Every once and awhile, something comes along that takes the world by storm. And while many of these fads are crazes we’d rather forget, there are others that we have fully embraced. The hybrid automobile falls safely into the latter category.
In 2001, the Toyota Prius was released worldwide and it was unlike any other automobile, coming equipped with ultra-low emission technology and relying on electronic power. Die-hard automotive enthusiasts condemned the environmentally friendly hatchback at first, but by 2003 nearly 160,000 units had been manufactured for sale in Japan, Europe and North America. Who would have thought this little green-thumbed vehicle would spawn a wave of new hybrid vehicles?
Today, the Prius, while still No. 1, has direct competition, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid. While the Civic’s engine differs from the Prius’, the antagonism is there and both cars offer the chance to reduce emissions and drive a stylish, functional and affordable vehicle. With Honda’s popularity in the automotive market and the Civic’s strong social status, the Prius better watch out -- fads are quick to change.
2007 Toyota Prius
MSRP: $22,175Engine: 1.5 liter, 16-valve, aluminum DOHC VvT-i 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 76 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 82 lb-ft @ 4,200
Motor: Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
Horsepower: 110 @ 1,200 rpm to 1,540 rpm
Torque: 295 @ 0 rpm to 1,200 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 60/51
Performance - 15/20
The combination of a gasoline and an electric motor is a curious one. While the 1.5-liter gasoline engine only produces 76 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, the car is surprisingly quick when asked to perform. Thanks to the 295 lb-ft of torque produced by the environmentally conscious electric half, the Prius almost feels normal on the road. Reaching highway cruising speeds and merging with traffic is a breeze when the Hybrid Synergy Drive system kicks it into high gear.As a traditional manual driver, the only unusual and perhaps slightly disturbing feature on the Prius is its continuously variable transmission (CVT). While some might refer to this system as elegant, smooth and sophisticated, I’d rather describe it as strange and slightly irritating to listen to when driving, thanks to the gasoline engine. Actually, a CVT helps save on gas mileage in the end, no matter how weird it is. However, for that futuristic bit of engineering, the Prius loses a few points.
Exterior Design - 9/20
At first glance, the Prius truly is a Frankenstein mix of European and North American design -- and the seams are visible. Perhaps Toyota believed their radical new engine deserved a design so bizarre that it would make the average consumer stop and stare. Their intentions were good, but the outcome was less than desirable.The bulbous shape and stubby front end of the Prius make the car look cramped and uninviting to taller and larger drivers. Head-on, the Prius has zero personality and the simple design doesn’t do justice to the intricate mechanical feats just below its dull hood. The ho-hum feeling continues along the length of the car to the back end where the hatchback abruptly ends in a mock-trunk design. The taillights are an attempt at style, but the effect is lost thanks to the boring look of this "futuristic" car.
Interior Design - 7/10
At first glance, the interior design seems drab, but a second look will reveal a design that is intriguing and very well done. The lines are clean, the buttons and knobs are all accessible and the centered control panel actually improves the driver's focus on the road. A navigational package is available, which nicely compliments the interior; however, without it the dash is lacking in personality.The Prius seats two adults and two kids nicely, but squeeze a couple of adults in the back seat and the suspension suffers. Again, the seats are very simple in design and aren’t made to hold you in place -- so hold back on the corners.
Sound System/Goodies - 9/10
The base-model Prius comes nicely equipped with power windows, locks and mirrors; automatic climate control; a steering wheel that features at-your-fingertips audio and climate control buttons; cruise control; trip computer; 15-inch aluminum wheels; and a six-disc CD player. But if all that isn’t enough, Toyota has provided four packages per model that may include options from a backup camera to a voice-activated DVD navigational system.The standard sound system is typical to any economy car. However, if the soundtrack to your life must be played in full force with ample bass and proper treble, then Toyota offers a package that includes a JBL AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers and the ability to playback MP3/WMA files, as well as satellite radio.
Drive Experience - 14/20
I love the idea of saving our environment, but I also love to drive. Unfortunately, that’s where the Prius loses me. It should be a blast to drive because it’s a small hatchback, and hatches usually maneuver easily through traffic -- and parking is often a dream -- but the lack of power is noticeable when compared to gas-powered cars (not to mention the CVT that’s just plain creepy).With gas prices what they are, the low mileage is almost enough to make me fall in love with the Prius and forget about gas-guzzling cars... almost. Ultimately, drive experience is just that, an experience.
Bang For Buck - 17/20
The Prius deserves some serious respect for being the first Hybrid Synergy car to hit the market. It may lose points for its exterior design and driving experience, and it may seem a little abnormal, but overall it does what it’s meant to do. Moreover, it comes with a list of standard features longer than some manufacturers’ extras list, and it's affordable. On the whole, the Prius is an excellent choice for the price.Overall Score: 71/100
The Prius lost valuable points thanks to its horrendous exterior design and decidedly strange driving experience. While it is the first of its kind and should be given its dues, the Prius still has some room for improvement. New technology often takes a few attempts to get it right. I definitely think Toyota needs to sit down and work on this project; 71% only warrants a B- and I doubt the engineers at Toyota would settle for this final grade.
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid MSRP: $22,600
Engine: 1.3 liter, 8-valve SOHC, Inline 4-cylinder i-VTEC
Horsepower: 110 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 1,000 to 2,500
Motor: Permanent magnet motor
MPG (city/highway): 49/51
Performance - 16/20
Just because a car is fuel-efficient and emission-safe doesn’t mean it should double as a snail on the road. Unfortunately, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a snail. The small 1.3-liter engine has little to give and merging into highway traffic can be difficult. Unlike the Prius that had that nice little kick to it, the Civic just seemed heavier and not as spirited when accelerating.Also, the Civic boasted the same CVT as the Prius -- holding revs steadily as the speed continued to rise. While it makes the ride smooth, it is something that takes some time to adjust to.
For its lack of spirit and strange transmission, the Civic lost some performance points, but the Hybrid makes up for its sluggish behavior with its impressive miles-per-gallon rating, which is noticeably better than the Prius’.
Exterior Design - 16/20
Through the years, Honda has put the Civic under the knife many times. From face lifts to lyposuction, this sedan has had it all. Finally, this sedan reached the pinnacle of vehicular beauty (as far as the Honda Civic is concerned) with its 2006 design.This time around, Honda has designed a Civic that is noticeable and memorable without over doing it in the least -- Toyota should take notes.
From the aggressive front nose to the seemingly raised and stylishly angular back end, the Civic Hybrid is something to behold. The lines of the car are strikingly seductive and the car has an air of speed about it, which will be dismissed once driven.
If this design is any indication of what Honda has in store for the future, they’re definitely on the right track and headed straight for stardom.
Interior Design - 8/10
The futuristic, modern feel of the exterior design flows nicely into the Hybrid’s interior. The dash is nearly traditional and yet it’s upgraded in such a way that it’ll make you stop in awe. The two-tiered, digital read-out speedometer is perhaps the coolest feature and the blue dash lights are just fantastic.Everything about the dash and middle console is high-tech and forward-thinking in design and functionality. Even the steering wheel has an artsy, modern look to it, yet maintains that gadget-like feel with multiple buttons to keep everything at your fingertips. The bolstered seats and sleek interior doors complete the modern ensemble.
Where the Hybrid loses a few crucial points is the overall size of the dash. When sitting in the driver’s seat of the Hybrid, it is like looking out the windshield of a minivan. The dash just goes on and on. What a waste of space. True, the double-decker dash display takes up a lot of room, but was it necessary to stretch it out that far? It’s not all about length, you know.
Sound System/Goodies - 5/10
Honda always lacks in this area. It’s almost as if they know their cars are one of the top vehicles to modify.The base sound system is ordinary and lacking in depth, which can be corrected with optional speakers, an eight-disc CD changer, Honda Music Link (for iPod connectivity), and XM Satellite Radio -- all for around $1,700.
Overall, Honda doesn’t have any other exciting extras to offer their consumers -- save for the navigational package that doesn’t even offer Bluetooth cell phone integration.
Drive Experience - 15/20
Once again, the lack of power that comes with driving a hybrid has caused this vehicle to lose valuable points in driving experience. Overall, the feel of the Civic Hybrid is great; it handles well in traffic, the suspension is good and the steering is responsive. The interior -- which is nearly saturated with technology and funky designs -- also makes for a pleasant driving experience.Unfortunately, the CVT rears its ugly head again in this hybrid and causes some discomfort; however, the added fuel efficiency given by this transmission should make up for its apparent strangeness.
Also, the switch from gas to electric is completely flawless. The only indication that the Hybrid is no longer running on gas is a light on the dash indicating the transition has been made. While this light is quite informative and great to have, it also conjures up thoughts of engine trouble each time it flashes and it takes some getting used to.
Bang for Buck - 17/20
Overall, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a nice little package. This sedan lets you save the planet while still fitting in with the masses thanks to its flashy yet nondescript, sedan-like exterior. Honda has had a good thing going with the Civic for years, and the Hybrid is an excellent addition to the family. Brand recognition alone is enough to get the Hybrid to the top, but its styling and engineering will definitely help it along the way. The Civic Hybrid is definitely a force to be reckoned with and worth the money for a great-looking, environmentally friendly ride.Overall Score - 77/100
Honda did a great job creating a green-conscious vehicle that isn't so drastically different in design and engineering that it would scare away the average consumer. They definitely deserve a gold star for their exterior design, but lost some serious points with their lack of goodies and the sound system. Honda is continuously lacking in this department and they should take this B+ grade as a sign that something should be done.and the winner is…
Trends may come and go, and while some are best left forgotten, others are definitely worth maintaining and improving upon -- like the hybrid vehicle. The technology is evolving, changing and improving each year, and Toyota better be ready for it.Being the first model out there gained the Prius some serious recognition and a band of loyal followers, but other manufacturers are quickly catching on and using the latest technological advances in hybrid engineering to their advantage.
Honda has done just that, and created a formidable opponent to the Prius -- and while both are similar in engineering, their personalities might just be what sells it for you. So get behind the wheel and save the planet while you're at it.
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