The Honda Civic Coupe quickly became a favorite in America after its introduction in 1972. Giving owners what they always wanted, a car that is well-built and performs well, the Civic Coupe was a well-deserved breath of fresh air.

Many significant improvements over the years have included the introduction of a VTEC engine, which improved performance while reducing fuel consumption. Honda's VTEC technology first appeared in Honda's 5th generation Civic Coupe that was sold throughout the 1992 and1995 model years. The Civic VX trim featured a fuel-efficient 92-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder with VTEC-E. More powerful was the 128-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine found in the Civic Si and EX sedan trims. First sold only in hatchback and sedan body styles, the 5th generation Civic Coupe arrived in 1993 with 2 trims - the DX and EX- with the same engine, in addition to CX and DX trims which were equipped with a more cost effective a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Throughout the 2000 model year the Honda Civic Coupe was consistently refined in terms of technology and style A 106-hp 1.6-liter engine replaced the engine on the DX coupe trim, while the EX trim coupe got a 127-hp 1.6-liter engine with VTEC. Honda didn't release an Si trim until 1999. Based on the coupe body style, the Si was powered by a high-performance 1.6-liter engine that was tuned to put out 160 hp.

The next generation of Honda Civic, sold from 2001-2005, may have looked similar to the previous generation, but many enhancements were made to improve fuel economy. The 115 horsepower base engine and the upgraded 127 horsepower engine in the EX were both more fuel efficient than the previous 1.6-liter engines, and the gas sipping Civic Hybrid arrived in 2003. The Civic Hybrid combined an 85 horsepower, 1.3 liter 4 cylinder gas engine with a 13 horsepower electric motor for a combined horsepower of 98. The hatchback body style Civic Si was powered by a 160-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder and it also delivered impressive gas mileage.

The current Honda Civic, introduced in 2006 and running thus far throughout the 2008 model year is by far the best ever, providing outstanding fuel efficiency and a wide range of more radically designed and customizable body styles that include the Civic Hybrid and the 197 horsepower Civic Si. Both the coupe and 4 door sedan share 4 trim levels identified as the base model DX and the EX, LX and Si. The DX, EX and LX are powered by a 140 horsepower, 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional.

The sedan is available in two special trims, GX and Hybrid. The Civic GX runs compressed natural gas (CNG) through a a 113-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The Civic Hybrid combines the power of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 20 horsepower electric motor to generate 110hp. The Hybrid has earned the EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 49 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. The Honda Civic represents a very well rounded economy car. Although the 1.8 liter engine is not overwhelming by any means, it offers enough power for comfortable and fuel efficient city driving. The coupe offers a more thrilling ride for driving enthusiasts, especially in the Si trim which features a 197 horsepower, 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. A close ratio 6 speed manual transmission and a front limited-slip differential are exclusive to the Si, and its 17-inch wheels and sport tuned suspension challenge vehicle that cost much more.