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The past version of what the future holds.


The Civic Hybrid is Honda's second attempt at mass-producing a hybrid gas-electric car for the North-American market. The first attempt, still on Honda's roster, is the Insight. At $26,000 and with limited practicality, the Insight has not been a sales success since its introduction in 2000. In 2003, Honda presented to Canada and the US a real hybrid alternative and competitor to the Toyota Prius, the Civic Hybrid. Costing less than the Toyota and looking like a conventional car, Honda thought it had a winner. Based on the specifications, it should have been quite the fuel economy champion.

For this road test, I made a very conscientious effort drive the Civic, not as regular car, but as one that requires more driver input, attention and involvement. I followed speed limits and drove at between 100 and 110 km/h on the highway. I ignored the cruise control, ¼ mile runs between stoplights and even using the heater when it was not too cold outside. I wanted to give the car a near perfect chance of proving itself. I did all of this while keeping in mind that some Honda documents (that I have read), state that the car does not need to be driven in any special manner.

The only notable change for 2005 is the removal of the manual transmission. The Civic Hybrid continues to retails for $28,500.

Exterior styling

The good thing and possibly simultaneously the bad thing is that the Civic Hybrid does not stand out in a crowd as does the Toyota Prius. It could be possible to loose the car in a parking lot whereas the Prius sticks out like a sore thumb. That is not to say that the Civic is bland or boring. It simply means that very few people will ever realise that you own a Hybrid. Its lines are simple, elegant and pleasing. There are a few styling cues that differentiate the Hybrid from the regular Civic: Different alloy wheels, special colours and a small lip spoiler mounted on the boot lid. Panel fitting and paint application are standard Honda fair, in other words, very good.

Interior styling

Interior materials and fit and finish are above average. The plastics used are not cheap looking like some other cars in the compact category and the assembly was performed with care. The only problem found with this, as is the case for many Hondas, is that there were plenty of dashboard, glove compartment and door panel rattles. The seats are firm and comfortable. Front and rear legroom is very generous. The flat rear floor adds greatly to this effect.

The large clear gauges are lit by soft blue lighting, similar in appearance to that of the Volkswagens. The far right instrument measures the charging, assist and fuel reserve to keep the driver up to date concerning the goings-on of the power-train. The controls for the HVAC and radio are simple and user-friendly.

Visibility is nearly perfect in every direction. Oddly, the driver-side window was beginning to have a hard time lowering and raising the window. I had not experienced this since owning a 1989 Mazda MX-6 where the winders progressively got slower and finally stopped working altogether. A rather disturbing discovery for a brand-new vehicle.

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