2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

Gas Miser

The Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the best hybrids available, with an affordable price, excellent driving dynamics, and fuel economy matched by few other models.

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The entire Civic line recently became larger in every dimension, with a fresh appearance inside and out. Updates on the hybrid model included an improved gas/electric powertrain that generates more power, with enhanced fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

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The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Honda Civic Hybrid will get 50 mpg for a combination of city and highway driving. Honda suggests that in real-world use, around 44 mpg is more realistic.

The Civic Hybrid is powered primarily by a four-cylinder gasoline engine. An electric motor/generator provides supplemental power. In turn, it runs off a battery pack that recharges itself by capturing energy that is dissipated while coasting and braking. The Civic Hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that uses belts and pulleys instead of traditional gears. The CVT approaches the efficiency and performance of a five-speed manual transmission.

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Unlike the previous version, which drew power continuously from both the gas and electric motors, Honda’s present Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system runs exclusively on electric power under certain conditions — typically at moderate cruising speeds — to further conserve fuel. Honda’s technology is different from that used in the Toyota Prius, which runs the vehicle wholly on electric power from a standstill to low speeds.

Honda Civic Hybrid Vehicle Summary

The gasoline engine in the Honda Civic Hybrid shuts down completely when the vehicle stops. This is because an idling engine gets zero mpg and creates some of the highest levels of exhaust emissions.

The IMA system provides seamless acceleration on par with the standard Civic’s larger, 1.8-liter gasoline engine. But a new accelerator design requires drivers to put the pedal all the way to the floor to get the vehicle quickly up to speed.

The Civic Hybrid looks almost identical to the conventional gas-powered sedan. Its cab-forward design pushes the passenger compartment as far to the front of the vehicle as possible. The design features bold front-end styling with a steeply raked windshield and sweeping roofline.

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The interior of the Honda Civic Hybrid includes exclusive two-tone seating. Compared to the conventional sedan, trunk space is slightly compromised to accommodate the hybrid system’s battery pack. The batteries also preclude the split-folding rear seat found on other Civics.

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Standard equipment is plentiful and on par with the gas-powered Civic’s top EX trim level. A navigation system is the only factory option.

The Honda Civic Hybrid carries a $3,000 premium over a comparably equipped conventional Civic EX. That could take more than six-and-a-half years to recoup, considering the money you’ll save at the pump, assuming you drive 15,000 miles per year and pay $3 per gallon. Even if you’re not saving money on the deal, you’ll be polluting less, which is a significant factor. Potential tax credits could shorten the time it takes to earn back the price premium.