2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Safety Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 29 Civic-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Civic Hybrid provides several standard safety features and receives solid ratings in both government and insurance industry crash tests. As Autobytel reports, the hybrid "focuses as much on safety as it does efficiency."
The Civic Hybrid earned five out of five stars for its crash protection in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a four-star rating for front passengers and five stars for rear passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Civic the top rating, "Good" for the car's performance in frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Accident Avoidance
The Civic provides a long list of standard safety equipment including daytime running lights, and a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). For 2008, the Civic Hybrid adds a tire pressure monitoring system to its list of standard equipment.
Crash Protection
Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative includes the maker's exclusive ACE Body Structure for enhanced vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management. A network of load-bearing structures in the front of the vehicle helps disperse energy during a frontal collision. Honda's commitment to safety extends to pedestrians as well as vehicle occupants. To help reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision, the Civic's hood and fender areas are designed to deform if contacted by the head of an adult or child pedestrian. Civic Hybrids also have side curtain air bags, front side air bags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front head restraints, tethers and anchors for child-protection seats.
