners are no strangers to stereo upgrades—here are some tips and recommendations for handling yours.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The standard sound system on a Honda Civic features four standard speakers, with a pair of small tweeters and subwoofers in the upper-level system. To upgrade the sound system on your Civic, replacing the speakers and installing an amplifier are two key steps. 
For forty years, the Honda Civic has remained a principal among the yearly Honda line-up. From its top reliability ratings to its affordable price, it’s easy to understand how the Civic became an American commuter classic—but among its many qualities, the Civic is beloved especially for its versatility. Civics are practical vehicles that can be modified to their drivers’ personal tastes and styles to suit virtually any purpose.
But one place Honda Civics don’t shine is where their sound system is concerned. That’s why upgrades of the auditory variety are so common among Civics—and here to help you master your Civic’s sound is
Jerry
, the
trusted broker app
with the Civic specs and
car insurance
savings you’re looking for. 
We’ll compare the standard sound system across Civic generations, discuss basic upgrades to help level up your audio experience, and throw out some recommendations—along with tips for saving on
Honda Civic insurance costs
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What kind of sound system does a Honda Civic have? 

The features of your Honda Civic’s sound system vary slightly depending on your vehicle’s age and trim level. Here’s a closer look at the last five generations of Honda Civic audio systems: 
  • 6th-generation Honda Civic (1996-2000): four-speaker sound system 
  • 7th-generation Honda Civic (2001-2005): four- to six-speaker sound system
  • 8th-generation Honda Civic (2006-2011): four- to six-speaker sound system, with pair of tweeters in dash
  • 9th-generation Honda Civic (2012-2015): four- to seven-speaker sound system 
  • 10th-generation Honda Civic (2016-2021): four-speaker sound system
In upper tenth-gen Civic trim levels, like the EX and EX-L, a 10-speaker premium audio system is also available. As of 2022, for the first time ever, Honda Civic drivers have the option to upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose sound system (other Civic premium sound systems most commonly employ Pioneer or Clarion speakers). 
But if you’re set on audio customization, you’ll want to start with a base model. Not only are there currently no available dash kits or adapters for the Civic’s premium system, but the vehicle’s climate controls are also built right in—making it virtually impossible to replace. 
No matter the music you listen to or the way you choose to connect your tunes, the quality of your music depends on the speakers in your stereo system. If you’re ready to start improving your Civic’s sound, the next step is shopping for aftermarket products. 

How to upgrade a Honda Civic sound system

For many, even the Civic’s premium audio systems left something to be desired. Whether it’s a clear sound quality you crave or a totally bombastic bass, we’ve got some recommendations for three key features every good sound system has: speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers

Start with speaker upgrades 

The simplest way to upgrade your Civic’s sound clarity is by swapping out the factory speakers with a better version. 
You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $550 on a new pair of Civic speakers—and, you should note that most speakers are sold in pairs or as a singular unit—or upwards of $1,000 for a full-blown sound system. If you’re not already familiar with your Civic’s intricate inner workings, you’ll also want to consider hiring a professional to handle the installation work, as many replacement speakers require some adaptation to install. 
You’ll also have to decide whether you want to swap out all of your speakers, or just focus on one area of your vehicle, such as the rear doors or rear deck corners. Aftermarket speaker upgrades for a Honda Civic include: 
For most Civics, the speakers in the front and rear doors are about 6.5 inches, while the speakers in the rear corners are slightly smaller or larger. But depending on your Civic’s year, the speaker size may vary—so be sure to check your vehicle specs before committing to a new set.

Pump up the bass with a subwoofer

Another key component of an upgraded sound system is a subwoofer. Most Civics have the room to install a subwoofer in the trunk (in the spare tire well) or against the back of the rear seats. Aftermarket subwoofer recommendations for the Honda Civic include: 

What’s the difference between a 4-ohm subwoofer and a 2-ohm sub? 

As you’re comparing subwoofers, you may notice the distinction between 2-ohm and 4-ohm subwoofers, or subwoofers with variable impedance. If you’re wondering which type is better, rest assured—there’s no objective answer. It’s simply a matter of taste: if you prefer a louder, punchier sound, you’ll want to opt for a lower ohm, like a 2-ohm subwoofer. On the other hand, if what you want is a deeper, clearer sound, go for the 4-ohm sub. 

Boost the power with an amplifier

Finally, it’s time to turn our attention to amps. An amplifier can turn up the dial on your Civic’s whole sound system—especially when paired with a new subwoofer. If you’re looking for an easy-to-install amplifier, try the
Rockville dB12 2000 Watt Peak/500w RMS Mono 2 Ohm
. But if you’re wanting something bolder, look for products like the
Alpine S-A55V
.

How to protect your Honda Civic sound system—and save on insurance! 

Given the Civic’s history of low-performing audio systems, it’s no surprise if you’re looking to upgrade the sound in your vehicle to match its many other lovable qualities. But upgrading the sound in this classic Honda model could come with an unexpected detriment to your insurance premium. Typically, your insurance policy is only meant to cover your vehicle’s factory equipment—so an aftermarket stereo system won’t be covered.
Some insurance companies do offer
sound system coverage
as an add-on option to help protect your new setup—but adding it to your policy will still increase your rate. Luckily,
Jerry
can help. 
Jerry can help you keep your
Honda car insurance costs
manageable by providing you with a cross-analysis of policies from over 55 name-brand providers—so you can get the coverage you need at the right price. 
“I took a shot with
Jerry
and I’ve never been more happy! I was paying $350, and Jerry found me a Clearcover plan at $105. If saving $245 each month isn’t great news, I don’t know what is.” —Wyatt K. 
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FAQs

In the 2022 Honda Civic, the premium sound system features 12 Bose speakers. In older variations of the Civic, Pioneer and Clarion speakers were often employed.
The number of speakers in your Honda Civic depends on which generation it’s a part of. Sixth-generation Honda Civics (1996-2000) sported just four speakers, while generations seven and eight (2001-2011) featured four to six speakers. In ninth- and tenth-generation Civics (2012-2021), four to seven speakers were the standard, and the latest 2022 Civic offers a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.
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