2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Review

With a fuel economy rating of 40mpg city and 45mpg highway, 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is the perfect car to face the deep recession we are entering. Garnering a "Best" 10/10 score for greenhouse emissions by the EPA bestows upon the owner of the Civic Hybrid the "Part of the Solution" environmental accolade. Unchanged from 2007, the new Civic Hybrid is a 4-door family sedan that is capable of carrying 5 passengers.

Powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine, the Civic Hybrid offers 110hp power, with 20hp coming from its electric motor. It's not all wine and roses for the Civic Hybrid since in order to get the best fuel economy you must drive slower and more cautiously than you are used to. The trick is to start from a stop very slowly, without any sudden accelerating. With the exception of being at a full stop, the gas motor is almost always running, not like some hybrids which can tool around using the electric motor only.

Adding to the visual appeal of the 2008 Civic are its color matched side view mirrors and attractive swage line and ground treatment along the sides of the vehicle. The windshield is angled in a daring cab forward position and the standard wheel covers are decidedly high tech inspired. Not only are these treatments esthetically attractive but they help improve Civic's fuel economy by reducing drag.

No need to think you must sacrifice amenities to earn the fuel saving benefits of owning a Civic Hybrid. Civic offers a Satellite Navigation System that is voice-activated, a powerful 110 watt stereo system, and air conditioning with its own motor to keep you cool, even when stopped. Although the Civic misses in the category of performance, with other hybrids such as Prius being better highway performers, overall the style, fit and finish of the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid still keeps it high on the list of top hybrid sedans.