I’m jealous of my girlfriend’s 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2012 Civic Hybrid starts at $24,000 so it's not necessarily much cheaper than the Gen III Prius. But I do agree that Honda's interior is slightly more upscale than the Prius. And I also agree that the Gen III interior has that cheap feeling especially compared to the Gen II.

At the sub-40 mpg range, however, I would've got the CT200h for an ultimate hybrid experience.

 

while the HCH is a nice typical reliable honda, its still a typical honda. The gas mileage is subpar compared to the prius. The interior on the HCH just looks cheap to me (especially the vinyl backed seats).

 

My "problem" with Honda Hybrids...is that they may be the better "cars" but I clearly don't feel they are the better Hybrids.

I know that sounds strange, but let me explain. I agree that Honda fit and finish and interior may be superior. How superior? Is debatable. Some people would buy a Prius over a HCH based on the simple fact that Prius is a hatchback. Personally I looked at Insight and Gen 3 Prius and found fit and finish to be comparable, and in that comparison would actually give the advantage to Prius.

Where IMO the tipping difference clearly develops is with IMA vs. HSD. The end results of both systems are similar....better gas mileage. But IMO HSD is a more robust system, which as advertised creates a "synergy" between engine and electric motor....where Honda as advertised...is simply an integrated "engine" assist....

I can't speak to the legitimacy of these claims, but on the internet I've also read a lot of complaints about IMA as it ages. Many stories are about how people LOVE their IMA Civic for the first year or two, but as the battery ages find efficiency faulter or decline. Again, I wouldn't necessarily believe this...but I think the more robust nature of HSD makes it a system that ages well. If I planned to keep an IMA Civic for longer than 5 years? I would have concerns.

That being said? I do think Toyota needs to improve their Dash Boards and interior fit and finish. I like the looks of Honda's and Fords better...not enough to make me purchase them over a Prius....but it is an area where I think Toyota can and should improve.

 

I like to think that Honda, especially Acura, cabins are more circular from a birds-eye view. Makes you feel more enclosed, safer, and nested.

Toyota/Lexus interior cabins feel more conventional and square-ish, as if there's less protection and weight around you.

I'll take the Toyota any day but will admit, Honda interiors feel good.

 

I also have to add that Honda/Acura navi is light years ahead if factory Toyota/Lexus navi.. Bluetooth is also 100x better.. But I still bought the prius.. The insight was not
an option!! It was too small.. And I am a die hard Honda/Acura guy.. I was sad to leave that family.. But they need to make a better car to compete with the prius..

 

you can get a great price for your prius right now.

 

No, they are right. The Civic Hybrid's IMA ages extremely poorly. I have an 07 civic hybrid with just under 50k miles and have been experiencing the battery re calibration issue for a while now. I don't know how the 2012s are, they looked redesigned and so might not have the same issues, but at least the 07 sucks horrendously. Like I mentioned, the battery re-calibrates frequently, very high road noise, no power, jerky if the engine auto-stops and you try to accelerate while still in motion. On the other hand, the GPS is light years ahead of the prius one.

 

i test drove the civic hybrid in 04 before buying my first pri. i wasn't impressed with anything in particular about the car. are they much different now?

 

I was told by a toyota salesman back in 2008 when i first considered a prius all of the interrior materials were proprietary to the prius for optimum mph and green/recycled as much as possible, thin being in. He continued saying because of this he felt their interriors would be seen as cheap and how long would they last, durability issues. I think of his statements and honesty evertime i read or hear people comment about the cheap or flimsy parts/feel to the prius. If that is a concern or problem don't buy one or sell the one you own. The prius is what it is and probably will continue to be as it is. The winning car in this ever evolving segment hybrid or electric i guess will be the one that closest reminds us of the vehicle we came from or loved most in the ice age.

 

oooops i meant MPG in my previous post lol

 

I have one of each and I like them both! I do prefer driving the Honda however. The Prius is a better Hybrid. You must be very diligent with the HCH2 in order to get the Prius #'s. Hal

 

I have only bought Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus, except for the 2004 Infiniti FX 45. The HSD is basically an electric vehicle where as the HCH only assists the engine to result in better gas mileage. I would not compare the 2 systems. The Prius is currently ready to have its ICE, muffler and gas tank removed when battery size, cost, capacity and recharging improve. I believe the Prius's dash plastic is derived from a plant, that may be the reason for the look and feel.

 

I think one of the problems with the Prius interior is the plastic is so soft that I can even scratch it with my finger nail. You have to be careful reaching for door handles, glove box, etc.

The rear tonneau cover clips scratch the plastic molding where it is supposed to catch.

A cardboard box scratches the plastic.

I scuffed the interior with my shoe and left a white mark. I reached in to wipe it off and I was scratching it just by wiping it.

Even the visor is made with a fabric that is easily scuffed and you have to be careful with your fingers to not grab it with your nails. It's more like felt than fabric.

 

Congratulations on getting a third generation Honda Civic Hybrid! Your posting is the first mention I've heard of anyone taking delivery of the latest generation. Good sign!

We came from an '06 Civic Hybrid to our current 3rd Prius, and appreciate the pros and cons of both.

Honda is using a new chemistry in the 3rd gen traction battery. However, they continue to have pretty high failure rates on 1st and 2nd gen batteries, coupled with a corporate culture of denial of these issues.

The latter is the most damning imho: turning your back on your customers is no way to bring them back.

They're likely trying very hard to avoid battery issues with this latest generation: with the new chemistry, and the way the battery is utilized, ie: not taxing it as much.

Please keep us posted, regarding: impressions, performance, mileage, etcetera. Thanks.

 

Somewhat correct. Not every piece is made from recycled materials (the HS250 has more recycled materials inside the new car) but every piece is made to be recycled. Every plastic piece has its chemical code stamped on the back for easy sorting. There is also a grabby thing attached to the wiring harness by the centre console. Why you ask? So they can attach a giant wench to it and literally yank all the copper wiring out of the car with one tug.

It is these sorts of little things that add up.

 

agree with oldasdust and 2k1toaster. i like the idea of driving a car that not only get's the best mpg's, but also has comparatively high parts recycling.

 

bisco,
There are cars that do better than Prius! They are just not as well excepted. Hal

 

better in mpg's or recycling?

 

The money TMC spent to build the Prius goes into his HSD system as opposed to Leather and wood finishings. The Prius has 2 propulsion systems and has been one of the most reliable vehicle on the road. If someone wants a better interior, that person may like the Lexus CT 200h, but for a price.

Videos like this one make the Prius a winner!
Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - Hybrids & Alternative Fuel - Do hybrid cars hold up?