2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid?
After receiving attention from the restyling pen last year, there are minimal changes to the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. A new external color, Eternal Blue Pearl, joins the fray, as does Titanium Metallic, which replaces Magnesium Mist. Shoreline Mist Metallic is also dropped from the color wheel.

Advantages of the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid:

• Seamless gas/electric engine marriage
• Available continuously variable transmission
• Innocuous looking compared to the Insight

Objections to the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid:

• Batteries quickly deplete on long grades
• Hard seats
• Not as powerful or as frugal as the Toyota Prius

Editor's Advice:
With its gas/electric power combination, the Honda Civic Hybrid accelerates, drives, and looks like a gas-powered Civic sedan, unlike the slower and more radically styled Insight two-seater. The Civic Hybrid can also accommodate five people and a decent amount of luggage carried in a real trunk; something the Insight never could. Mustering 46-city and 51-highway EPA ratings, the Civic Hybrid easily surpasses the Civic Sedan's best 32/38 rating, but we have to wonder if the Hybrid's additional $6,660 in initial purchase cost is worth the fuel saved, and potentially expensive repair bills after the warranty period ends. While we're not convinced Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) is ready for prime time (unlike Ford and Toyota systems that can run purely on electric power), one thing is certain: Honda's hybrid version of the Civic is a great choice for those who want to drive green without screaming, "I'm a tree hugger!" to the world.