I had wanted to make the switch to a hybrid for a while now and took the plunge last week. I would have been happy with a Prius or a Civic. As it turned out I started at Honda and never made it to Toyota. I have been driving a couple of thirsty cars for the last two years. I had a little 2 seater roadster that was getting about 21 mpg and a SUV that is getting about 16 mpg. It's been on my to-do list for a while to change the cars. My motivation is part environment, part economics and part anti “oil exporting nations” that want to see the economic demise of the USA.

I have driven the Honda for a week now and done almost 500 miles. So not a vast reservoir of experience but enough to know that 43 mpg feels great on a number of different levels. I have been doing a mix of freeway (70%) and city (30%) driving. I have not altered my driving style. I keep up with the flow of traffic on the freeway. I am sure I could eek out a few more mpg if I drove a little more wisely.

Overall I am very impressed with the car. I had read several online reviews and as you do, had attached more weight to the negative ones. But to be honest none of the most common faults in those reviews have resonated with my actual experience. I have been driving in excess of 150 miles some days and I find the seats perfectly fine, not in the slightest bit uncomfortable. And I am a little taller at 6'2". I find that there is plenty of headroom and the driving position and visibility are great. I do notice the noise and the little bump when the technology kicks in but it's minimal and not in the slightest bit annoying. Actually it’s even a little reassuring….the hybrid system at work! Fit and finish are very good. You can have the dealer do aftermarket leather if you want a little more luxury. The navigation system is very good and years ahead of the German cars. Also the performance is good and more than adequate for today's road conditions. I can join freeways perfectly safely and the car feels very solid on the road. That’s my experience to date. I am very pleased with the change to the Honda hybrid. Now anyone want to buy a slightly used BMW X5? It can get 16 mpg on premium :-)

I’ll start by saying the Honda Civic Hybrid is not for everybody. But if you mostly use your auto for commuting and running errands around town while using very little fuel, it should be considered. I have had my Civic for one year (24,000 miles) and have averaged 43 MPG. On long highway trips I have attained 47 MPG.
In order to achieve this mileage, my driving habits did have to change. First of all, I always drive the speed limit and use the cruise control a lot. I accelerate rather slowly, and often coast down declines. I use some techniques of “hyper-milers”, but I do run the AC (I live in Houston). The lowest model Civic gets around 34 MPG and can cost $9,000 less than a fully loaded Civic Hybrid with the navigation system. At $4.00 per gallon the difference would buy 2250 gallons of fuel.
If you’re just looking to save money, buy the cheaper car. If you like novelty of driving a car with some pretty cool technology and is rated to produce near zero emissions, this might be the car for you.
The batteries are located behind the back seat and take up very little space, but it does prevent the back seat from folding down. The batteries are warranted for 8 years or 80 thousand miles, but are built to last for the life of the car. Neither Honda nor Toyota has ever had to replace a hybrid battery due to wear and tear.
I like my hybrid and find it fun and economical to drive. I would definitely make the same decision if I were in the market for a car today.

HIghly recommend this car...It is the greatest fuel economy car I have ever seen or driven...I would definitely buy this car again...Drives beautifully...

i live in a warm humid climate and the a/c performs very good. (engine shuts down when u stop but creature comforts are maintained). on mpg, 50% of my drving is 2 lane, 30% interstate, and 20% city. the 47.3 mpg (by calculator) was everyday driving (flat terane).
good value for the money. would buy again. bought in jan 2008 new. have put 11000 on it. no problems getting on interstates or driving in mountains.

I absolutely love it. I originally planned to get a cheaper car for my husband, but I'm considering getting a second Civic Hybrid for him! I drive with fuel efficiency in mind, but nothing crazy - I still use the A/C and radio - and I get 40 MPG average.

I love this car. One added benefit is that when you watch the MPG gauges, it teaches you how to drive more efficiently. I kept my Explorer so when I drive it now, I tend to coast more and am employing the driving tips (ex Cruise control in town) that keep the MPG up on the Hybrid. I filled the Honda up the other day and it cost $16.00! I only have 1500 miles but notice that the ASST is coming on more and more. I was told that it would take at least 4000 miles to get the ASST cranked up to do it's thing. I'm getting 42 MPG overall but have had it up to 50+ MPG. It's a lot of fun to drive. I laugh every time I drive by a gas station ... those dogs! Also, the navigaion is great.

Love this investment! Helping the earth. First full tank went 510 miles! Owned a 03 2dr civic previously. Usually had to fill up around 310 Miles. I'm usually filling up around 450 miles on 08 Hybrid. I commute 90 miles for work, and have racked up 3050 miles in 1 month and 3 days since owning car! Slight road noise, but music covers that up. Wish electric/battery would be used strictly until 30 mph to like Prius, but I guess thats why Honda Hybrid gets better mileage on freeway. Word to the wise, to get maximum fuel efficiency must learn to drive smoothly. I've learned to enjoy driving, rather always be in a rush (though sometimes this takes away the thrill of driving haha!)

I have had my civic for 5 1/2 months (10,000 miles) and loved it the whole way. I am averaging 42 mpg total city and highway, right where the sticker said. My biggest complaint is the location that they put the parking brake, I am 6-4 and it rubs against my knee. Also the trip mpg gauge on the car reads about 2 mpg less than I am actually getting. Other than that the car is everything that you would expect from a small hybrid and at $4/gal of gas that is what I want.

I own an '06 Honda Civic hybrid, and cannot understand why the Prius garners all the attention. Th Honda hybrid is $5,000 less in cost, has better visibility out back window, is very user-friendly, and doesn't have the weird non-key that Prius owners deal with, and that costs $300 to replace. I average 42 mpg around town, and 48 on the highway.

I purchased my Hybrid a month ago and grabbed it right away after finding out the dealership just had it delivered off the truck the night before. It wasn't even added to their stock yet. The only thing I wanted more than anything on my new car was a sunroof, which you can't get on the Civic Hybrid. But I test drove the Hybrid and a 2008 Accord. My heart was set on the Accord, but after going through the pros and cons I decided to go with the Civic Hybrid. You can't beat going to fill up the gas tank without breaking the bank. I like the interior color combo, the standard power features, of course the mpg you get, and the look of the rear body. I'm not happy that I can't have a sunroof, the stereo system is weak, small trunk, and no fold down seats. But I guess if you want to save money then you have to compromise somewhere. Overall I am happy with my decision and I know in the long run that buying a Honda Civic Hybrid is going to keep more money in my pocket and hold up its value.