Could I be so bold as to summerise the preceeding comments...


The Honda Civic II is cheaper, smaller and (I believe) just as FE as the Prius on long trips.

The Toyota Prius is more expensive, larger and better suited and more FE in stop-go city driving.

So...it comes down to two things.

1/ Your expected driving - mainly city or mainly highway

2/ How much room you need.


I'm a sales rep with lots of freeway driving and some heavy city traffic. I needed driveability (nippy)and good economy on long drives, so I decided on the Honda.

...and...I didn't want to make an "in-your-face" comment about being a Hybrid driver. The Honda is very subtle in that regard.

I'm surprised at one of the posting's that said the Prius was quicker off the mark. The Honda is no slouch when pushed, and I'm no petrol head so 1.5 seconds didn't mean much to me.

At the end of the day they are both great FE cars.

I don't include anything with a V6 ICE as a "real" hybrid. I believe that a "real" hybrid is for "real" Fuel Efficiency and pollution reduction. 35mpg is not really FE...50mpg is!

No offence intended to those that have just purchased a Lexus "Hybrid" or similar.

Thanks