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Honda Civic Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid ranks 4 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Civic Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid offers a satisfying combination of high quality design and class-leading fuel economy in a relatively affordable price. Still, if you're looking to go green but want a car with sportier performance or more cargo space, other hybrids are worth a look.

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid is a favorite in the automotive press for its luxurious interior, sleek look and class-leading fuel economy. With available features like leather, heated seats, XM Satellite radio and a navigation system with voice recognition, the Civic Hybrid could safely contend with most upscale small cars. If you want luxury and excellent fuel economy in a small car, than look no further.

Still, if you're looking to save the environment but don't want to sacrifice cargo space or driving dynamics, there are better options available. For those who want the best possible fuel economy, the Toyota Prius cannot be beat.  It has a starting price around $1,500 less than the Civic Hybrid and a fuel economy rating (51/48 city/highway) that trumps every other hybrid vehicle. Another viable option is the Honda Insight, which has a starting price around $4,000 less than the Civic Hybrid and offers an impressive 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a good choice for those who want to go green but who need to carry more. The Insight falls behind the Civic Hybrid a bit on fuel economy, but its 40/43 city/highway rating still makes it an impressive contender in the hybrid class. For those who can afford to spend a bit more and want a vehicle that is legitimately fun to drive, the Mercury Milan Hybrid is well worth a look. It costs about $4,000 more than the Civic Hybrid and offers a lower fuel economy of 41/36 city/highway, but it offers a far more enjoyable driving experience than you would normally expect for a hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid's platform-mate, the all-gasoline-powered Honda Civic, comes in a number of trims, but the 2010 Civic Hybrid is only offered as a four-door sedan. The conventional Civic may also be worth a look for those who want good fuel economy but who don't necessarily need a hybrid vehicle.  It has a starting price that is around $8,000 less than the Civic Hybrid and an impressive 25/36 city/highway fuel economy. Based on gas prices in October of 2009, it will take around 26 years (based on the assumption that you're driving 12,000 miles a year) before you make up in gas savings the extra money you will spend to buy the Civic Hybrid.

There are no major changes to the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, so potential buyers may want to consider purchasing a 2009 model. You might be able to snag a deal as dealers to make way for the new 2010s on their lots. Be sure to check for current Honda deals for the latest incentives.

• "Just about as comfortable and stylish as a compact sedan can be with little sacrifice in drivability." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Though it's eclipsed by Honda's new Insight hybrid, this Civic still represents a good way to achieve 40 mpg fuel efficiency at a reasonable cost." -- Car and Driver
• "My week in the Civic Hybrid was pleasant, except possibly in the eyes of the gasoline companies. The example I had was fully-equipped, with leather and the navigation system. At that level, it's no bare-bones ‘econobox', but rather a comfortable and well-equipped not-so-small (inside) car that just happens to go quite a distance on a gallon of unleaded regular." -- The Auto Channel
• "The Civic Hybrid does utilize some eco-friendly designs not seen on its traditional siblings, namely a more aerodynamic bodykit and full-face alloy wheels mounted on low rolling-resistance 15-inch tires. A rear spoiler helps cut down on drag and electric power steering and an automatic climate control system reduces the air conditioning compressor's draw on the drivetrain." -- Left Lane News
• "Honda's Civic hybrid is a good alternative for those who don't need Toyota Prius' distinctive styling to advertise their fuel-saving heroics." -- USA TODAY
• "The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is the highest-mileage member of the Civic family. Its four-door body style delivers the same practicality as the basic Civic sedan, but delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 42 mph combined. As for a life-justifying reason to exist, being a mileage king isn't a bad start." -- Automobile Magazine

Civic Hybrid Performance - 7.3 (Good)

Hybrids are not generally known for being high-performance machines, and the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid is no exception. Automobile Magazine says, "From behind the wheel, the Civic Hybrid handles well, but you won't mistake it for a performance car." Read More

Civic Hybrid Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers generally appreciate the sleek and futuristic look of the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. "When the latest-generation Civic first hit the market, many were surprised by its unusual styling," says Motor Trend. "But the Civic's looks have proven a hit with buyers and...Honda decided not to mess with success." Read More

Civic Hybrid Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Civic Hybrid continues Honda's tradition of high-quality cabins with plenty of features and trumps much of the affordable small car competition in the process. Some reviewers are almost amused by the sheer range of luxury amenities in the Civic Hybrid. As Car and Driver puts it, "The hybrid model gets options that were previously denied to the greenies: leather upholstery (an option that ought to be popular among PETA members) and heated seats and mirrors." Read More

Civic Hybrid Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)

The 2010 Civic Hybrid performs very well in federal government crash tests. The Hybrid also comes with an impressive array of safety features, including driving aids that are usually reserved for more expensive vehicles. Read More

Civic Hybrid Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Honda Civic Hybrid's bumper-to-bumper limited warranty provides basic coverage for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More