Passenger cars created by Honda amount to a diverse fleet of coupes and sedans plus one racy roadster, with all products promoting safety, value and fuel economy.

Honda's 2006 car collection highlights a new generation of designs for the compact-class Civic series with sedan and coupe variations, plus a rakish Civic Si hatchback coupe and the Civic Hybrid sedan packing an ultra-efficient gasoline-powered engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor.

A glittery new face and tail on the Accord series of coupes and sedans mark the 2006 models. Honda's mid-size cars carry a reshaped front grille and new LED taillamps. The five-seat cabin also changes with fresh fabrics on seats, a new design for the steering wheel and shift knob, and revamped instruments plus satin chrome accents added to dashboard vents. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with new drive-by-wire throttle climbs to 166 hp. Accord sedan with this plant divides into three trims labeled Value Package (VP), LX Special Edition and sporty EX, while the coupe shows LX and EX. Both trims also offer a 3.0-liter V6 with i-VTEC (intelligent variable value timing and lift electronic control) management and output of 240 hp. V6 Accords now stock VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and the EX V6 sedan adds an optional manual six-speed shifting system with carbon fiber trim.

A new tail spoiler plus front chin spoiler and heated side mirrors containing built-in turn signals make up the new content on Honda's high-tech gas-electric treatment for the Accord V6 sedan. Accord V6 Hybrid employs Honda's power control unit called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) to manage all energy produced by the gasoline-based V6 engine and an electric motor, then apply it in a frugal manner to turn the front wheels.

Honda's 3.0-liter V6 with i-VTEC valve controls adds variable cylinder management (VCM) to trim the number of cylinders firing when a power boost is not required. Output for the six-pack rises to 253 hp but the plant scores fuel economy figures more like a modest four-cylinder engine. The system achieves AT-PZEV certification for 2006. Special equipment aboard includes a hybrid-powered twin-zone automatic climate control system, and power moonroof new on '06 editions.

Honda's compact-class four-door sedans and two-door notchback coupes display futuristic styling for a new generation of designs in 2006. Note the slick aerodynamic package with ultra-fast windshield rake, curt overhangs front and rear, and minimal gaps between tires and fenders.

A new arrangement for the five-seat cabin creates more room for passenger and more on-board safety systems. The standard safety gear includes side air bags for front riders, curtain-style side air bags concealed in headliners, active head restraints on seats and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). A new 1.8-liter four-in-line i-VTEC engine for Civic with electronic drive-by-wire throttle increases power and torque as well as fuel efficiency. It produces 140 hp for 40 mpg fuel economy and achieves an emission classification of LEV-II ULEV in all 50 states. A five-speed manual transmission is standard but a five-speed electronic automatic is available. (CONTINUED...)