(QT Auto News) — While American auto manufacturers experienced dismal November sales, total American Honda and Acura sales increased 6.4 percent over last year to 105,860. Honda’s primary growth was due to Honda truck sales followed by car sales.

Honda’s Civic sales were strong in November increasing by 18%. The 2006 Civic was recently announced by Motor Trend as the “Car of the Year.” Both this announcement and higher gasoline prices may have accelerated sales.

Honda’s Acura line suffered in both car and truck sales. Sales of the Acura MDX dropped nearly 32% compared to 2004 November sales. One would expect that with higher gas prices, SUV sales would drop. Yet, Honda’s Pilot, an economized version of the MDX, showed a sales growth of 9.8%