• 2009

  • 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

MSRP: $22,600 - $24,350
Invoice: $20,804 - $22,409
MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.8
Performance:6.3
Exterior:8.1
Interior:7.6
Safety:9.8
Reliability:9.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Stylish new exterior and interior, with high quality materials
  • Fuel efficiency of a hybrid, though not as thrifty as the Prius
  • Limited cargo space, with less trunk space than other small sedans and no rear-fold seat option
  • Lackluster overall power, with a weaker electric motor than Prius
  • Mixed reviews for the Civic Hybrid's two-tiered instrument panel

Prices

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Honda Civic Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The Civic Hybrid provides similar qualifications to the popular Toyota Prius while offering the conventional styling of a gas-engine sedan. But many reviewers report its around-town driving is weak, even for a hybrid vehicle.

The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid garners solid praise for its value, sleek, futuristic redesign and fuel-sipping habits. In both the small car and hybrid car rankings, the sedan receives high scores for its conventional exterior style, its high-quality cabin and for its outstanding safety. But there are many reviews who report the Civic Hybrid's performance is underwhelming -- even as a hybrid vehicle, it does not provide as much power on the highway as expected.

The Civic Hybrid comes only as a four-door sedan. The 2008 model of the Civic Hybrid carries over from 2007 virtually unchanged, save for a tire pressure monitoring system. If you're in the market for a hybrid vehicle, also consider the Toyota Camry Hybrid or the Toyota Prius. If you're interested in an affordable small car, consider the gas-engine Honda Civic, or the Honda Fit.

  • "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." -- Forbes
  • "The Civic hybrid relies on a simpler technology than the rival Toyota Prius and doesn't run in pure-electric mode, but its gasoline-electric powertrain still yields 40-50 mpg in economy and the Civic is far more frisky to drive. Want to be green and enjoy the drive? Go for the Civic." -- Car and Driver
  • "Honda's reputation for practical economy is shown in the Civic Hybrid, well-built and simply designed to sip fuel. Interior tech options are usefully done, making this Honda a great commuter sedan." -- CNET
  • "The Civic Hybrid's efficiency and environmental benefits are undeniable. Add in spaciousness, fun factor, and equipment level, and there's your value, folks. High, as in hybrid." -- About.com
  • "It's an ideal first car for a teen driver, and it's likewise ideal for retired seniors on fixed incomes. It's all very impressive." -- Sacramento Bee
  • "Civic Hybrid drivers pay a price for being able to thumb their noses at Big Oil and help save the planet -- in higher purchase price and lower performance." -- Newsday

Civic-Hybrid Performance - 6.3 (Mediocre)

Some say the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid's ride is similar to the conventional Civic's. But there are many who say power is lacking, even for a hybrid model. Read More

Civic-Hybrid Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Most appreciate that the Honda Civic Hybrid mirrors the styling of the gas-engine Civic. Forbes says the 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." Read More

Civic-Hybrid Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The five-seater 2008 Civic Hybrid is still a carry-over from the remodeled 2006 version that many critics gave a warm welcome. CNET reports the Civic's cabin gives "the impression of forward thinking thanks to some unconventional split-level gauge placement and the two-spoke steering wheel," then later adds, "The front seats proved comfortable and supportive, if slightly firm, over the course of the trip." Read More

Civic-Hybrid Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2008 Civic Hybrid provides several standard safety features and receives solid ratings in both government and insurance industry crash tests. Read More

Civic-Hybrid Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2008 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). In terms of warranty, Honda provides basic coverage for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09