Prius or Civic in bad weather conditions? - GreenHybrid

lrp0713 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 12:26 PM

I am just starting the process of looking into purchasing a hybrid and was wondering how the Prius and Civic compare in bad weather conditions - rain and snow as well as ice-covered roads. Thanks so much!

msantos · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 11:46 PM

I own both. They are both great cars.

However, I find the Civic to be a safer and more dependable vehicle in difficult snow and ice conditions. Many folks (including myself) blame the traction control on the Prius which cannot be turned off in extreme slipery conditions. It is pretty humbling to get stuck in your own ice covered driveway, so much so that since then, the Prius stays home when the weather is acting up.

By the way, both vehicles absolutely need good Winter tires on all four wheels. The tires they come with are simply too unsafe to be used in snow and ice conditions.

Cheers & Welcome to GH;

MSantos

WandaZ · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 08:48 AM

Can we open this forum up to all hybrids? I live in Colorado and, as you may have read, we have experienced three blizzards. There is still plenty of snow and ice on the roads. Presently, I own a Toyota Sienna mini van. I'd like my next car purchase to be a hybrid. However, driving in snow and ice has become a important consideration in my car choice. Safety is my number one concern. Which car is best in this situation? If I wasn't concerned about the environment, I'd buy a four wheel drive SUV, but my conscience and gas budget won't allow this... Any advice?

bwilson4web · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WandaZ

Can we open this forum up to all hybrids? I live in Colorado and, as you may have read, we have experienced three blizzards. There is still plenty of snow and ice on the roads. Presently, I own a Toyota Sienna mini van. I'd like my next car purchase to be a hybrid. However, driving in snow and ice has become a important consideration in my car choice. Safety is my number one concern. Which car is best in this situation? If I wasn't concerned about the environment, I'd buy a four wheel drive SUV, but my conscience and gas budget won't allow this... Any advice?

The Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander and the Lexus all have a four-wheel drive variant. The Toyota hybrid minivan has a separate motor drive on the rear wheels and gas (possibly gas-electric) drive on the front. However that car is not available in the USA, (darn it!)

Bob Wilson

Squint · #5 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WandaZ

Can we open this forum up to all hybrids? I live in Colorado and, as you may have read, we have experienced three blizzards. There is still plenty of snow and ice on the roads. Presently, I own a Toyota Sienna mini van. I'd like my next car purchase to be a hybrid. However, driving in snow and ice has become a important consideration in my car choice. Safety is my number one concern. Which car is best in this situation? If I wasn't concerned about the environment, I'd buy a four wheel drive SUV, but my conscience and gas budget won't allow this... Any advice?

I've had no problems in CO with my Camry hybrid. I do have snow tires, which I believe make more of a difference than AWD.

spud · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WandaZ

Can we open this forum up to all hybrids? I live in Colorado and, as you may have read, we have experienced three blizzards. There is still plenty of snow and ice on the roads. Presently, I own a Toyota Sienna mini van. I'd like my next car purchase to be a hybrid. However, driving in snow and ice has become a important consideration in my car choice. Safety is my number one concern. Which car is best in this situation? If I wasn't concerned about the environment, I'd buy a four wheel drive SUV, but my conscience and gas budget won't allow this... Any advice?

Wanda Z:

FEH or MMH, here's an interesting thread:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/s...ad.php?t=12317