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Toyota Prius vs. Honda Civic Hybrid v. Honda Insight v. ? - READ ONLY

336 messages,  Last post on Oct 26, 2007 at 12:07 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Honda Civic, Hybrid Cars

Messages Page 1 of 34

#1 of 336 Toyota Prius vs. Honda Civic Hybrid/Toyota Corolla/Toyota Camry by jchan2

Nov 30, 2003 (12:05 pm)

As there has been many comparisons over on the normal Prius board about the Prius vs. The Civic Hybrid/Corolla/Camry, I felt a need to put a specific board just for that purpose. So, here's the board! Compare the Prius to whatever car you feel is a reasonable match money wise or size wise.

#2 of 336 2004 Prius - standard features by john1701a

Nov 30, 2003 (4:46 pm)

2004 Prius base MSRP of $19,995 includes:
 
• CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
• Automatic Climate-Control with Electric A/C
• Anti-Lock Brakes
• Traction-Control
• Cruise-Control
• Power & Heated mirrors
• Power windows
• Power door locks
• AM/FM/CD with 6 speakers
• Keyless-Entry remotes
• Cast Aluminum Alloy rims
• Tilt steering with audio/climate controls
• 60/40 Split-folding rear seat
• Multi-Display with trip computer
• Rear Defroster

#3 of 336 Well by jchan2

Nov 30, 2003 (5:28 pm)

anybody have a good comparison for the Prius? I know there are many, from the Toyota Prius 2004+ board.

#4 of 336 defining the problem by veggieburger

Nov 30, 2003 (6:53 pm)

In deciding which car to buy or which car is better you have to decide what the criteria are. There is no 1 set that is going to satisfy everyone - that's quite reasonable.
 
Possible criteria items are:
1. MPG
2. Emissions (ground-level or earth-warming)
3. Acceleration ( 0-60 etc)
4. PRICE! (MSRP, TMV price)
5. Total cost of ownership
6. Equipment (sunroof, automatic windows etc)
7. Safety features and performance data
etc
etc
 
Some things are going to be valued as nothing to some folks who don't care about that item - no use trying to change their views through insults.

#5 of 336 Total cost Prius vs Corolla by veggieburger

Nov 30, 2003 (7:06 pm)

Edmunds says that the total cost, measured in $/mile, is very close between Prius and Corolla.
 
So, is Edmunds right? Every other evaluation I saw said the Prius costs more and you'll never make up the difference through the fuel efficiency savings. We'll need to "run the numbers" and check their calculations, data and assumptions.
 
Personally, I'm not sure which to go with (never mind that it's hard to actually get one's hands on a 2004 prius since they're selling so well). I hate dealing with car problems and I'd hate to deal with fixing a 2004 prius since most mechanics, including toyota dealships, would not be experienced with fixing Prius-like cars.
 
Corolla or Civic is much safer bet - plus it seems like the difference in MPG may not be much. I, and a lot of other potential buyers, do not drive long enough commutes to where the difference in MPG or gallons saved would actually be accomplishing much.
 
We could buy it "to make a statement" but it would be silly if my statement is saying I'm saving 1 gallon per month buy buying a hybrid vs a regular ICE car.

#6 of 336 prius vs civic hybrid by veggieburger

Nov 30, 2003 (7:13 pm)

We noticed on the other forum(s) that no one was comparing the 2004 prius to the civic hybrid - from the matter of alternative purchase vehicles at least. Now, besides the obvious answer of "because the Prius is so much better" is there more explicit explanations of this?
 
Since I currently like my Integra hatchback, I could deal with the low entry trunk openings of the civic or corolla but the fact that the seats do not fold in the civic hybrid is a non-starter for me. Darn!!

#7 of 336 prius mpg problems by veggieburger

Nov 30, 2003 (7:23 pm)

dont know if this is reality or not but:
 
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=06998804

#8 of 336 no accident-avoidance or crash data by john1701a

Nov 30, 2003 (8:10 pm)

> Corolla or Civic is much safer bet
 
It's nothing but a bet though... since no data is available about the 2004 Prius yet, which is a completely new frame & body design.
 
JOHN

#9 of 336 by xcel

Nov 30, 2003 (10:04 pm)

Hi All:
 
___An 04 Corolla LE w/ the following can be purchased for $14,900.
 
* 4 Speed Automatic (ECT) Electronically Controlled Transmission
* A/C - mechanical
* Anti-Lock brakes
* (DRL’s) Day Time Running Lights
* Cruise Control
* Power Mirrors
* Driver’s Side Seat Height Adjuster
* Power Windows
* Power Door Locks
* AM/FM CD w/ 6 speakers
* Keyless Entry Remotes
* Cast Aluminum Alloy rims
* Tilt Steering
* 60/40 Split-Fold down Rear Seat
* Integrated display including speedometer, tachometer, outside temperature …
* Rear Defrost
 
Safety
 
NHTSA:
 
Front Driver and Passenger – Frontal Impact: 5 stars
Front Seat/Rear Seat – Side Impact: 4 stars
Rollover Resistance: 4 Stars
 
IIHS: The highest rating of (G) - Good all the way across.
 
___Who knows what the 04 Prius will rate but hopefully it will be better then the NHTSA’s 02-03 Prius tests with 3, 4, 3, 3, 4 ratings … Although there is a bet that it has improved, the 04’s crash worthiness was considered in its design and should rate at least 4 and possibly 5 stars across the board.
 
___As for the Honda Civic Hybrid, it is truly outclassed in this game. It had the edge against the 01-03 Prius but not the 04 given it still costs more in a comparable trim. The 01 – 03 Prius wasn’t close against the 03/04 Corolla either but the 04 is a comparable vehicle with its greater size and closer to std. economy class power IMHO.
 
___Good Luck
 
___Wayne R. Gerdes

#10 of 336 by xcel

Nov 30, 2003 (10:45 pm)

Hi All:
 
___An 04 Toyota Camry LE w/ the following can be purchased for $17,900.
 
* 4 Speed Automatic (ECT) Electronically Controlled Transmission
* A/C - mechanical
* Anti-Lock brakes
* (DRL’s) Day Time Running Lights
* Cruise Control
* Power Mirrors
* Driver’s Side Seat Height Adjuster and Lumbar support
* Power Windows
* Power Door Locks
* AM/FM CD w/ 6 speakers
* Keyless Entry Remotes
* Tilt Steering
* 60/40 Split-Fold down Rear Seat
* Integrated display including speedometer, tachometer, outside temperature …
* Rear Defrost
 
Safety
 
NHTSA (2003 Camry):
 
Front Driver and Passenger – Frontal Impact: 5/4 stars
Front Seat/Rear Seat – Side Impact: 3/5 stars
Rollover Resistance: 4 Stars
 
IIHS: The highest rating of (G) - Good all the way across except for an (A) – Average for Leg/Foot – Right side.
 
___Good Luck
 
___Wayne R. Gerdes

Messages Page 1 of 34

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