Aren't modern vehicles with larger crumple zones more survivable in serious accidents? How many news clipping are out there that describe the results of an accident between a large and a smallish vehicle?

I don't have the link, but one that comes to mind is where a single male occupant in a (brand omitted so as not to infuriate those who are in love with it) Honda Civic-sized vehicle had a head-on with a Lincoln Town Car. The young dad was killed, and the couple in the LTC had several bruises only. All were wearing belts. Not sure if the 'little car' had bags or not. Somewhere in the Northwest.

In my mind a large family's transportation safety needs cry out much more loudly than joining a hybrid club.

Crumple zone usually wins. Vehicles can be replaced. People cannot be. Just my opinion FWIW.

Yes, I believe larger families need to find a car that fits their needs. I am not saying the Civic is an unsafe car. I know that by personal experience. But with more people in that car it could be fatal if a serious accident occurs.

When I mean comfort, I mean there is room for each person in the back seat so that they are not on top of each other. or sqeeshed...

Definitely try to get Four salespeople to go with you during the test drive. They might not give you the straight answer on the back seat comfort, but at least you will get a feel of the power of the car under a load.

Good Luck

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1987 Chevy Spectrum - 200,000+ Miles -Junk Yard
1994 Honda Civic DX Coupe - Truck Hit it
1998 Acura 2.3 CL - End of Lease
2002 Acura TL 3.2 - End of Lease
2004 Acura MDX - End of Lease
2007 Mercedes ML350 -Lemon
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid w/Navi - Active

You could always do a test drive locally with your family, even if you have no intention of buying a car from the local dealership. Then you'd know if you still want to make that longer trip to make a car purchase.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

An Impact depends on what cars /trucks are involved.

The civic in not in any way dangerous as it stands. It can be dangerous depending on what you hit. The same applies to any car. That same Town car would not far well hitting a Hummer.

I can remember an accident from these parts as well. 4 killed when their Caddy STS was hit by a ford pickup after it crossed the line. It doesn't mean the large Sedan is unsafe, it just wasn't enough to protect it from a higher and much heavier 1/2 ton pickup.

I agree that testing the vehicle-under-load with an extra person or two in the back seat is a good idea. Personally, I've had a total of 4 adults in my HCH2, and it performed fine to me. Accelerating up a mountain fully-loaded might be another matter, though

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL

I picked up the Civic Hybrid on December 31st. So far, there's nothing to dislike. Quiet, smooth and great gas mileage!

Thanks everybody!

Congrats! I'm glad you love it too!!

flyer351:

Congratulations on your new car !!! What a way to start a new year, heh?

Happy New Year !


MSantos

Congrats!

BTW did you get a full load when you test drove it?

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1987 Chevy Spectrum - 200,000+ Miles -Junk Yard
1994 Honda Civic DX Coupe - Truck Hit it
1998 Acura 2.3 CL - End of Lease
2002 Acura TL 3.2 - End of Lease
2004 Acura MDX - End of Lease
2007 Mercedes ML350 -Lemon
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid w/Navi - Active

With an 8 hour round trip to the dealership yesterday, there wasn't a lot of time. I took it for a short spin just to check for anything wierd on that particular car.

However, I spent today driving around with the full family of 5 and pulled down 42 mpg for the trip. The car seemed to have plenty of power so I'm happy with my decision.