Honda TV commercial comparing HCH to Prius

The facts from the manufacturers are pretty clear as observed. Personal opinion is something else. As far as I'm concerned, both cars offer plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver--I'm 6'2". Legroom behind the driver the way I like my drivers seat is adequate in the Prius. In the Civic, I would have to move the driver's seat forward to fit in the rear seat. Driver's headroom is fine in both cars, headroom a bit tight for me in the back seat--not enough difference to brag aboout in either car.
However, for my physique, the HCH has a far superior driver's seat, and the telescoping steering wheel makes for a more comfortable driving position also.

 

I just went through the exercise of test driving both cars extensively in my purchase decision. must say, the Prius feelslike a roomier car, both in headroom and cabin space. The only thing it lacks is a 6 way adjustable drivers seat. (the HCH has this). If I could crank my Prius seat down 1-2 inches I would reach a state of nirvana. As it is, I sit high, but I still have ample room to see. (I am 6ft 4 inches).

The HCH is a very nice car- it handles well and has great legroom in the front, but so does the Prius. The main reason I chose the Prius is the same as others- the folding seat and hatch add up to more cargo space. The HCH doesn't have folding seats, and has a smaller trunk. I'm happy with the Prius so far - only 700 miles on it and this car is really growing on me.

I hear Honda is going to build a new hybrid from the ground up for market sometime in 2009 or 2010. It will be interesting to see what they learn from their exprerience.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Sep 17 2007, 08:09 AM) [snapback]513694[/snapback]</div>

or...

 

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Also.... I have read that the HCH is not a true Hybrid vehicle... in that, unlike the prius, it cannot run alone on electric power or soley on gas. I quote Motor Trend " Simplicity often carries constraints, though, and one of IMA's is that the car doesn't go without its engine turning, meaning neither the engine nor motor can independently propel the Civic (well almost). Nor can either be optimized." The Civic is a IMA, motor assist not a synergy drive. That would have made a BIG difference for me if I had been shopping and comparing the two. The Prius is listed ad a mid-size car, where the civic is considered a compact by gov standards. Not that the Civic is a bad car, not by any stretch of the means. It is, however, noteably a different beast than the Prius.

 

The Honda salesman did everything he could to keep us from test driving a Prius (including bad mouthing it and flat out lying). I found nothing I liked better about the Honda and the Prius actually felt fast compared to the Honda I drove. So I bought a 2008 Seaside Blue pkg 2 with HID headlights.