Great in-depth comparo of 2005 Prius versus 2006 HCH over at Edmunds Inside Line:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=108445

I would quote some text from the comparo, but they apparently have "blocked" that option. Read the whole thing, it's really good.

what they say is NOT true!!! The HCH comes with a six speaker system and can upgrade the 'bass' in it. It has EBD which is definately a form of stability control when emergency braking not to mention a better handling car (in thier own words) in itself gives better stability (3.2 miles per hour advantage in the slalom) added to the now common ABS system in most cars. And has much more options and quality features than that. I am not Prius bashing, but I feel the writer of this didn't do his research AT ALL. I do believe I may write him and tell the person to go to Hondacars.com and check up on accessories and study what comes WITH the car in either stock trim!!!
Sorry for the rant, I just think when someone is going to do an article they should TRY to do as much research as possible on whatever they are going to write about.
So if the Prius wins out on two advantages (faster 0-60, which is not economical, and city mileage) then I wholly accept his conclusion. But at least do your best to get your facts right or if you are clueless, don't say anything!!!
Thanks, I feel better now

take care and have a great day!!!

Well, I noted a couple of interesting things...

- The Prius won by... 0.6 % Is that really a 'win' ? ::shaking head bemusedly::

- The 'second opinions' section with the two writers seems to favor the Honda over the Toyota

- The 'Editors Evaluations' section seems to have the HCH winning more categories overall ? (I know someone here will count / add up the points, but don't worry, because it all gets blown away with 'Final Rankings & Scoring Evaluation', which seems to be purely subjective).

Now...for the one that's really telling to me...
In the 'Final Rankings' section, the 'Recommended Rating' gleans 100% for the HCH, and 50% for the Prius. This supposedly is supposed to represent what the editors think "would be the best choice for the average consumer shopping in this segment" If they think that the HCH is the better choice by half, how does it lose to the Prius overall ?

maybe we can conclude advertising dollars from toyota? seems a possible answer to me.

If this was an election poll it would be considered "too close to call".

Tell me a person's brand preference and driving needs and I'll predict which sedan they choose. Urban driving favors the Prius - highway driving the Civic.

Comparing the two cars with EPA numbers is going to be misleading to the uninformed - real word results will probably be much closer.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

I have to question the automotive knowledge of any journalist that refers to the HCH's lightweight aluminum wheels as "special slotted wheel covers". While I'm not fond of the way they look, this makes them sound like cheap plastic hub-caps.

Edmunds has a new hybrid comparison with video up. Enjoy http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...5/pageId=67420

Overall favorable toward the Civic HCH, they give the "win" to Prius
BUT, read the article and they admit the Civic is the better overall car and better MPG on the highway

Bottom line, they don't know how to get the most out of the car

Nice to know the HCH-II is making strides in the eyes of the "experts"!!!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=108445/pageId=67420

Just finished reading this comparision review of the 06 HCH and the 05 Prius. While Edmunds ranked Prius #1 overall, the review seems to favor the HCH in what I consider "important categories". The HCH was clearly favored for handling, style, and comfort. Also, of interest, is only 42.9 mpg over the 1,000 mile test drive, which dinged the HCH ratings. At 1400 mpg on my 06 HCH, I'm now in the 50mpg range (thanks to all the tips on this site). Overall, the best review of two fine hybrids I've read anywhere.

Here is a short synopsis chart in their review:

Evaluation - Drive

Engine Performance
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 15.0 1 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 2

Transmission
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 15.0 1 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 13.0 2

Braking
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 13.0 1

Suspension
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 11.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 17.0 1

Tires
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Steering
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 16.0 1

Visibility
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 10.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1

Fun to Drive
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 14.0 1(t) 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1(t)

Evaluation - Ride

Seat Comfort Front
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1

Seat Comfort Rear
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 1(t) 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 13.0 1(t)

Wind & Road Noise
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 10.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Rattles & Squeaks
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Evaluation - Design

Interior Design
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 16.0 1

Interior Material
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Climate Control Design/Operation
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 13.0 1

Audio System Design/Operation
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 1 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 12.0 2

Secondary Control Design/Operation
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1

Exterior Design
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1

Headlight Illumination
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 15.0 1 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 2

Overall Build Quality
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 14.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Evaluation - Cargo/Passenger Space

Entry/Exit
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1

Expanding/Loading Cargo
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 14.0 1(t) 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 14.0 1(t)

Storage Space
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 12.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Cupholders
Vehicle Score Rank 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid 13.0 2 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 15.0 1

Please don't double post.

My hydroponics experiment

You ever notice how hard it is to lip read cartoon characters?
"Crazy is what the sane call Delta Flyer"