I actually test drove both a Civic and a Prius....the Civic just did not compare as a car - hybrid or not. It did not have the substance - didn't feel as solid as the Prius, nor was it as roomy or comfortable for long distance driving. Sure the Prius is cool, but IMHO it is also simply a better car. Kudos to Honda for adding to the hybrid market - the more hybrids of any brand the better for our environment!

The Civic and pre 2004 Prius were much more similar from the size and feature POV. At least to me, the only difference was the EV as first power (Prius) or as assist (Civic). With the 2004 Prius, there is really no comparison. They cost about the same but that's about it.

the Honda dealer here was offering $2500 rebates on all vehicles here including both hybrids.

the Toyota dealer here was no longer taking any slots onto the waiting list until the list was reduced to a year long.

they have high hopes that their 2005 allotment will be much better. but they were getting 3-5 Priuses every two weeks when my car was delivered.

Honda should hang in there

While I'm happy to be driving the most popular car in the country, etc, I hope the Civic Hybrid does well because, well, the more the merrier. I think competition between Honda and Toyota will improve both hybrid models and help in the overall campaign to change our pollution habits.
I was surprised that the article stated the Honda is not doing that well; last I heard there was a wait for the Civic hybrid too, although not nearly as long as that for the Prius.
Haven't driven a Civic, but I am very impressed by Honda's quality and soldily built cars, and the overall very high mileage of its fleet.
I didn't consider the Civic when I was buying a car because the sedan isn't nearly as practical as the Prius hatchback, or the Jetta TDI wagon and Ford Focus ZX5, my alternate choices. I went for the nifty geek look and I still look at the car in amazement like a spaceship in my driveway.
Bob

I heard that the Civic uses a system that is the reverse of the Prius. It supposedly uses gas for lower speeds and electric at higher speeds.

Also, I've gotten reports that the Civic is not NEARLY as good as the Prius. And besides, I love saying Prius and knowing that not many people have them.

you heard right... for one thing the honda civic hybrid automatic is classified as a ULEV, the Prius is a SULEV (Super Ultra low emmision vehicle)

Good job Jeff! I read the article on Monday. I wanted to post it and looked for that article on washingtonpost.com for almost an hour last night and couldn't find it!!

Here it is:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...-2004Aug22.html