Test drive: 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT

Some cars are just better with an automatic transmission. Jason drove a stick-shift Civic Hybrid a couple of weeks ago, and while he tip-toes around the issue in his review, I know he hated it. I agree -- with a manual transmission the Civic Hybrid feels gutless, because it's so difficult to keep the tiny engine in its narrow powerband (electric assistance notwithstanding). I suggested he try the automatic version. The self-shifting Civic Hybrid feels like a totally different car. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, unlike a conventional automatic or even a stick-shift, allows the engine to run at any speed regardless of how fast the car is moving. All you do is step on the gas and the CVT just sorts everything out for you, picking the best RPM and level of electric assist for what you need. Floor it and the Civic Hybrid CVT takes off with verve; feather-foot it and fuel mileage goes insanely high. I think it's a wonderful car, and Jason agreed. -- Aaron Gold