Hi All,

I'm looking to move into a hybrid to help save some money for the family and shift my priorities a little more to the kids and what not...

Anyway, I'm very much used to performance cars and power/torque, so the move is a tough one and one that I'm preparing for. I still have a toy car, so the fun factor will always be available.

My question is how will the Prius or Civic perform given my situation?

I drive mainly in the suburbs with perhaps 10-20% of my time on the freeway at say 72mph which is where I tend to cruise. The suburban travel has stops and what not with most moving traffic in the 45-50mph range.

What type of mpgs can I expect from either of the two in the world I live in? Not many hills or anything. I know what the new EPA standards say, but I also know those here know better and can get better. I"m not one to drive below the speed limit nor baby her all the time.

Currently my V8 gets about 12-15mpg in the burbs and 25-27mpg on the highway....just so you know where I'm coming from.

Thanks!

-tim

OK, Tim, here's what you need - the '08 Highlander Hybrid! A great family vehicle. Get rid of the "toy" and replace it with this 270 HP performance SUV which has a usable third seat this year, with low 7's to 60, low 15's for the quarter mile, and feels faster than that in the midrange - awsome torque and passing power - with respectable and very safe handling. You'll get a true 26-30 in town and about 25 at your highway speed, 3500# towing, AWD when slip is detected.

I feel I gave up nothing performance-wise in the switch from my 250 HP '01 Volvo T5 wagon to my '06 HiHy except a little bit in the twisties. And gained 10 mpg in town.

Pete

I would check out the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It has 198 HP and plenty of torque, plus a sporty high fun factor and room for 5.

If you unfortunately live in the states where you can't try one, I would check out the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Camry doesn't have the HP or the fun of the Altima but beats the Prius and Civic.

Gas mileage is not as good on ether car compared with the Prius/Civic, but that's the price you pay for HP and fun.

To directly answer your question:

The Civic or Prius will perform admirably provided that the freeway regimen you mentioned (10-20%) remains true. The reason why is because the bulk of your remaining driving will occur at slower speeds (45-50MPH) which is where the Civic really shines and the Prius is also excellent. If the urban content of Stop and Go is higher and the average speeds are even lower, then the Prius is the undisputed champ.

I assume the reason you asked about the Prius and Civic is because you want the best "money saving" opportunity, fuel economy and emissions performance.

-You can expect to obtain 45 to 55 from a Prius II (and much more if you drive by its instruments)
-Expect 40-50 from a Civic Hybrid II (and more if you drive by its instruments)

The other vehicles mentioned by the previous posters are excellent as well, particularly if they fit and address your objectives, needs, and tastes. Only in such a case, would I not hesitate backing their recommendations.

Cheers;

MSantos

Assuming you'll follow your words and not drive below the speed limit I'd suggest the Honda Civic. I choose it personally as a commuter with better seats for highway driving and more passing power than the prius. Granted you'll be passing mostly just trucks and buicks

If your the type who goes from lane to lane in the route of getting from A to B as fast as legally (or illegally) allowed, then I would say the Toyota Camry would fit you best. Having not tested a Nissan from only a brief drive down a stretch of I-84 I found the TCH to have more power than most midsize cars, and a well equiped enough interior to keep you bust during the ride.

If you want something sportier, the Civic is the one. It handles much better and *feels* nicer to drive. According to the stopwatch, it's slower to 60 than the Prius but it doesn't *feel* slow.

If you want max mpg (babying or not), then the Prius is the way to go. The Prius is more flexible with fold-flat rear seats and a hatchback design. I don't know how old your kids are but keep that in mind if you're travelling and need cargo space (there are also under-floor bins too!).


So that's my take on the two options you've said.


However, I'll agree with Pineywoodspete and ask you to take a look at the 2008 Highlander Hybrid. It has 3 rows of seats, 270hp and a really really nice interior. Of course mpg is there too. IOW, it's V8 power and 4 cylinder economy (est. mpg is roughly the same as a Corolla/Civic).


If you want something in btwn the mileage misers (Prius/HCH) and the power house (Highlander) then the Altima Hybrid is a good choice. It's sportier and faster to 60 than the TCH. The trunk is a bit smaller than the TCH but it does have a better shaped trunk. The TCH has folding seats, the Altima Hybrid doesn't.

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

Well, as other pointed out, it really depends on how you plan to use it. If you tend to haul alot of stuff around, the Escape/Mariner or Highlander may be right for you. If its just you logging alot of miles, the Civic or Prius will be great. If you need a roomy sedan to drive 4 adults around maybe the Camry is the right choice.

I can only compare the Highlander and Escape/Mariner as I tested the THH and bought a MMH. If you need the towing capacity and 3rd row option, the Highlander is a great choice albeit at a significantly higher cost. If you just want the advantages of an SUV with the fuel economy of a smaller car the Escape/Mariner is a great choice. I actually get my best mileage cruising through suburban NJ/PA. If I lived in the burbs I am certain I'd average about 35mpg with my AWD. Highway mileage varies from about 31mpg at 70mph to about 37mpg at 50mph.

-Tim

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD
Black with Pebble interior
Premium Package with Nav & Moonroof



Current ODO: 22,909
Typical Drive: 20 min crosstown in heavy traffic (3.5mi there and back twice a day)


457 Gallons of gas saved
That's 9,150 lbs less CO2

You know the Lexus GS, a little pricey, but they do scoot pretty. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds is OK. . . . Tell the wife, "But Honey, it was on sale."

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Thanks everyone. The feedback above has been great. I've not looked at the Altima period but perhaps should and will. I prefer the styling of it over the TCH.

The main reason I mentioned Prius is vs some others is that it is somewhat different in styling. Not necessarily me, but then I have to change things a bit to accomplish my goals.

I have and will have toy cars, but for the Daily Driver, I hate spending money on gas.....10x now that it appears $2.50 to $3+ are here to stay. I filled up my company Town and Country and it cost $57. Thankfully the company pays gas too!

I'm out of town this week but will definitely be looking into the various choices for sure.

Keep the points and counterpoints coming please. Very much appreciated.

Five Passenger/All Season V8 Powered Fun

Live near you - East suburbs and bought HCH2 from Honda East. Gave me a good price - near invoice on last evening of the month.

At 72mph on freeway you will get down near 40mpg. Driving around town, you can get 45 pretty easy, 50-60 by paying attention.

I am getting over 60mpg on daily commute South of town (38 mi), but I drive the speed limit. Not going 72mph does add 15-20mpg.

Taking it up to Kalamazoo with family of 4 this weekend. Will get 50-55mpg even with AC on.

A Prius will do just as well for you FE wise. Larger TCH, FEH will still get you FE above 30 with more room. So will NON hybrid small engine (<2.0L) cars.