My mom's looking at both the Civic Hybrid and the Prius and I need some opinions of both cars. I've driven both and I think they're both great cars - I give Honda the edge in handling and style while the Prius has the better drivetrain, better NAV/audio system, more room but I think the looks are a bit polarizing.

 

Well, the Prius has many advantages: it is more gas efficient, more "prominent" in the hybrid community, has better resale value, has more options/amenities, and is cheaper to insure. However, it is ready for a redesign, floats like a boat (well, it has no sporty gene; you are trying to save on gas, you know...), and is quirky looking.

The Civic Hybrid is less "in your face" but perhaps that is what your mom is looking for. It's a bit cheaper to buy, but resale and insurance is not up to par with the Prius. Perhaps it's cheaper to maintain, since it shares many components of the regular gas-sipping Civic.

If your mom drives short distances, a regular Civic will do. Otherwise, if she drives a lot, a Prius is more efficient.

 

What I like about Prius is the extra trunk space because I tend to need to move a lot of stuff frequently. Other then that I don't have many strong feelings about either of them.

 

I'd wait for the new Honda Insight if she could to compare to the new Prius next year.

 

Try driving both. You will see a vast difference.

I've driven both, and I prefer Prius without questions.

 

I find the Civic less hideous.

 

Prius starts at $22,000.
Civic hybrid at $23,550.

 

Prius
Pros:
- high tech (smart key, bluetooth, nav, HIDs)
- more fuel efficient
- EV capable
- hatchback + fold flat rear seats = more flexibility
- two models - standard and Touring to choose from
- 2010 model coming soon.. may be able to get a deal
- easy to drive

Cons:
- a bit narrow inside
- new model coming out soon
- crappy stock tyres
- mpg more sensitive to temperature and driving style

HCH
Pros:
- more fun to drive (honestly), sportier feeling
- less techy, more down to earth (normal car layout)
- quite spacious for its size
- Doesn't scream hybrid (can be pro or con)
- probably better on the highway
- cool blue/beige colour combo (at least I think it's cool)
- A/C is both electrically and engine driven

Cons:
- rear seat doesn't fold
- decent size trunk
- New Insight coming soon with similar mileage and lower price
- hard to get into that quasi-EV mode

 

NONE OF THEM!! lol
jetta tdi imo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2M2STh3JT4

the edmunds review

 

there are pros??? all i see are cons...horsepower ftw!!!