Civic Hybrid, what say yee?

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Thermo1223

Thermo1223

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Look at one as a potential commuter & around town transporter. I also thought of the newer Insight but they seem to be out of my price range.

I know about the potential battery problem that Honda can't seem to figure out. I'm sure they will at some point, someone will force their hand.

I can't stand the way a Prius is on the inside or drives so that is out and I like the fact that a Civic will still be a Civic should the hybrid drivetrain fail, just a way slower Civic.

My only other option is finding a used TDI in my price range that isn't a money pit. I refuse to buy someone else's problem. It also should be a DSG because I am getting flack from the wife about it being another manual lol.

So back to the original question, how are they? CVT tolerable? Enough usable room in the back?

I figure you bunch are the most honest with good objectionable views regarding cars, oil...not so much
lol.gif
 
If it's an 06-11 HCH, STEER CLEAR!!!!!!! They're known for making their batteries die quickly, and the "fix" is reprogramming the PCM so it uses even less of the battery. Owners who have had the fix done say their cars have gone from slow to deadly slow, and can't accelerate fast enough to merge safely onto an interstate. They are also reporting that the fuel economy is no better than a non-hybrid Civic after the fix is applied. EPA/CARB was investigating the last I knew.

Having driven an 05 Civic Hybrid, that car was a pretty nice little car. Its forte was whizzing along at a steady speed getting 45-46 mpg. Very steep hills were a struggle since it just didn't have the power to maintain 60 mph. It was slow, and was in dire need of new struts/tires. Budget those into your purchase in case they're needed. Other than that, I quickly found a comfy seating position and enjoyed the drive.

I'd take an 05 HCH over a newer one due to the poor response from Honda on the battery issues of the newer ones.
 
The Prius may not be the best handler (and the interior is a matter of taste) but it's reliability is proven...many high-mileage examples out there (a few quirks in them as well particularly the brakes with the latest generation when first introduced). Plus it just works...and is more powerful and responsive ("powerful and responsive" being relative regarding these vehicles...maybe "less slow"?) than the Civic hybrid. The battery issues and poor fix alternative by Honda is a deal breaker on top of the afore-mentioned lack of performance. My money would be on a previous-generation Prius (04-08) if I was considering a used hybrid. Honda needs to get in the game with their hybrid technology and reliability if they want to be a serious competitor to Toyota hybrids.
 
Originally Posted By: oilmaven
The Prius may not be the best handler (and the interior is a matter of taste) but it's reliability is proven...many high-mileage examples out there (a few quirks in them as well particularly the brakes with the latest generation when first introduced). Plus it just works...and is more powerful and responsive ("powerful and responsive" being relative regarding these vehicles...maybe "less slow"?) than the Civic hybrid. The battery issues and poor fix alternative by Honda is a deal breaker on top of the afore-mentioned lack of performance. My money would be on a previous-generation Prius (04-08) if I was considering a used hybrid. Honda needs to get in the game with their hybrid technology and reliability if they want to be a serious competitor to Toyota hybrids.


I said no....

I do not like them one bit and I balk about their "vast" interior volume. Smaller than my previous Jetta in that department. I also don't like Toyota vehicle dynamics one bit and it translates into them being completely numb and I rather have a normal carlike design. I also didn't like the rear view out the Prius. I also distrust Toyota more than Honda if that means anything in the reliability dept. PLUS Toyota dealers in my area are the worst with regards to perceived value, they mark up so much and know the mindless drones will buy them without asking twice. That translates into higher resale for no reason.

So again no Prius...
 
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From my trusted mechanic: stay away from Honda hybrid, too much trouble. Prius, on the other hand, enjoys great reputation even in taxi circles.
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
The Civic sedan is surprisingly roomy. I think the "spaceship" look is actually very functional.


For all the bad things about the last model civic (see my review where the Yaris was actually the better car), the space in the backseat for a small econobox is excellent.
 
Yeah, why not give a Fusion or Escape a shot...they seem pretty dependable as far as the battery systems go anyway. Or maybe wait for the new Focus Electric or one of the CMax twins...all three look interesting for a short around town commuter.

Ford Hybrid Production


"Ford Motor Co. touted some impressive numbers at its research and innovation center Thursday.

Ford's hybrid powertrains and battery packs are nearly indestructible. Try this on for size: Out of the 42,629,318 cells used to make up 190,000 battery packs, only five cells — about the size of a D battery — failed. Of the 380,000 electric motors in Ford's 190,000 hybrids sold (every vehicle has two), none failed."
 
If you only need a commuter with high mpg and not a prius or civic hybrid, and is concern about the TDI's reliability, why not get a non hybrid or an older hybrid (2003 Honda insight) instead?

Maybe a geo metro or saturn SL is a better choice for you if you want the ultimate reliability and fuel economy.
 
I dunno I thought the Fusion was still high priced( IE out of my range). Escape is better just debating whether I need the extra space or not.

I gave Saturn's some though if I can find a non-overpriced one that isn't beat to [censored].

The one requirement is it still needs to have 4 doors so no previous gen Insight.
 
I hope the CVT has vastly improved over the first gen. My dad's '04 is a transmission eater. It was bought new while it was still in transit from Japan, always serviced at the dealer and babied. Transmission 1 was done at 38K miles, replaced under warranty by Honda. Transmission 2 stated shuddering like the first one at 30K miles. The dealer burnished the start clutch and it's better, but it probably will need major work again before 100K. Honda isn't paying anymore.

The car has numerous fit and finish problems, the stereo is among the worst I've heard, the seats are terrible, and the car feels very flimsy. The dealer advised to be careful when closing the trunk to avoid bending it.

The 2011 should be better, but then again Honda doesn't seem to be getting a lot of praise lately.
 
If you want a Civic dont get the hybrid. Problem city. Just steer clear of hybrids in general, after the battery wears out its going to cost you all that money you saved on gas and a lot more to replace it.
 
Fusion Hybrid. I was reading an article the other day about how of the hundreds of thousands ford has in fleet service, racking up millions of miles, they've had zero electric motor failures, and like 3 battery cells fail, out of millions.
 
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Fusion Hybrid. I was reading an article the other day about how of the hundreds of thousands ford has in fleet service, racking up millions of miles, they've had zero electric motor failures, and like 3 battery cells fail, out of millions.


Yep...

Almost 43,000,000 individual cells with 5 documented failures.
Almost 190,000 electric motors with 0 documented failures.

Ford Fusion Hybrid logs impressive quality record
 
I agree with the aversion to the way the Prius drives...numb as an 80's video game and the interior is also weird just to be different. My point is that they ARE reliable...and the Civic isn't. I've owned boring reliable cars and "fun" money pits that I could never count on. I'll take the boring reliable car anyday.
 
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