Drove A Honda Civic Hybrid...

[Phaedrus]

Well, some colleagues of mine and I were sent out on a training to the state capital, and got to take the newest agency vehicle - a Honda Civic Hybrid. I got to drove back (about 2+ hours). It was pretty cool, really. It would have thrown me off a little at the stoplights / traffic stops since it feels like it "stalls", but I was warned ahead of time that it is completely normal.

It does get great mileage, obviously. 

It was reasonably "peppy" but you sure as hell aren't going to win any races with it. There is the slight lag from start to go when the gasoline engine kicks in. But it moves along OK for commuting / normal driving. Not bad.

As for comfort...eh. I personally find my 2002 Hyundai Accent more comfortable. The Civic just had strange seat contours for me, and it just didn't seem to "fit". It was ok, but I've been in budget cars way more comfortable.

I liked the gauge / instrument cluster, but got caught up in wondering..what if the owner has a car like this and wants to replace the radio? I am sure it is possible, anything is, but it didn't seem apparent to me.

It was also difficult to maneauver for a small car; my Accent is much easier to turn, park, etc. This just had some strange blindspots, or maybe I just wasn't used to it. However, I was really impressed by it's braking!

Overall, it is a cool little car. Not sure how much they go for, but  I'd prolly buy one if I did a lot of commuting, especially on the highway. Anyone else drive a hybrid yet? Anyone have one? What are your thoughts?

[sinfulgs]

my wife has a prius lil thing runs on vapor shes gettign like 680 miles a tank but shes drive pretty sane and dones most of her driving intown work and home room comfy plent of power if you mash the pedal to the floor no problems yet at 80k miles

[Noltz]

I'm a Toyota technician, and get to drive Prius's daily.  We also have the Highlander Hybrid, and the new Camry Hybrid will be out later this year.  All get good mileage, but when I did the math, it'll take at least 8 years of fuel difference between the Prius and the Corolla (about the same size cars) to match the purchase price difference.  And while the Prius does shut off at lights (assuming the AC isn't required, or the High Voltage battery doesn't need charging) it doesn't pollute any LESS than any of our other 4 cylinder cars.  In fact, all our vehicles are Certified Low Emissions Vehicles.  The difference is minimal to the enviroment, but you do get 600+ km to a $45 tank.

As for driving, I found the regenerative braking too harsh for my liking.  The Prius turns it's electric motor into a Generator when light braking is applied.  In effect, the car turns the motor - creating electricity from the kinetic energy of the car moving, and slowing it down.  But on light brake applications, the car goes from rolling to breaking, no soft in-between.  After driving it for 30 minuites, it started to piss me off.

The Highlander Hybrid is MUCH better as a daily driver, but I think it's because of the the vehicles weight carrying the generator better.  And it gets the same mileage as a Corolla.   I'm looking forward to seeing the Camry Hybrid - may end up with one in place of my aging Olds Alero.

I personally drive a '97 4Runner Limited.   200K and it doesn't make a sound.  Damn good truck.

[Caffeine]

You should have had some fun with the Honda.    Stop at a gas station, pull up alongside a Hummer or other large vehicle.   Everyone out of the car.   Wave a $5 bill at one of your workmates and say really loud, "Here five bucks for the gas, and get me something to drink with the change!"   

[Dwn4whadever]

You should have had some fun with the Honda.    Stop at a gas station, pull up alongside a Hummer or other large vehicle.   Everyone out of the car.   Wave a $5 bill at one of your workmates and say really loud, "Here five bucks for the gas, and get me something to drink with the change!"