Review: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
03-29-08, 05:05 PM
#17
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Thanks.
I'm not sure diesels are over yet in the U.S. We just got all-new, low-sulfur diesel fuel last year (by EPA mandate). That wasn't done for nothing....it was done so automakers could introduce the same clean-burning, high-technonlgy diesels they have in Europe. Unfortunately, because of economies of scale right now, and the cost of producing it, that new diesel fuel is not cheap.....roughly the cost of Premium gas.
The Civic Hybrid's build quality, IMO, actually exceeds that of the TSX in some ways, especially in the exterior sheet metal and door solidness. I also liked the Civic Hybrid's plush, relatively soft fabric seats mote than the TSX's leather. The TSX, though, with the beige interior, has nice wood trim the Civic lacks....and the TSX, obviously, has a more sporting chassis and a smoother drivetrain starting out from idle.
With the growing fuel prices, hybrids are bound to become more and more popular, especially now that it's basically game over for diesel in US. I hope Acura would make TSX hybrid, that would be one awesome car.
The Civic Hybrid's build quality, IMO, actually exceeds that of the TSX in some ways, especially in the exterior sheet metal and door solidness. I also liked the Civic Hybrid's plush, relatively soft fabric seats mote than the TSX's leather. The TSX, though, with the beige interior, has nice wood trim the Civic lacks....and the TSX, obviously, has a more sporting chassis and a smoother drivetrain starting out from idle.
03-29-08, 05:27 PM
#18
Thanks.
I'm not sure diesels are over yet in the U.S. We just got all-new, low-sulfur diesel fuel last year (by EPA mandate). That wasn't done for nothing....it was done so automakers could introduce the same clean-burning, high-technonlgy diesels they have in Europe. Unfortunately, because of economies of scale right now, and the cost of producing it, that new diesel fuel is not cheap.....roughly the cost of Premium gas.
I'm not sure diesels are over yet in the U.S. We just got all-new, low-sulfur diesel fuel last year (by EPA mandate). That wasn't done for nothing....it was done so automakers could introduce the same clean-burning, high-technonlgy diesels they have in Europe. Unfortunately, because of economies of scale right now, and the cost of producing it, that new diesel fuel is not cheap.....roughly the cost of Premium gas.
1) Right now it costs 50% more than gasoline.
2) The low sulfur diesel lacks certain lubricants that are essential for older diesel engines.
3) Some new diesels have complicated exaust system, that isn't very reliable and expensive to repair.
4) There are some states that still prohibit diesel vehicles.
The Civic Hybrid's build quality, IMO, actually exceeds that of the TSX in some ways, especially in the exterior sheet metal and door solidness. I also liked the Civic Hybrid's plush, relatively soft fabric seats mote than the TSX's leather. The TSX, though, with the beige interior, has nice wood trim the Civic lacks....and the TSX, obviously, has a more sporting chassis and a smoother drivetrain starting out from idle.
And with the skyrocketing fuel prices, the highly critisized inline four is actually a very sensible choice. If they added an electric motor to it, (and kept it affordable) it would be an awesome package.
03-29-08, 06:56 PM
#19
The Civic Hybrid's build quality, IMO, actually exceeds that of the TSX in some ways, especially in the exterior sheet metal and door solidness. I also liked the Civic Hybrid's plush, relatively soft fabric seats mote than the TSX's leather. The TSX, though, with the beige interior, has nice wood trim the Civic lacks....and the TSX, obviously, has a more sporting chassis and a smoother drivetrain starting out from idle.
Acura.com states it will be available in April, but I saw one driving around in Long Beach earlier today. It definitely caught my attention...
03-29-08, 11:26 PM
#20
Just a sarcastic way of saying that the battery pack is there to stay.....you can't remove it or fold it up to take advantage of folding rear seats. That's probably the reason why the Civic Hybrid doesn't have folding rear seats.....the battery pack takes up the space right behind the seats, and a seat-folding mechanism is unnecessary...it wouldn't serve any purpose or add anything to the already compromised trunk space.
But.....if none of the other (non-hybrid) Civic sedans or coupes have folding rear seats (I didn't check to see), then that may just be a cost-cutting measure.
But.....if none of the other (non-hybrid) Civic sedans or coupes have folding rear seats (I didn't check to see), then that may just be a cost-cutting measure.
I don't know about the US, but in Canada, it's full folding seats only unless you get the EX which then you get upgraded to split 60/40 folding rear seats.
03-30-08, 03:52 AM
#21
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First, though, I already have a request for a Pontiac G8. That will be next.....probably next week.
03-30-08, 03:55 AM
#22
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05-04-08, 08:48 PM
#24
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Off topic and maybe in another thread but has anyone heard if the accord diesel will be making it to America anytime soon?
I agree with the author that Prius has a superior drivetrain off of idle compared to the Civic. I had both as rental cars for an average of 500 miles and on steep hills the Civic gave me quite a scare when I let off the brakes and rolled back before the engine turned on. A friend who owns the previous generation hybrid civic told me there is a way to stop it from turning off the engine at stop lights but that would seem to defeat the purpose of the hybrid in city driving.
I agree with the author that Prius has a superior drivetrain off of idle compared to the Civic. I had both as rental cars for an average of 500 miles and on steep hills the Civic gave me quite a scare when I let off the brakes and rolled back before the engine turned on. A friend who owns the previous generation hybrid civic told me there is a way to stop it from turning off the engine at stop lights but that would seem to defeat the purpose of the hybrid in city driving.
05-05-08, 04:24 AM
#25
1) My old gs300 was equipped with oem 16" alloys, and 16" steelie spare. The spare was lighter.
2) My old honda Civic had 15" aftermarket alloys, and 15" oem steel wheel for a spare. The spare was ridiculously lighter.
05-05-08, 10:28 AM
#26
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You may be surprised to know that steel wheels usually weight less than alloys, at least from my experience. Dont forget, that while aluminum is lighter than steel, aluminum alloy wheel construction is usually much much thicker than steel wheel, therefore resulting in higher weight. Unless we're talking about extremely expensive aftermarket lightweight alloys of course. From my experience however:
1) My old gs300 was equipped with oem 16" alloys, and 16" steelie spare. The spare was lighter.
2) My old honda Civic had 15" aftermarket alloys, and 15" oem steel wheel for a spare. The spare was ridiculously lighter.
1) My old gs300 was equipped with oem 16" alloys, and 16" steelie spare. The spare was lighter.
2) My old honda Civic had 15" aftermarket alloys, and 15" oem steel wheel for a spare. The spare was ridiculously lighter.
05-06-08, 10:06 AM
#29
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No, haven't reviewed an Escape Hybrid. They are hard to find unsold.
I'll put it on my list, though. Right now long reviews are on hold until the soreness in my right elbow from computer overuse heals....I think rapid and overuse of the mouse and clicking damaged some tendons. So it will be just short posts like this one for awhile.
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