Her and His Reviews
March 2012
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP: $27,500 | MSRP: $27,500 |
| Performance | |
| This hybrid has just 110 horsepower and has an I-VTEC four cylinder engine. The vehicle - while getting top scores in fuel economy - was slow getting up our hometown hills. Handling is unresponsive and broad. | 110 horsepower I-VTEC four cylinder engine mated to continuously variable automatic transmission. Acceleration isn't bad, and it moves pretty briskly on the road. Handling, as you would expect from Honda is sporty and fun to drive---not your typical hybrid. But--there were issues with refinement; there were times when the engine felt jerky and reluctant to tackle hills, and the transmission's searching for the right setting didn't help, either. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel economy is impressive up almost 10% this year to 44 city and 44 highways - a great buy for this reason alone as well are in now in the $4 a gallon world. Interestingly, this hybrid comes out of the gate at a higher ticket than Toyota and their flagship hybrid, the Prius, which gets about 48 - 51 mpg. A miss. | 44/44, with estimated annual fuel costs at $1,022 based on 15,000 miles and $3 a gallon gas (Remember $3 a gallon gas? I don't!) |
| The Car | |
| The redesign is clean and the size is (actually) larger than last year's model. Its abit boring and bland next to its competitors. The Civic, a best seller for years for Honda, has created its own challenge. While appealing, this price point has much to choose from and there are def more stylish, bigger and option-heavy cars available. Leather seats afford a comfortable ride and there is ample leg room for any back seat drivers. | Pleasant, dependable, fun to drive are the positive aspects of the Civic Hybrid. But the interior presentation and materials left a lot to be desired, and the styling is just plain dull. Time to get some new stylists and fresh ideas, Honda! |
| Safety | |
| Honda scored well on the IIHS crash and rollover tests; their Honda's new ACE body structure is a key factor. Driver and passenger airbags and side airbags. Side curtain airbags. ABS. Vehicle stability assists. Electronic brake distribution. LATCH system for child seats. | Honda's much celebrated ACE body structure leads a long list of terrific safety features that also included vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brakes, front and rear crumple zones, etc. |
| Technology | |
| Nice tech touches include NAV system, Satellite, Bluetooth, power windows and doors, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 160 watt AM/FM radio/CD player and USB connection. MP3, USB connection and auxiliary input jack. | Standard features include full power accessories like brakes, steering and windows, vehicle stability assist, electronic brake distribution, Honda's well regarded ACE Body structure, an easy to use navigation system, satellite radio, a 160 watt AM/FM/ CD audio system with six speakers including MP3/wma playback, climate control, cruise control, a maintenance minder system and a host of other items. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Re-designed this '12 year - while, generally appealing, it is getting lots amongst its many competitors at this price point. Interior laid out well, but again, styling is bland. | Shrug. Just wasn't happening for me. Sorry. |
