The 2006 Honda Civic models are powered by fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, among other amazing features.

It is never easy to transform an icon. The designers and engineers at Honda, on the other hand, have done an outstanding job of keeping Soichiro Honda's spirit alive with the 2006 Honda Civic coupe. Honda first entered the American market in 1962 with motorcycles, but the company quickly expanded into automobiles by introducing clean, economical, and dependable vehicles. Honda spent $350,000 on two 90-second commercials that aired during the Academy Awards in 1963.

Within months, the company sold millions of dollars in motorcycles, but it wasn't until the 1973 Honda Civic that the company made its first automotive breakthrough. The American-made 2006 Civic is an elegant, quick, safe, and fuel-efficient car that averages 40-mpg (51-mpg for the Hybrid) and proudly follows tradition. The 2006 Civic, winner of Motor Trend magazine's 2006 Car of the Year, challenges the Toyota Prius as Honda's icon is reborn.

The 2006 Honda Civic is available as a sedan or a coupe (the hatchback version has been dropped this year), and it is available in a variety of trim levels. This Civic redesign does not necessarily include more of everything, which is unusual for a Civic redesign. The Civic's new design features a relaxed windshield, short front and rear overhangs, and a narrow tire-to-fender gap.

Related: Iconic Car Models: Delving Into The History Of The Honda Civic

The 2006 Honda Civic comes in two body styles: sedan and two-door coupe. DX, LX, and EX are the three main trim levels available. The DX is equipped with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver seat, but it lacks other features. The LX has 16-inch wheels, a CD player that can play MP3/WMA files, air conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, and cruise control.

The top-tier EX adds alloy wheels, a moonroof, a 60/40-split rear seat-back, two additional speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a jack for a portable music player. There are three specialty models as well: the Civic Hybrid sedan, the Civic GX sedan, and the Civic Si coupe. All are equipped to a level comparable to the EX trim, except the Si, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, and special interior trim, and the Hybrid, which has automatic climate control but no sunroof. Satellite radio and a navigation system are optional for the EX, Hybrid, and Si.

Related: Here Are The Best And Worst Honda Civic Models Ever Made

Horsepower is increasing on all models. The SOHC 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine with Honda's i-VTEC system powers all DX, LX, and EX models. It has 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The GX is powered by a natural gas engine that produces 113 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. In terms of performance, the previous Civic Si hatchback was a letdown. Fortunately, the 2006 coupe version improves on the previous model by being the fastest production Civic ever. It has a 197-hp engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential.

The Civic Hybrid sedan is for those who are more concerned with fuel economy than 0-60 mph times. It, too, employs Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, which consists of a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a single overhead cam connected to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Civic Hybrid has a combined horsepower of up to 110 and a mileage of 50-mpg city and 50-mpg highway.

The improved fuel economy is largely due to the fact that the gas engine can now completely shut down during deceleration and steady cruising, allowing the electric motor to propel the car alone, as in Toyota's Prius. The Civic GX is another fuel-efficient option. It runs on compressed natural gas and can even be refilled at home using a "Phil" natural gas home kit.

Honda designers and engineers prioritized sophistication in order to create a high-quality, advanced, and sporty interior with cutting-edge technology, expanded storage, and innovative ergonomics. More standard features and new available features, such as a voice-activated DVD-based navigation system, demonstrate the commitment to elevating the interior to a whole new level.

Priority gauges, such as the speedometer, are placed high in the driver's field of vision on the two-tier instrument panel. Because of the increased body width, the seats are wider and more supportive, and a spacious multi-functional center console holds up to 25 compact discs and serves as an armrest for both front occupants. Active front seat head restraints are used to help reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear collision.

The sedan's key interior dimensions are similar to the 2005 model's generous proportions, with improvements in hip and shoulder room. The interior volume and rear seat room have shrunk to create a more personalized space consistent with the coupe's sleek styling, as the Civic Coupe has become more sport-oriented with unique exterior dimensions.

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