Today, I went out and looked at a 2007 Civic Hybrid w/Navigation. Sticker price was only $24,945, before the $2100 Federal Tax Credit.
I didn't drive one, but I sat in it and looked around under the hood and such. I must say, that the Navigation system is excellent, and the Digital Audio Card Reader is a nice touch. The interior is of a good quality, better than the Camry Hybrid that I sat in at the school shop. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy for a small car, and the front seat is much more comfortable than the Saturn.
As for maintenance, under-the-hood room is TIGHT; I repeat, TIGHT. I thought the Saturn was BAD, but this was worse. Even the transmission dipstick is located in a funny place.
Required engine oil is 0w-20 synthetic, and service intervals are determined by the Maintenance Minder system. Users seem to be going 6-8k between service. Transmission takes Honda's new CVT Fluid, no longer ATF-Z1. The new CVT fluid costs $10/qt, which is a little less than Toyota's WS fluid. Difference? Based on field reports, Honda's new Maintenance Minder System, combined with its first ATF life monitor, has been recommending a service every 20-30k miles on these units. Luckily, it only takes 3 quarts to service (Unit holds 5-ish), so it isn't too bad, but consider that the Prius requires no ATF service at all, and there've been no reports about transmission failure.
All in all, the Civic Hybrid appears to be a promising candidate. It's not quite as large as my neighbor's 05 Prius, lacks the cargo flexibility (No 60/40 rear seatback folddown), and delivers lesser fuel economy compared to the Prius, but it certainly beats the Prius in price, especially with the current tax credit, which I hope will remain in effect until next spring in the full amount.
At the current price, I can buy the model w/Navigation, and provided that I obtain 33MPG throughout the life of the vehicle (150k miles), versus 25 for the gas-only model, I can recoup the added cost over the EX model, and enjoy a Navigation system. And I even confirmed, warranty on the Hybrid components is 15-yr/150k miles in CA, and 10-yr/150k miles on the Battery pack.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
I didn't drive one, but I sat in it and looked around under the hood and such. I must say, that the Navigation system is excellent, and the Digital Audio Card Reader is a nice touch. The interior is of a good quality, better than the Camry Hybrid that I sat in at the school shop. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy for a small car, and the front seat is much more comfortable than the Saturn.
As for maintenance, under-the-hood room is TIGHT; I repeat, TIGHT. I thought the Saturn was BAD, but this was worse. Even the transmission dipstick is located in a funny place.
Required engine oil is 0w-20 synthetic, and service intervals are determined by the Maintenance Minder system. Users seem to be going 6-8k between service. Transmission takes Honda's new CVT Fluid, no longer ATF-Z1. The new CVT fluid costs $10/qt, which is a little less than Toyota's WS fluid. Difference? Based on field reports, Honda's new Maintenance Minder System, combined with its first ATF life monitor, has been recommending a service every 20-30k miles on these units. Luckily, it only takes 3 quarts to service (Unit holds 5-ish), so it isn't too bad, but consider that the Prius requires no ATF service at all, and there've been no reports about transmission failure.
All in all, the Civic Hybrid appears to be a promising candidate. It's not quite as large as my neighbor's 05 Prius, lacks the cargo flexibility (No 60/40 rear seatback folddown), and delivers lesser fuel economy compared to the Prius, but it certainly beats the Prius in price, especially with the current tax credit, which I hope will remain in effect until next spring in the full amount.
At the current price, I can buy the model w/Navigation, and provided that I obtain 33MPG throughout the life of the vehicle (150k miles), versus 25 for the gas-only model, I can recoup the added cost over the EX model, and enjoy a Navigation system. And I even confirmed, warranty on the Hybrid components is 15-yr/150k miles in CA, and 10-yr/150k miles on the Battery pack.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
