Mine is too new to gauge reliability. I've heard of CVT issues on some of the higher mileage Civics. Performance is like 0-60 in 11 seconds or so, which makes it medium slow. It ain't no Vette but it is 1,000,000 times better than my mom's old diesel Rabbit. Basically it drives like a normal car. It is very quiet and the IMA starts are soooo smooth and fast compaired to a regular 12V starter. I love mine as to most folks around here. Some are not getting the MPGs that they wanted to. Keep in mind that you will likely get around 45 mpg unless you drive with special care to improve mileage.

IMO the Prius might be a better choice if you want a CVT style transmission. It uses gears and motors to achieve the variable gear ratios. The Honda uses variable size pulleys and a special steel belt like the Justy had years back.