My wife's aunt went shopping for a Solara convertible tonight and came home talking about a Prius. The dealer had one for about $24K - the basics (option package D I think) - where you get side airbags, smart key, and CD player.

She then asked me my thoughts about the Honda Civic Hybrid and well, to tell you the truth, I didn't know much about the car....

But it looks like she can get a fully equipped (with NAV and that's important to her) Civic Hybrid for about $24K including destination. From what I can tell, the mileage is slightly worse than the Prius but that is more than offset by the $4K difference in the two cars (if both are equipped with NAV). I also notice the Prius has a bunch more cargo space.

So if YOU were helping out the wife's aunt, which car would you pick and why?

 

I would go with the Civic Hybrid. Its IMA ( Integrated Motor Assist ) drivetrain is not quite as versatile or as efficient as that of the Prius, ( though some advancements have been made on the latest version ) but It has a FAR more conventional dash and gauge setup that will probably be much easier for your in-law to get used to...especially, as if with most drivers, she is used to a more conventional dash layout. However, if you look at a new 2006 model Civic Hybrid, its dash is less conventional than the 2005 model...it has that odd two-tier digital ayout with some gauges way out ahead and some more conventional right behind the wheel. Still, I would take it over the Prius. The Civic Hybrid, IMO, also has more solid-feeling doors, more substantial-feeling sheet metal, a more precise-feeling to its hardware, and, of course, is somewhat less expensive to buy and a little easier to make a deal on.
However, there is no question that the Prius has a more advanced drivetrain and, unlike the Civic, can run on electric power alone for short distances.....that's why it is so efficient in the city, where the electric motor takes over more of the time. The Civic Hybrid basically just shuts off the gas motor ( after warm-up ) at stops and uses the electric motor as a power backup as needed and to function as a starter.

 

I would have to say that I am biased. I hate the Civic with a passion (long story). I would have to go for the Prius.

I have rented the Prius about three times, and I have enjoyed what it offers. It is pretty comfortable, but it is rather weak and noisy at higher speeds. Definately better for city driving rather than long trips. I wish there were some more luxurious amenities, but then again, this is a Toyota, not a Lexus.

The Civic hybrid is a bit more driver friendly. Although it is slower/weaker than the Prius, there is a bit more control. Handling is made for the Civic market: a bit more involved for a younger generation than the eco-lovers' Prius' market (young people buying Civics versus older people buying Prius). But then again, you don't look for hybrids for high performance. This is why I lean (a lot) more towards the Prius.

I think your aunt made the right decision. Judging by the market it caters, the Prius would probably make her more happy than the Civic. Unless if your aunt likes to ride it hard and fast...

 

If you want to read up more on the 2 & comparisons, try www.greenhybrid.com -- those hybrid enthusiasts have lots to say.

Apparenlty, despite what the sticker says, the 2 get similar mileage. According to their database, the Civic is slightly higher.

I would go for the Civic only bc I see the Prius everywhere. Altho, the Civic has some gawdy rims.

 

I rather be seen in a civic than a prius. The prius looks ehh...undescribeable. lol

At least with the civic, you can get some EX rims and it'll look like a normal civic. the hybrid rims looks like they were pulled off from one of the 70's car.

 

The Prius makes much more of a statement than the Civic. If your wife's aunt wants to
show off driving a hybrid, then they Prius us the obvious choice. It's also a hatchback
which comes in handy.

The Civic looks like a normal car. I personally love the stying of the new Civics.
The wheels on the hybrid are definitely different, but they look futuristic. I'm with mmarshall.
I would get the Honda because you will probably get a lot more for the same amount
of money.

 

Motor Trend and every magazine has stated Toyota is by far the leader in hybribs. THe Prius won over the Civic most recently in Motor Trend, the Camry over the Accord. (I posted scans I think).

The Prius is THE Hybrid, well before the Camry. The Hondas are okay but not the best.

 

Prius has the 'cool' factor but is so hot right now, it's hard to get a good price (i imagine)...but it has SmartAccess, etc...

 

honda hybrids arent all that reliable either

ive heard of some horror stories of lemon insights
honda probably (shouldve definately) improved their hybrid technology but from what im reading all over the place, Toyota is still the leader in hybrid technology

all taxi firms that buy hybrid all buy prius

 

Why is she buying an Hybrid vehicle? Civic and Prius are pretty different vehicles.

Prius is more expensive, but it also offers a lot more space (class above), its more unique, it has better mpg, better acceleration, smoother powertrain, better brakes, etc, etc.

Civic is more conventional, and cheaper.

Prius also has a lot more equipment as it is an "class above" vehicle, which is why it is more expensive. Prius for 4k more has a lot more equipment than Civic "fully equipped".

 

Prius is weird. Civic hybrid is dull. Take your choice.

 

What class do you consider Prius in?

 

Does the Civic offer leather? Does the Civic offer Smart Key/ push button start? Does the Civic offer HID's? Maybe that will give some idea of class level.
I like the Civic much more than the Prius style wise but thats about it. My vote is Prius.

I too rented a Prius and let me tell you that extra cargo space sure came in handy. I will say this though that long swoop down roof line sure creates a blind spot out back.

 

I would say Prius. Although Honda Civic Hybrid is very good also, but if I am looking to buy a hybrid car I would buy the Prius. The Prius just stands out more from the crowd as a hybrid car.

 

That is a very good question - to be honest, she was thinking that at 60MPG, she would (and these are her words) "barely have to put fuel in it". I explained to her that in the real world, she would probably not be getting close to that mileage. I also explained to her that if she wants to be truely sensible, she should consider a Camry 4cyl or Accord 4cyl. But she seems intrigued by the Hybrid concept/hype.

What I don't understand is that the actual dimensions show the cars almost the same size - yet the actual passenger volume shows as more with the Prius. Is it all in the rear-seat area?