I am considering buying either the Prius or the Civic hybrid. I'm not sure which one to get. Pros and cons? I am also concerned about the maintenance of a hybrid car. Is it more expensive to maintain the hybrid car because it is built differently? I just want a car that is efficient, gas efficient, and reliable. please help

Hi,

Welcome to GreenHybrid and the forum "Model Comparison." Your question comes up frequently and the answer is it depends. For the most part either car will provide years, even decades of reliable service. However availability varies. You might visit the dealers and see which one 'fits' and then think about your driving profile. The Prius generally does great in the city and the Honda Civic Hybrid (HCH) is a comfortable cross-country ride.

As a suggesting, wander through similar threads from the past, they are pretty accurate, and then ask for details.

GOOD HUNTING!
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.

Welcome,

Maintenance costs are the same as for non hybrids. The hybrid components are covered by a much longer than average warranty(depending on state). There haven't been any red flags on either the Prius or the HCH II. Consumer Reports says they are much better than average reliability wise.

The Prius wins if you look at objective numbers.
1)Better city MPG- the same highway mpg.
2)The Prius accelerates more quickly-good for onramps and passing.
3) It is easier for older(50 yo) folks to get in and out of.
4)The driver's seating position is more upright. Many find this more comfortable.
5)The Prius is a hatchback, so it can carry longer objects,dogs, etc.

The only drawback to the Prius is the rear view when backing up. It is crummy! Many come with the backup camera, and it works great if you can train yourself to use it. I'm 57-wrong generation for trusting a display screen. I'm getting more accustomed to using the camera.

They are both good; buy the one you find most comfortable.

Charlie

What kind of driving do you do, mostly city, mostly highway, or an even mix? When you do city, is it suburban type (speeds about 45mph with spaced stoplights) or urban (speeds around 30mph with a light every block)? Do you frequently have passengers and gear, or are you usually solo?

The Prius wins hands down in terms of urban-type city driving. The Prius' ability to drive with the engine off is key here, but the HCH isn't a slouch either. Head to the suburbs and it's a a draw in terms of mileage. The further the stop lights are apart, the better the HCH will do vs. the Prius. Head on the highway at 60+miles per hour and the HCH would most likely win. The HCH's tall gearing and super efficient engine make it a killer highway car from an efficency standpoint. The HCH will not have as robust of accelleration for the on-ramps though so if merging is an issue for you, the Prius should have a leg up. I think the Prius' extra power would also give it an economy edge over 80mph.

Ergonomically, the HCH is best car I've ever owned--everything is in exactly the right spot and it feels great. I especially like the digital speedometer and instant fuel gauge high on the dash where they are always in your line of sight. I don't care for the Prius at all ergonomically, but others love it--drive both and see what you think.

The Prius blows the HCH away in terms of interior functionality though. I miss the ability to lay my back seats down and put in long loads. The HCH trunk is also a compromise. It's fine for DINKS like my wife and I, but if you have kids or passengers, the Prius wins.

The HCH is cheaper and generally more available than the Prius, plus you would get a $525 tax credit *, whereas the Prius credit has run out already. There is only one option (nav system) on the HCH which makes it easier to find the car you want--basically it comes down to color and nav or no nav. The Prius has a huge list of options. This is great if you are ordering one, but it makes it harder to find one on the lot that isn't loaded to the gills with options (assuming you can find one on the lot).

Both are great cars and should exceed your expectations for reliablity.

* If you pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) you won't get any hybrid tax credit.

Commuter car, grocery getter, and summer road tripper--average 10k miles per year.


Winter road trips and ski trips, bad weather commuter and my wife's "daily" driver--expected average 4k miles per year.

This is one of those issues that whoever answers, typically says what they bought is the best. The numbers on the Prius vs. the Civic hybrid is not anywhere near as clear-cut as the Prius-owner above want you to believe. The Prius gets slightly better mileage in town but the Civic may get better mileage on the highway. Realistically, though, both get better than 40 MPG, so the minor mileage differences are really insignificant. Prius tends to get worse mileage in cold weather, the HCH does better in the cold. Summer temperatures reverse this.
The big reason we chose the HCH are the horrible seats in the Prius, the non-telescoping steering wheel, an the fact you can't use the nav system when driving. The Honda nav system is also more user-friendly. Some folks like the hatch on the Prius, but most american drivers don't like hatch-equipped cars, as shown by sales. You have to decide if a hatch is important.
Also, we got a $2,200 tax credit on the HCH, I think it is down to $1,800 or so now--check W/IRS site.
Altogether we saved over $5,000 compared to a similarly equipped Prius, which we could never make up in any possible gas savings.

The credit was cut to $1,050 if you take delivery by June 30, and cut to $525 if you take delivery between July 1 and December 31. Not as good as the full $2,100, but better than nothing...

Commuter car, grocery getter, and summer road tripper--average 10k miles per year.


Winter road trips and ski trips, bad weather commuter and my wife's "daily" driver--expected average 4k miles per year.

Buy one of each and return the one you like least....

I think you will like both.

Or rent one of each for a week.

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.

Maintenance: HCH-II has component reduction over a conventional car, whereas Prius has component addition. While both have above average reliability, fewer points of failure will probably equate to fewer issues down the road. Honda recommends a higher-grade engine oil for the Civic Hybrid, so you will pay more for an oil change, but that's a trivial cost over the extended service intervals.