For the past ten and half years I was walking distance from the train or subway station and I always took the train to work. Then earlier this month the company I work for closed their Boston buildings and consolidated all Massachusetts positions to North Reading. I now have a 42 mile commute each way. I'm planning to move, but even after the move I'm going to be commuting at least 12 miles each way.

I currently have a 2003 Honda Odyssey that I get between 19 and 24 mpg in. (22.71 mpg over the past 56,811 miles). I'm looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle for my commute.

I'm trying to decide between a Civic Hybrid, Prius, or a used diesel.

My second car (back in the 80's) was a Chevette Diesel. I loved that car before it was totalled. 50mpg regardless of city or highway. If I get a diesel I'm probably going to get a vegetable oil kit from Greasecar.

I haven't driven either the Civic or the Prius yet, but I have sat in one of each. It seems as if the Civic has a little more leg room (I'm 6'1"). I'm leaning towards the Civic, but I'm still researching everything which is why I've started to read this forum.

I'm wondering how they each handle stop&go or slow (15mph) traffic on the interstate.

I'm also wondering which one handles New England winter weather better.

First, welcome to the forum.

The consensus is the Civic does a better job at highway speeds and the Prius a better job in stop-and-go. It has to do with the architectures of Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) versus Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). The Prius is stronger in 'electric vehicle' mode, which shines at low speeds.

You may want to also look at the Camry hybrid. It is larger than either but still turns in respectable mileage. Sometimes comfort is important.

Regardless, you are in for a treat!

LATE THOUGHT: Do look at the hybrid vehicle database. This will give you an idea of what folks are getting with the different vehicles. Also, don't be afraid of 'used' hybrids but with the recent softening of fuel prices and improved supplies, even new hybrids will become very competitive. We'll also have some tips on buying a hybrid when your read.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

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Before I joined the forum I'd already ruled out the Ford Escape Hybrid based on leg room and comfort and the Insight based on leg room.

I can't say anything about the Civic or the Prius, but I can say unequivocably that the Camry Hybrid is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned, leg-room wise. Both front and back. My commute has lots of long rolling hills, and slow-and-go traffic, and that seems to be the best thing, as long as the hills are working in a downhill trend. In other words, my commute to work is no great shakes, but my commute home is incredible, mileage-wise. I can coast for miles with the electric motor, and the "pulse-and-glide" technique.

My commute is about 17 miles each way.

The front runners for me at the moment are the Camry and the Mercury Mariner.

The FEH wasn't comfortable for me (6'1"), but the MM seems to have better seats. On the other hand, once the driver's seat is comfortable for me, there is very little leg room for whoever might have to sit behind me. The Camry has much better rear seat legroom.

My wife has fallen in love with the Camry, but I think it might be difficult to put my canoe on it safely.