This is an inside look at Sparky, my 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid.

When Honda decided to add their second Hybrid model to the line up, the choice of using a standard Civic was a clear winner. The Civic Hybrid uses the same chassis as the already popular ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) model EX, which is the best Civic in terms of features and comfort. The Hybrid handles like a regular EX. It's sure-footed, corners well and is relatively unaffected by cross winds from trucks, etc. along with the great mileage advantage over the EX, the Civic offers all these as standard equipment which are either not available on its ICE counter part or only available as an added accessory.

The Technology

The Civic Hybrid car has an engine that burns regular 87 octane gasoline. The gasoline engine is its primary power source. Since cars consume the most gas while accelerating, this car also has an electric motor which is used along with the gasoline engine, assisting the engine so it doesn't have to burn as much gas when more power is needed.

The car regenerates spent electricity in various ways while you drive. It uses regenerative braking and other methods. You never have to plug it in for a recharge. Although you can not drive this Civic on battery power alone, it does have the ability to automatically stop the engine while waiting at a traffic light, stop sign, etc. This automatic stop saves gas and reduces emissions. The engine automatically restarts itself when the foot brake is released. This engine starts extremely smooth, completely different than a regular ICE engine. ICE engines makes the familiar sound as it starts. The typical ICE engine starter cranks at about 100 RPM. The Hybrid engine uses the assist motor to really spin at over 1,000 RPM while starting. The system is seamless and smooth. It also is equipped with a conventional starter used only as a back up in case of trouble.

If the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) fails, you can still drive the car using only the gas engine.

The Hybrid engine has a special "lean burn" mode that is activated when you back off of the accelerator. You can really see the MPG jump and spike at 80, 100 and even 120 MPG! It also is equipped with other fuel saving tricks like firing the 2 spark plugs per cylinder with different patterns, cylinder management and more. The first scheduled tune-up is at 110,000 miles.

The automatic transmission is also special design, as it's able to shift an almost infinite number of ratios and is computer controlled to maximize engine efficiency. The car is also available with a 5 speed manual transmission.

Comfort

I am a large & tall person, 6 feet 3 inches tall and about 200 pounds. I drive with the front seat all the way back and the tilt wheel all the way up. Even though this is a very small car it is easy to get in & out of, and is reasonalbly comfortable. There is plenty of head room, even wearing a hat. The Honda's left foot rest is simply a great idea. All controls are clearly visible and within reach.

My only complaint is that the front seat will eventually tire your back. My daily commute takes about 70 minutes and is fine. I wouldn't want to ride cross country, though. The rear seats are cramped for a person my size but perfect for our 3 kids. The door sills have plastic thresh holds. These are textured and scuff easily. The console arm rest is covered in a type of fabric. I beleive that I'll make a removable slip-on cover for this so it doesn't get nasty over the years.

The Experience

The exterior of the Honda Civic Hybrid is very similar to its ICE counterparts. It can be difficult to identify one on the road except for the Hybrid Gasoline Electric label on the back. An easier way to identify one is by the roof mount antenna. Other Civics are built into the rear glass.

The interior also follows the traditional design. Everything fits well and it is very clean, very nice and fully equipped with all the amenities. Slip behind the wheel and if you look closely there are a few unfamiliar gauges and buttons. There is an Econo button that controls the A/C while the car is in "auto stop".

The dashboard is illuminated with an almost neon blue and is easy on the eyes and attractive. The dashboard has the usual gauges: speedometer and tachometer, as well as a special suite of gauges that monitor the IMA. This includes an indicator that shows if the electric motor is either assisting the engine, or generating electricity, and how much. Another gauge monitors the battery's electric power that is available for the ICE assist. Centrally located on the instrument panel is a blue fluorescent digital display. This is where your instant MPG is read, shows the overall trip average MPG and trip mileage. One push of the trip button displays the info on a second trip with all the same features.

Turn the key to run and the dash comes to life, lighting all the various displays in a self test sequence. It's really quite visual. Turn the key to start and you immediately notice that the engine isn't churning like you're used to, but instead echoing a "whoosh-ing" sound as the engine spins at 1,000 RPM. The engine settles back to a smooth idle.

Transmission controls are typical: P, R, N, D, S, L. As you put the car into Drive and begin moving, you notice a couple of things. The blue Assist gauge comes to life and shows you how much power the electric motor is helping the engine. As the car picks up speed it seems like it isn't shifting. The CVT transmission is constantly adjusting for load and optimizing. It's seamless and very smooth. As you reach the speed limit you back off of the gas a little and watch your instant MPG meter spike way up. Perhaps 80, 100 or 120 MPG. If you could sustain these high numbers you would get some great averages. You find that you can indeed hold these great figures much of the time, thanks to the advanced efficiency features built into the engine.

You gently step on the brake for a stop sign and bright green bars appear on the Charge gauge, indicating that the energy usually wasted in braking is being transferred back into the battery to use later. The car stops, and something strange has happened. You hear no noise. Silence. A slightest whisper could be heard by someone sitting in the back seat. You notice the engine isn't running... You instinctively reach for the key to restart... Then you notice the "auto stop" light blinking and realize that indeed nothing is wrong.

The engine comes to life as you release the brake and the car is instantly ready to go as you enter the freeway. The car has plenty of power to spare as you rapidly gain freeway speed.

We bought the Honda Civic Hybrid...

...because it is reasonably priced, can achieve incredible mileage, and looks like a normal car with a seating capacity seating capacity of 5. It comes fully loaded as standard: no expensive add on "packages" to buy; a five star crash safety rating; it's a Honda with excellent warranty, which includes the battery pack, the list goes on and on.

A Few Dislikes

• Passenger side door has only a manual lock. • Seats would be uncomfortable during a long vacation. • Windows can only be operated when key is in Run. • Multi-display is visible only in the Run position. • Door sills very easily scuff & scratch with shoes. • Honda service training on this product.

Summary

My family and I find the Honda Civic Hybrid to be the perfect commuter car that replaces our aging 1994 Dodge. This HCH almost tripples the mileage of our old car. I commute 5 days a week, 90 miles a day. Our other vehicle is a 2002 Grand Caravan which we keep to haul or tow things, and for long vacation drives. Despite the few dislikes expressed above, I'd rate this vehicle 9.5 out of 10. It's really quite a remarkable car!