I am buying a hybrid in a few weeks. The Prius' are on backorder and the 2006 Civic Hybrid, which is a much better-looking car, is coming out.

I drove the 2005 Civic Hybrid which was much more sluggish and louder than the Prius.

Please tell me if I should buy the Civic or stick with the Prius. I'm basing my final decision on:

Dependability
Technology (Prius has more patents, better degenerative charging in teh 2005)
Look (Civic 2006 has it beat)
Interior room and look (more room in the Prius, Civic looks better)

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Well, this is a diffcult and important decision Nate, and I don't think anyone here would presume to make that decision for you. Here are my whole two cents:

Dependability - Both cars are pretty much in the same class here. Both cars are highly dependable and are not likely to strand you in a bad neighborhood or on an empty highway in the middle of the night.

Technology - Prius "has the most technology" if that's what you mean - the HSD system is more complex than the IMA system. As far as which technology is better, I don't think there is any way to know that.

Looks - Here, you have a completely subjective decision to make. I think you like the looks of the Civic better, but wait until you drive it and see it up close and personal before you completely decide.

Interior room and Look - the previews of the 2006 Civic interior are just utterly gorgeous, if you ask me. The Prius is a larger vehicle as far as interior space goes.

So your choice is not an easy one. Good Luck !!!

How does a HCH qualify for 2006 tax credit?

To be eligible for the tax credit, a vehicle must meet the following requirements

- It must be powered primarily by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current.
- It must have at least four wheels and be manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways (vehicles exclusively used on rail or rails do not qualify).
- It must meet all federal and state emissions requirements.
- It has never been used as a nonelectric vehicle.
- You must purchase the vehicle new and for your own use, not for resale
- You must drive it mostly in the United States.
- Government agencies, tax exempt organizations, and foreign entities are not eligible.

The first point, must be powered primarily by an electric engine? This is not the case of any hybrids listed on this board. So who qualifies?

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Thanks... now I'm pissed, if I'm reading this right. The more the car weighs the bigger the tax credit? Talk about priorities.

These two cars are really nice, but the Toyota beats the Honda in the MPG area. Toyota also has a better Hybrid system. They use the same system in the new Lexus SUV. The Honda has always been known for clean and high MPG cars, so you would think Honda would be the better Hybrid. The good thing about the Toyota is that it has alot of passender room and cargo room since they made it into a hatchback form from the original car form. While the Honda can be a little cramped inside for 5 people, and it doesnt have the same cargo room advantages of a hatchback sedan. Both cars are considered great hybrids today. The question is what kind of hybrid are you looking for to drive everyday. If you have a family with mostly teenagers you may want to consider the Toyota. If you are single or have a relationship you may want to look at the Honda. These are two very important things to look in before buying a hybrid that you will be driving everyday. So make you do your research and hopefully you chose the right hybrid for you.

Have you talked to any Honda dealers yet? From what I've heard people are beginning to take notice of the 2006 HCH's stunningly good looks a updated powertrain, which has caused some dealers to already start taking pre-orders and forming a buyers list - much like when the Prius first came out!

Heck we might see a total market reversal in that there will now be waiting lists to by the HCH, and no list for the Prius (there is already no list for the Prius in most places). Also keep in mind Honda plans on making very few HCHs - only like 1/3 the number of Prius that Toyota will make next year.

Yes they both have good systems. I was just going by what I know now. Sure the future of the toyota and honda will change and who knows honda may just go to top.