2009 Toyota Prius vs 2009 Honda Civic?

Question

I am trying to decide between a prius and a civic.. Anybody have some ideas, pros, cons, opinions...??

Answer 1

Well, your first problem is that the 2009 Toyota Prius isn't out yet (and there's no firm information yet from Toyota on it, so it'll probably be identical to the current 2008), and the same goes with the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Both hybrids are great cars. Nothing wrong with either choice. Take both for a test drive, and see which one fits you better.

Other than size (Civic is a compact, 2004-current Prius is a larger midsize) and styling, be aware that both hybrid choices are different. Honda's IMA is primarily a gasoline engine with electric assist (the newer HCH II has little electric-only propulsion), while Toyota's HSD is a full hybrid design that can be gasoline, electric, or a combination of the two. Some people like the simplicity of one hybrid design over another, but that's a personal choice. Same goes for the instrumentation gages in the HCH vs. the touchscreen in the Prius.

Pricing wise, I'd say go with the Prius.

Toyota Prius, starting at $21,100: http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/

Honda Civic Hybrid, starting at $22,600:  http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybri...

(even the US federal income tax credit for this Honda (new purchases only) doesn't make up the initial price difference...)

Hybrids do cost less in the long term than their conventional counterparts. (Intellichoice used a 5 year ownership comparison in 2006) See http://www.intellichoice.com/press/Hybri... and http://www.intellichoice.com/carBuying10...

While Consumer Reports in 2006 only found the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid would pay off within the same 5 year frame. The Honda Accord Hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid were also studied.  (I'll note that there was a mathematical error in the initial publication of Consumer Reports' hybrid vehicle cost analysis, which a retraction was published later... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11637968/ ) Since this publication, many more hybrid models have become available, so I can't use this to say about hybrids "in general."  However, in the US, the Toyota hybrids have sold so many that they no longer qualify for the US Federal hybrid vehicle income tax credit, but Honda and others still have theirs.

Check out the April issue of Consumer Reports if you want reliability information. Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius make their best bets for new cars and for used cars.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/...

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/...

In the US, hybrid models (like the Prius and HCH II) tend to be the best in fuel economy in their respective classes, using the same testing procedure to compare all cars (hybrid/gasoline/diesel/flex-fuel/etc.), and that is for BOTH highway and city driving:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/best/best...

2008 Toyota Prius: 48 mpg city/45mpg highway/46mpg combined,http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/noframes/...

Owners report average mpg in the mid-high 40s:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?ac... (remember that the 2004-current Prius are the same)

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/milea...

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid:  40mpg city/45mpg highway/42mpg combined

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/noframes/...

Owners report average mpg in the 40s:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?ac... (remember that the 2006-current model year are the same)

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/milea...

Both are rated an AT-PZEV in CA emission states, so they have Super Ultra Low Emissions, zero evaporative emissions, plus a long warranty (10 years/150,000 miles) on the hybrid battery in CA emission states.  (outside of CA, it's 8 years or 80,000 miles (Honda)/100,000 miles (Toyota).)  (The gasoline-only Civics are only ULEV in comparison.)

The Prius and Honda Civic are also in Kelley Blue Book's 2007 Best Resale Value Awards:

http://www.kbb.com/kbb/ReviewsAndRatings...

(Though the Prius was dropped in the 2008 list...)

The Prius is also in edmunds' used cars best bets list as well, and their lowest true cost to own list (2007 and 2008).

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/bestbet/a...

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/tco/2007/...

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/tco/2008/...

Both the Prius and HCH are great cars. But, only you can decide which will work out best for you. Take both for a test drive, and see which one you like better, which you like the seating better, and/or like the available options better... Do you prefer a sedan (Honda Civic Hybrid or 2001-2003 Toyota Prius), or do you like a hatchback (2004-current Toyota Prius)? Is a compact OK with you (Honda Civic Hybrid or 2001-2003 Toyota Prius), or would you prefer a larger midsized vehicle (2004-current Toyota Prius)? If you want a manual transmission, then you'll have to look for a used HCH. Do you want to show off that you have a hybrid or not? The Prius is only available as a hybrid and its distinctive aerodynamic design gives it away, while the HCH blends in and looks like most every other Civic on the road...

It's not that difficult to find a comparison site, such as:

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/...

Answer 2

Civic. The Prius is so d**n ugly.

Answer 3

Are you comparing with a Hybrid civic too, if so i choose the Toyota.

If its a gas version of the civic i would choose that, civics are priced right and a. reliable car.

Answer 4

My father has a Prius and gets 45mpg.  It is pretty roomy inside and with the seats folded down is almost as big as a wagon.  The Prius is a full hybrid in that it will run on electricity only up to about 25mph in some instances.  I would suggest the new "touring" version as it rides and handles a lot better.  Consumer Reports rated it a good deal higher than the base model.  You will "only" get about 42mpg though.

The Civic will not run on battery power only, and is probably a little slower than the Prius.  Mileage will be around 41-42, or possibly better.  Being a traditional sedan, there is not nearly as much cargo room, and trunk space is compromised by the battery.  If you can wait a little while, Honda has promised to make a less expensive hybrid that is only $2000 or more above the standard sedan.

Between the 2, I would get the Prius.  It is more versatile overall.  I would also look at a Honda Fit.  Not a hybrid of course, but about $8000 less.  It gets about 32mpg and although gas is pricey, it will take a long time to burn up an $8000 price difference.  Over the course of 100,000 miles, the Prius would save you $3600+ in gas vs. a Honda Fit.

Answer 5

The '09's are not out yet.

In regards to the '08, the Prius is better than the Civic hybrid in every way and they are comparably priced.

The advantage to the Civic Hybrid is that they are readily available in most areas.  There is a waiting list for the Prius in some areas.

Answer 6

I like the Civic waaayyy more.

The prius is a green icon, but a terrible car. The civic is your best bang for the buck.

Answer 7

I think the Prius looks gross, so I'd go with the Civic even though I don't love those either.

Answer 8

honda civic/ hands down! the price is cheaper than the prius and you get over 30mpg on it compared to the overpriced prius with 40mpgs. Or even the Chevy HHR with up to 40MPG. and is cheaper than the civic.