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Honda Civic Hybrid Test Drive - What Did You Think?

31 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2008 at 9:20 AM

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#26 of 31 Civic Hybrid vs. Civic Gas by 1stpik May 16, 2007 (8:05 pm)
I test drove a gas-powered and a hybrid Civic yesterday. Before doing so, I researched both extensively, paying attention to consumer reviews. So I knew all the negatives; the lumbar-challenged seats, the uncomfortable head rests, the pain-in-the-leg emergency brake handle, and the hybrid's hesitant acceleration and odd brake feel.   Suffice to say that I cast a critical eye on both models. But I drive 24,000 miles per year, so I need a fuel-efficient car. Also, I'm 6'3" tall, so I don't fit in Toyotas. Honda is the only mpg-conscious auto maker that offers cars that fit me, so it was Civic or nothing. Here are my thoughts:   Civic LX sedan:   I would do better with the coupe because it has 1/2 inch more leg room than the sedan. However, I like the looks of the 4-door better so I test-drove that one.   The minute I sat in the Civic, I felt comfortable. The seat adjusted for height and the steering wheel tilted and telescoped, so it offered a custom fit. The seats were fine, and my right leg never hit the e-brake.   The LX drove beautifully, and the 140 hp engine proved its worth on a tricky freeway merge. I also liked the split dashboard design with the speedometer in the driver's line of sight. Good thinking there, Honda!   I loved the mpg ratings of 30/40. The cruise control was a nice touch. The factory stereo sucked. Overall, I liked the LX, but felt the $18,300 msrp was a bit high for such a basic car. 2.9% financing made it seem a little better.   Civic Hybrid:   I already had decided not to buy the hybrid just on a cost basis. It only gets 10 mpg better than the regular Civic, and costs $3,000 more than the similarly-equipped EX. Sure, I'd get a $2,100 tax deduction, but that only amounts to a real savings of $700 (33%). Driving 24,000 miles per year on $3/gallon gas renders a minimum 4-year payback period. It's just not worth it, especially considering the horsepower trade-off (110 vs. 140).   Still, I couldn't leave the dealership without trying the HCH II, just to see how gutless the engine was, and how twitchy the brakes were.   Guess what? They WEREN'T!   The acceleration was fine, and so was the braking. The CVT was marvelously smooth, and the ride was blissfully quiet. I could certainly feel hesitation as the gas engine re-started on accelerating from a dead stop. However, I didn't find it bothersome.   Meanwhile, watching the digital mpg display was as fun as it was informative. Just a little less foot on the gas made the l.e.d. bar jump for joy. It was like interactive in-flight entertainment. It was really cool.   So I bought the hybrid -- a silver one with dealer-installed window tint and the "protection package," whatever that is.   The price was $22,000 including destination fee ($1200 under msrp, $600 over invoice). I'll never be able to justify the extra cost, unless gas goes over $4/gallon. But that seems more likely every day.   Anyway, it's worth a few grand just to say "up yours, OPEC!" every time I drive.
#27 of 31 Tax *credit* not deduction. by dsharp2 Jun 07, 2007 (8:58 pm)
It's my understanding that the tax incentive on hybrids is a credit, not a deduction. The way it was explained to me is that deductions only reduce your taxable income, so if your marginal tax rate is 33% you'd only get 33% of the deduction. Credits on the other hand are applied directly to your tax liability, so your marginal tax rate shouldn't affect how much of a benefit you get.   There is a website run by the federal government that clearly states that the incentive is a credit:   http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml   So unless my understanding of how credits work is flawed (entirely possible!) you would indeed get the full $2100 in savings.   The AMT introduces another way you could fail to get the full benefit, but I'm sure others are more qualified than me to explain how that works.   Dave Replies to this message: kirstie_h (Jun 08, 2007 10:00 am)
#28 of 31 Re: Tax *credit* not deduction. [dsharp2] by kirstie_h HOST Jun 08, 2007 (10:00 am)
Replying to: dsharp2 (Jun 07, 2007 8:58 pm) Try the Tax credits/incentives for hybrids discussion for more in-depth info.
#29 of 31 Honda does not want to sell Hybrids. by johneboy Apr 02, 2008 (1:26 pm)
I'm in the market for a four door commuter and liked the styling and gas millage of the Honda Civic Hybrid and am willing to pay more to get the better gas millage, so I went to a couple of dealerships to test drive the 2008 Civic Hybrid.   I like the styling and the test drive, what I didn't like was the lack of options. Only three exterior colors and only TWO Not-So-Choice interior colors. The first was a very light beige that would get dirty by even looking at it wrong, I have a One year old son, can't imagine what that backseat would look like after a year... the second interior color choice is a totally not flattering Blue.. What happened to Leather?? If someone is willing to pay more for a Hybrid, why would they not want Leather? Other models of Civic have very Cool Wheels, not the hybrid, a solid alloy wheel?? Reminds me of the beater my Grandmother drove in the Seventies.. And whats with the little lip on the trunk lid, what happened to the cool spoiler on the EX or Si?? I want a Hybrid but I also want a cool looking Civic with 17" rims, spoiler and leather, I don't want to look like my grandmother driving down the road. The Hybrid should look like the Civic Si, if Honda wanted to actually sell them. They might be trying to reduce weight by not giving you some of these options, but different colors don't weight differently do they?? and a spoked alloy wheel would weigh less than solid... When I went to test drive one all the Hybrids were in the back of the lot. My conclusion.. Honda does not want to sell Hybrids because they are not Marketing them to sell, there should be one in the showroom otherwise and looking really cool.. (I think they probably have the people from GM (who killed the electric car) sitting on their board of directors.) No wonder you see way more Toyota Prius' out there than Civic Hybrids..(Prius' have a two page option list) Hondas self fulfilling proficy, I will NOT be buying a Civic Hybrid. P.S. Honda discontinued Accord Hybrids, they only offered them in the V6 models...... Duhhh !!!!! Replies to this message: fixxxer (Apr 02, 2008 7:24 pm)
#30 of 31 Re: Honda does not want to sell Hybrids. [johneboy] by fixxxer Apr 02, 2008 (7:24 pm)
Replying to: johneboy (Apr 02, 2008 1:26 pm) I have to agree with the interior cloth problems. The beige and the blue are both pretty poor choices, as well as limiting the colors available for the hybrid. There is pretty much one good color, Silver. Also, whats with the lack of a sunroof! That is lame.   I have heard that some dealers will install the leather seats in the civic, but it is expensive of course.   But then again, how much are the details of a car that important. The silver looks nice, the blue seats are liveable, and you can get your own rims if you really hate the solid wheels. I still think the drivetrain of the hybrid is pretty solid, and the better mileage is always a nice addition.
#31 of 31 Honda Civic Hybrid Test Drive - What Did You Think? by gsspike Apr 20, 2008 (9:20 am)
The car felt tight and according to my wife it had enough pep for her. Pulling out onto the highway was fine, seats were comfortable. It had a much nicer feel than a Prius. We took our HCH home yesterday. 46-50 mpg right off the lot. I can't drive it yet, I have a broken leg.

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