1997 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 98

Loading Cargo The maximum load you can carry in your Honda is 850 Ibs (395 kg). It includes the total weight of all passengers, their belongings and any accessories. This 850 Ibs (395 kg) figure is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label attached to the driver's doorjamb. To figure out how much cargo you can carry: Figure the total "occupant weight" you will be transporting. To do this, multiply the number of people (driver and all passengers) by 150 Ibs (70 kg). Subtract this number from the Vehicle Capacity Weight (850 Ibs/ 395 kg). This final number is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car. With five occupants (driver and four passengers), the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 100 Ibs (45 kg). Where you store this cargo, and how well you secure it, are just as important as how much it weighs. Make sure you load cargo so it will not shift while driving. Items stored in the cargo area should be stored as far forward as possible. You could store additional items on the floor behind the front seats. Make sure they cannot roll under the front seat and interfere with the pedals. If you must carry large objects that prevent you from closing the trunk lid, be aware that exhaust gas can enter the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 28. Never place items on the shelf behind the back seat. Those items can fly forward and injure you or your passengers if you brake hard or are involved in a collision. Before Driving