Well, it's basically just a Honda Civic, so the 'flimsy' aspect and the reliability of the car in general should be pretty much the same.

The two significant differences are

(1) the IMA, which is the electric motor assist, and
(2) the CVT, if you get an automatic, where CVT is "continuously variable transmission".

I have almost 10,000 on my HCH with no problems. I have never heard of a problem with either the battery or the IMA. I *have* heard of some problems with the CVT, but I have no direct experience, as mine has been fine.