Prius or Civic Hybrid.....

[Jonnycat26]

Alright...

Someone out there has to have driven one of these cars. I've got a 32 mile commute to work (each way) and I'm tired of gassing up my VW once every 4 days.

SO I put it to everyone out there, which one is better? Driving impressions, issues, etc?

Thanks!

[ajacobson]

1. Prius

is a true hybrid. It will switch between the gas engine and the electric motor, like at stops, etc. The Civic uses the electric motor as an assistant power source for the gas engine, which runs the entire time.

My wife and I are going to buy a Prius when we can get enough money for a downpayment, it's expensive-20K.

Both cars are wholesome. GM and Ford are supposed to launch their hybrids soon but they are putting nearly all their chips on the development of hydrogen cell systems, that technology is quite a few years down the road.

[Jonnycat26]

5. Well...

I think my car should still fetch around 10K on a trade in. My concern is with the long wait for the Prius.. I hear that it can take 3-6 months to get one! And who knows what could happen to my trade in during that time...

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. My good friend...

Dave The Computer Hardware Superstar(Amiga Division) has a Prius and cannot shut up about it. He loves it with a single-minded fervor that borders on sexual. He says it is an excellent vehicle, and knowing him, I would have to say it is just that. he ain't no pushover when it comes to things technical or cars.

[Ilsa]

3. I also have a friend named Dave

who owns a Prius. Loves it. Also, I think the tax incentives disappear at the end of this year, right?

[uberotto]

12. Tax incentives drops to $1500 in 2004...

$1000 in 2005 and $500 in 2006. After that, it disappears.

[salin]

4. There is a Prius in this family (not mine)

it is coooooool. Drives well. Cool dash monitor that lets you know your current mile/gallon consumption (and graphs it in five minute slips) - that helps one become more aware of how you drive (different rates of acceleration or cruising.) With your commute, you would probably use just over one to maybe one and a half gallons per day (round trip). Even at the higher consumption rate (1.5 gallons for the round trip) that would mean almost two weeks of commuting before filling back up. I don't know enough about the honda hybred to make any comparisons.

[TreasonousBastard]

6. The new Prius is the latest generation of hybrids...

and leapfrogged over the Civic.

Of course, next year...

[uberotto]

7. I have a 2004 Civic Hybrid...

And I really love it. I test drove a 2003 Prius and a Civic hybrid and liked the Civic better. It was more comfortable and drove better. Also I didn't like the layout of the Prius interior. I've had it for about two months and I'm currently averaging about 43 MPG and the MPG seem to be getting better with every tankfull. The advertised MPG is 48/47 for the Civic Hybrid. From what I've read online, both cars will usually fall a little short of what is advertised based on driving conditions.

I was really looking forward to the new (2004) Prius, but got tired of waiting for it to hit the markets. Even now, you have to put your name on a waiting list. The price for each is about the same, as is the handling and performance. The Prius gets a little better gas milage, but Honda, in my opinion, is a better car company.

I usually go on and on about my new car, but I'm watching Mad TV and have to keep stopping to laugh. If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask.

[Jonnycat26]

10. I do have a few...

- Do the rear seats in the civic fold down?

- How much is the engine used during normal stop and go traffic? I drive on Route 1 and the Parkway in NJ a lot, and despite looking like highways, a lot of the time you're just sitting there. :)

- How does it handle compared to a normal car?

- How is the interior/stereo? It seems like the prius has a more 'uplevel' interior/stereo, but has the layout of a 50's spaceship.

I was going to test drive both today, but 8 inches of snow kinda ruined all that.

[uberotto]

11. The Rear Seat...

Doesn't fold down. One of the drawbacks to the Civic Hybrid. The battery pack is located behind the rear seat.

When you come to a stop, the engine shuts off. The engine restarts again when you take your foot off of the brake. If you only roll forward a few feet and never get above about 10 MPH it will not shut off the next time you stop.

It drives just like a regular car. This was one of the things that I liked about it over the 2003 Prius. I traded in my 1999 Camaro for the Civic. The Civic doesn't handle quite as good as the Camaro, but it's pretty close. The Civic definately handles better than my wifes Saturn.

The interior is reasonably comfortable and roomy. It seats four adults with no discomfort. The stereo is not not all that good. If playing music loud is an issue, you definately want to spend the extra money to get the high end stereo system instead of the stock stereo.

One other thing to mention, I've read reports (from Canadians mostly) about both cars not doing as well in really cold temperatures. Not that they have any engine problems, it's just that the batteries don't work as well in really cold weather. I live in Florida so I haven't had to worry about cold weather performance, however, I have found that running the air conditioner will take about 2 miles off of your MPG.

[maxanne]

8. if you're tall

you'll want to go with the Prius. Hondas have less leg room than Toyotas.

[nuxvomica]

9. I'm not familiar with the Prius but offhand Honda is a good allround car

So I'd suggest the Honda. I rode in one recently and my hair didn't stand up so I guess it's safe.