--- title: "This Dodge Challenger Is Actually a Honda Civic" date: "2023-11-16" modified: "2023-11-16" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-dodge-challenger-is-actually-a-honda-civic" categories: - "Culture" - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # This Dodge Challenger Is Actually a Honda Civic ![]() *\Mitsuoka\* If you're aware of [Mitsuoka]() at all, you know the small Japanese automaker has created some uniquely polarizing vehicles over the years. From the non-Euclidean unease of the Honda NSX-based Orochi to the [Buddy](), a Toyota RAV4 rebodied to resemble a K5 Chevy Blazer, Mitsuoka has made it unquestionably clear that the limitations that restrain other carmakers don't apply within its walls, and it answers to nobody. It's for that reason that I'm sure the company couldn't care less what you or I think of its latest offering, the M55 Concept, which is basically a [Civic hatchback]() restyled to look like a '70s Japanese sports car, or a '70s American sports car that you can put in your pocket. The reason for the M55's existence happens to be right there in the name. Mitsuoka was founded 55 years ago, in 1968. It was a time of great cultural transformation, as the [company says in its materials]() surrounding the M55, bringing color TV, air conditioning, and perhaps most relevant of all, relatively accessible GT cars. This is the period the M55 is crafted to honor. Regardless how you feel about the execution, the inspiration pretty clearly shines through. ![]() ![]() *Mitsuoka Motor* ![]() The 11th-gen Civic hatch was arguably the best choice Mitsuoka could've made for starter car here, because it's barely a hatchback as it is. It's really a fastback, and of course, Japan's greatest performance cars of the era, from the original [Toyota Celica]() to the ["Kenmeri" Nissan Skyline GT-R]() and [240Z](), were all fastbacks. The final product ends up looking like a Civic with the front end of a [Dodge Challenger]() and a louvered rear window. A familiar greenhouse makes it obvious how the M55 originally left the factory, but the only cue it's really missing are fender-mounted side mirrors. Personally, the whole thing's a little disjointed to me, but then considering Mitsuoka's taken on the unenviable task of making a '70s sports car out of a modern compact, it would've been a miracle if it came out any better. As long as we're talking needlessly expensive Civics in ungainly frocks, I'd still rock this over a new [Integra](). ![]() *Mitsuoka Motor* If Mitsuoka took the liberty of making mechanical tweaks here, those remain a mystery. That isn't typically the company's bag though, as the Buddy was indistinguishable from a typical [RAV4]() under its retro sheet metal. The only other change to note with respect to the M55 are the sedan's seats, which are irrefutably perfect. You can't go wrong with blue leather and grommets. Even if most of what your eyes see in the cabin is essentially 11th-gen Civic, your butt will know the difference. You may be wondering if Mitsuoka intends to produce the M55, and on that front, the company's actually left little room for ambiguity. According to Japanese outlet *[Car Watch]()*, the answer is a resounding "no." I suppose the M55 has been deemed too outlandish to sell by the minds who gave Japan a [Toyota Yaris cosplaying a Jaguar Mark 2](), or a [Mazda Miata shaped like a C3 Corvette](), with a one-off left-hand-drive conversion to match. Yes, even Mitsuoka has standards, even if they don't make sense to us. ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()