HybridHondaCivic

Honda introduced the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle to the
American market in 1999, although the two-seat Honda Insight
captured few buyers. But soon after that step, Honda took the
hybrid vehicle concept to primetime in its hot-selling Civic line.
Now a second-generation Honda Civic Hybrid has arrived, and it
has improved upon its predecessor in every way possible. It
looks better, rides better and offers much better integration
between gasoline and electric propulsion. At the same time it is
both more powerful and more efficient than the previous model
and offers a feel much closer to its key rival, the Toyota Prius.

Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the
Honda Civic Hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid is now capable of running on electric power
only, but the most significant enhancements are in ride,
handling, styling and comfort -- improvements that have
benefited the entire Civic lineup.

The Civic Hybrid’s sophisticated gasoline-electric powertrain helps you save on fuel – with up to 45 mpg1 on the highway. It’s also received Advanced
Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle7 (AT-PZEV) status – the most stringent emissions standard yet achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the
U.S. But don’t think of it as a move to austerity...The Civic Hybrid employs Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist IMA® System, which pairs a super-efficient
1.3-liter gasoline engine with a lightweight, high-output electric motor. The two work together seamlessly, so it feels just like a normal, responsive Civic.
The IMA System’s recharging function is completely self-sufficient. The vehicle’s powertrain automatically recharges the onboard battery pack so it never
needs to be plugged in. [Honda.com]

They're not fast, they don't corner hard and they're certainly not
the most pulse-quickening cars we've ever tested at Inside Line.
But if fuel-efficiency and utility are priority items in your next car
purchase, then the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2009 Honda Fit
Sport are unbelievable machines.

Combining economic operation and utility like few other cars sold
today, either of these Hondas is a responsible choice for the
buyer looking to save fuel, minimize emissions and haul the
family. Each has its own unique qualities — important
distinctions that can't be overlooked.

The question, then, is which is the better car? To figure it out, for
two weeks we used the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2009
Honda Fit as they're designed to be used. We drove them to
work, loaded our families in them, packed our groceries in them
and took them to the track to measure their performance. We
argued the merits of the Civic's superb fuel economy vs. the Fit's
exceptional utility.