The Honda Civic Hybrid debuted for 2003, well before the 2008 rise (and subsequent fall) in gas prices. It was Honda’s second hybrid model, following the two-seat Insight which was the first hybrid model to be offered to American consumers. The Civic resolved the Insight’s lack of passenger and cargo space, proving to be a more practical hybrid choice than Honda’s first offering in the market. The Civic Hybrid was completely redesigned for 2006, retaining its ability to carry five passengers with plenty of trunk space. Unlike many hybrids, however, the Civic is not a “full” hybrid, which means that it cannot travel at low speeds on battery power alone.

Honda did not change the Civic Hybrid for 2008. It is sold in a single level of specification. The only option is a navigation system equipped with XM satellite radio, but dealers sell a variety of accessories for the Civic Hybrid. Included as standard equipment are power windows, power door locks with remote entry, power side mirrors, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, automatic climate control, CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, an outside temperature display, and Honda’s Maintenance Minder system. Unique to the Hybrid are side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, a roof-mounted antenna, a rear decklid spoiler, a driver’s side seatback pocket, special lightweight and aerodynamic wheels, low rolling resistance tires, and indicators for average fuel mileage and total fuel consumption. The Civic Hybrid also gets several special color choices that are not offered on other Civics.

The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid combines a gasoline-burning, 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that includes an electric assist motor and a nickel metal hydride battery pack. Total combined output is 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 123 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000 and 2500 rpm running on regular unleaded fuel. A continuously variable transmission deliver the combined power to the front wheels, while a regenerative braking system is used to recharge the battery pack when stopping the vehicle or when coasting down a hill. The Honda Civic Hybrid meets strict AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards in California.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid include the automaker’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which is designed to help absorb crash energy and deflect it from the passenger cabin. Additionally, the Civic Hybrid includes six airbags: dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes with brake assist are also standard. Stability and traction control are not offered on the Honda Civic Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates compares the Honda Civic to other compact cars, but considering the Civic Hybrid’s technology and price, its closest competitor is the Toyota Prius.

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