The $3,700 Classic: 7 Reasons Why The 2000 Honda Civic In Clover Green Pearl (G95P) Is An Underrated JDM Legend
The 2000 Honda Civic, specifically the models finished in the deep, shimmering Clover Green Pearl (G95P) paint, has solidified its status in the collector and tuner communities as an appreciating classic. This final year of the sixth-generation (EK) chassis represents a peak in Honda’s golden era of lightweight, reliable, and highly tunable platforms, making it a highly sought-after vehicle even in the current market of late December 2025. While often overshadowed by the more common silver or black variants, the green EK holds a unique appeal, blending subtle sophistication with raw JDM performance potential.
The allure of the 2000 Civic is not just nostalgia; it’s a combination of bulletproof engineering, the iconic VTEC system, and a vibrant aftermarket that continues to produce upgrade parts. With resale values for clean examples, especially the Si Coupe, climbing toward the $3,700+ mark and beyond for pristine, low-mileage cars, understanding the nuances of the Clover Green Pearl model is crucial for both potential buyers and current owners looking to restore their piece of automotive history.
The Clover Green Pearl (G95P) Profile: Specs and Rarity
The 2000 Honda Civic is part of the sixth-generation (1996–2000) chassis, commonly referred to by its internal code, the EK chassis. For North America, the Clover Green Pearl was one of the signature colors, and it is essential to distinguish it from the earlier, brighter Midori Green Pearl (GY-16P) found on the fifth-generation (EG) models.
- Chassis Generation: Sixth Generation (EK)
- Production Year: 2000 (Final year of EK)
- Specific Green Paint Code: G95P
- Paint Name: Clover Green Pearl
- Common Trims Available: DX, LX, EX, and the flagship Si Coupe (EM1)
- Base Engine (DX/LX): D16Y7 (1.6L SOHC, non-VTEC)
- VTEC Engine (EX): D16Y8 (1.6L SOHC VTEC, 127 hp)
- Si Engine (EM1): B16A2 (1.6L DOHC VTEC, 160 hp)
- Market Value Trend (Current): Appreciating Classic (Clean Si models command a significant premium)
The G95P color itself is a deep, metallic green with a subtle gold or yellow pearl effect that truly comes alive under direct sunlight. This characteristic "pearl" finish is what gives the color its depth and makes it a favorite among purists, differentiating it from a simple flat or metallic green.
EK Chassis Deep Dive: Why the 2000 Model is a Tuner’s Dream
The 2000 Civic, regardless of its color, is highly prized because it represents the culmination of the EK platform’s engineering. It offers a perfect blend of modern OBD-II diagnostics and classic Honda mechanical simplicity. This combination is the foundation for its legendary tunability.
The D-Series vs. B-Series Engine Debate
The engine lineup is a key entity in the 2000 Civic's appeal. Most Civics in Clover Green Pearl were either a DX or an EX trim, meaning they came with a D-series engine (D16Y7 or D16Y8). The D-series is known for its incredible reliability and efficiency, but its tuning potential is limited compared to its sibling.
The holy grail for performance enthusiasts is the Si Coupe (EM1), which came standard with the B16A2 engine—a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC motor producing 160 horsepower. This engine is a cornerstone of the Civic's racing heritage. For owners of the D-series cars, the B-series swap (often using a B18C from an Acura Integra or a B16A from an EK4/JDM SiR) remains the most popular and reliable modification. This swap is so common that a massive aftermarket industry, including companies like K-Tuned, exists solely to support this engine conversion.
The robust EK chassis is designed to handle this power increase. Its lightweight nature—especially the hatchback (though rarer in green)—makes it an ideal candidate for track days and autocross, even with just minor suspension upgrades. The independent double-wishbone suspension, a hallmark of this generation, provides superior handling compared to later generations.
Essential Restoration and Maintenance Checklist for a Clover Green Pearl EK
Owning a 25-year-old classic, even a Honda, comes with its own set of challenges. For a Clover Green Pearl model, restoration focuses on two main areas: preserving the unique paint and addressing the well-known mechanical and interior weak points.
1. Paint Preservation and Restoration (G95P)
The Clover Green Pearl (G95P) paint is a multi-stage finish, and like many Honda paints of this era, the clear coat can fail over time, leading to fading and peeling. Finding original body panels in G95P is becoming increasingly difficult, making professional restoration a necessity. Owners should be prepared for a full respray if the car has spent its life outdoors. Using high-quality, modern urethane basecoat and clear coat is essential to protect the pearl effect and ensure long-term durability.
2. Common Mechanical and Interior Issues to Address
While the engines are famously reliable, the peripheral components of the 2000 Civic do require attention. Addressing these common problems is key to a "crisp clean" restoration:
- Engine Mounts: Bad engine mounts are a frequent complaint, causing excessive vibration and roughness. Upgrading to polyurethane mounts is a popular fix for tuners.
- Power Window Switches: The driver-side power window switch assembly is prone to failure, often requiring replacement.
- Rear Main Oil Seal: Older D-series and B-series engines may develop minor rear main oil seal leaks, which should be addressed during any major engine service.
- Interior Plastic Cracking: A notorious issue is the interior door panels cracking above the handles. This is a cosmetic but frustrating flaw that often requires sourcing clean replacement panels or custom repair work.
- Suspension Bushings: The original rubber suspension bushings will be worn out. Replacing them with fresh OEM or aftermarket polyurethane bushings is a crucial part of any suspension restoration and dramatically improves handling.
3. The JDM Conversion Trend
A major trend in the EK community is the JDM conversion. This involves transforming a USDM (US Domestic Market) Civic into a replica of its Japanese counterpart, most notably the EK9 Civic Type R. While the real EK9 was never sold in Clover Green Pearl (it was primarily Championship White), many enthusiasts apply JDM styling cues to their green EKs. This includes:
- JDM front-end conversion (headlights, grille, bumper)
- EK9-style rear spoiler and taillights
- Red Recaro seats and a Type R gauge cluster
This pursuit of the JDM aesthetic, combined with the rarity of a well-maintained Clover Green Pearl finish, ensures that the 2000 Honda Civic remains a highly relevant and desirable platform for tuners and collectors alike as we move into the mid-2020s.
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