Honda Civic GX- Top Spot For Greenest Vehicles Of 2006

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Honda Civic GX and Insight Tie for Top Spot on ACEEE's "Greenest Vehicles of 2006" List
By American Honda Motor Company

February 17, 2006 -- TORRANCE, Calif. -- In a clear demonstration of Honda's enduring role as an environmental leader, four Honda vehicles have earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as the "greenest vehicles" of 2006, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. In their 9th annual "Green Book(R) Online" ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, two Honda models tied for the top spot on its list of "Greenest Vehicles of 2006:" the natural gas-powered Civic GX and the Insight hybrid. Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid were also among the top twelve greenest vehicles of the year.

This is the sixth year in a row that a Honda vehicle receives the number one ranking in this study and the fifth consecutive year that Honda vehicles hold at least four positions in the top twelve.

In an accompanying list of "Greener Choices" which evaluates only gasoline powered vehicles, ACEEE gave high marks tothe 2006 Honda Odyssey minivan, recognizing it as the only 'greener minivan' in the minivan category.

"This ACEEE acknowledgement speaks directly to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions and increasing fuel economy" said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Combined with our 'Safety for Everyone' initiative, Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products."

Greenest Vehicles of 2006

1. Honda Insight (gasoline electric hybrid)
2. Honda Civic GX (natural gas)
3. Toyota Prius (gasoline electric hybrid)
4. Honda Civic Hybrid (gasoline electric hybrid)
5. Toyota Corolla (gasoline)
6. Hyundai Accent (gasoline)
7. Kia Rio/Rio 5 (gasoline)
8. Honda Civic (gasoline)
9. Mazda 3 (gasoline)
10. Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix (gasoline)
11. Chevrolet Cobalt
12. Saturn Ion

Using a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts, global warming emissions, and estimated fuel expenses, all vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score." This score is used in ACEEE's ranking system, resulting in a ranking of each vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles.

Honda has a long history of environmental leadership including the introduction of America's first hybrid, the Honda Insight, and the first vehicles to meet stricter emissions standards, including:

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The first gasoline Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV), the 1996 Honda Civic.
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The first gasoline Ultra-Low Emissions vehicle (ULEV), the 1998 Honda Accord.
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The first gasoline Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), the 2000 Honda Accord.
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The first Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (ATPZEV), the 2001 Civic GX natural gas vehicle.