Civic Hybrid trip wrap-up
We're back from our Civic Hybrid trip. Total mileage: Just over 1,100. Average fuel economy: 38.7 MPG.
I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed with this figure, which I really shouldn't be -- it's quite good for a compact sedan (I'd normally expect around 30 MPG under these same conditions). Guess I started buying into the hybrid hype a bit myself.
Still, the fuel economy I observed in the Civic Hybrid falls short of the low-to-mid 40s I'm used to seeing in the Toyota Prius, which is a roomier car (though not by much). And while the Prius is at its best in slow traffic, the Civic Hybrid seems to react more like a conventional car, returning its best fuel economy (low-to-mid 40s) while cruising at steady speeds on the open road.
Our trip also reminded me of the pleasures of the Civic; it's comfortable, nicely trimmed out, and performs family duty as well as a mid-size sedan. I'm just not convinced that the Hybrid is worth its $3,000+ price premium over the Civic EX, in which About.com Cars test driver Liz Kim averaged just over 32 MPG in mixed driving.
And what of the TomTom? Because of the awkward way it mounted to the Civic's steeply-raked windshield, and because the Civic's built-in navigation system is so good, we wound up not using it much. I'm going to ask the folks at TomTom if I can keep the unit a little longer. This week's test car also has built-in nav -- and a windshield that's not so steep. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Honda
Scatch the hybrid…my wife found out that they’re offering leather…I like that…but I still would look into reports on other nav systems…depends if they package the nav with leather…typical Honda move…the serch goes on…
38.7 mpg may be less than hoped, but imagine the impact if everyone drove a car that reduced fuel consumption and emissions by about 25%. My Camry hybrid uses half the fuel and has half the emissions of my previous Sienna. I’m no tree hugger, but I feel that it makes a positive contribution and at no sacrifice to me. The Camry is a very good car and is comfortable. I’m sure the Civic is just as satisfying to those who own it.
Well since my wife got a TOM TOM for her birthday yesterday, that resolves the nav. issue…I’ll let you know how I cope with it over the long haul and if I come up with a fresh idea about mounting it. As to the car… We are stronly looking at the Civic exl, but now you’ve got me thinking about the Caliber srt. Like I said before if it can avr. 25 MPG combined it’s got a good chance. Depends on the test drive and who wears the pants in the family. Right Susan???