Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2004 Honda Civic Full Review
Date Published: 9/03/08
Also in the 2004 Honda Civic Review:
2004 Honda Civic Review
Revised styling and upgraded features mark 2004 for Honda's entry-level car. Civic offers three body styles: a 2-dr coupe in VP, HX, LX, and EX trim; a 4-dr sedan in VP, LX, EX, and Hybrid models; and a 2-dr hatchback as a sporty Si edition. All have a 4-cyl engine. The VP and LX have 115 hp, the HX has 117, the EX 127, and the Si 160. The Hybrid has 93 hp and uses an electric motor to assist its gas engine. The system recharges the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating; there's no plug-in charging. Civics come with manual or automatic transmission. The automatic used in the HX and Hybrid is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with, in effect, a near-infinite number of ratios. Front side airbags are standard in the Hybrid, optional elsewhere. ABS is standard for EXs, the Hybrid, and Si, and unavailable otherwise. The Si has a sport suspension and standard sunroof; for '04, 16-inch wheels replace 15s. All Civics get revised front and rear styling for '05. LX models get standard keyless entry and 15-inch wheels to replace 14s, EX models gain standard alloy wheels, and the Hybrid joins the LX and EX as the only models with a height-adjustable driver seat.
News
Civic is being redesigned for 2006. We have no specifics yet, but Honda's usual practice suggests modest dimensional increases and larger mainstream engines--around 2.0 liters here, we'd guess. There's talk of 4-dr hatchbacks being added for the first time in North America, and perhaps more 2-dr hatches beyond the sporty Si.
Another possibility is a Civic-based tall-body sport wagon, tentatively named Latitude. Honda already sells one in various overseas markets as the Stream. The U.S. version would be based on a redesigned Stream, so it's not likely before 2007.
Honda is still evidently mulling a smaller budget subcompact based on its Japan/Euro-market Fit/Jazz 4-dr hatchback, which is being redone for 2006-07. We've spotted current models being used as prototypes near Honda's California test facility. Honda recently said it's thinking about a separate brand aimed at the youth market a la Toyota's Scion. The redesigned Fit/Jazz would be a good kickoff for that, but Honda, as usual, won't confirm any of these prospects.
Another possibility is a Civic-based tall-body sport wagon, tentatively named Latitude. Honda already sells one in various overseas markets as the Stream. The U.S. version would be based on a redesigned Stream, so it's not likely before 2007.
Honda is still evidently mulling a smaller budget subcompact based on its Japan/Euro-market Fit/Jazz 4-dr hatchback, which is being redone for 2006-07. We've spotted current models being used as prototypes near Honda's California test facility. Honda recently said it's thinking about a separate brand aimed at the youth market a la Toyota's Scion. The redesigned Fit/Jazz would be a good kickoff for that, but Honda, as usual, won't confirm any of these prospects.
2004 Honda Civic Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupes, Si) |
| Visibility | |
| Acceleration (Si) | |
| Handling (Si) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequately quick with slick-shifting manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX coupe, about 8.0 for lively Si. Automatic blunts performance: 10.2 sec for test LX sedan, 10.0 for HX CVT. Test Hybrid clocked 11.6 sec 0-60 with manual transmission, but doesn't feel pokey except up long grades. Hybrid with CVT feels OK around town, but is slow in highway merging, passing, and some testers detect slight driveline bog as system kicks in to recharge batteries. Ever-smooth CVT keeps HX, Hybrid powertrains working with impressive efficiency. Conventional automatic transmission fairly smooth but sometimes hesitates before downshifting.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Adequately quick with slick-shifting manual transmission: 9.4 sec 0-60 mph for test EX coupe, about 8.0 for lively Si. Automatic blunts performance: 10.2 sec for test LX sedan, 10.0 for HX CVT. Test Hybrid clocked 11.6 sec 0-60 with manual transmission, but doesn't feel pokey except up long grades. Hybrid with CVT feels OK around town, but is slow in highway merging, passing, and some testers detect slight driveline bog as system kicks in to recharge batteries. Ever-smooth CVT keeps HX, Hybrid powertrains working with impressive efficiency. Conventional automatic transmission fairly smooth but sometimes hesitates before downshifting.
Fuel Economy
Two extended-use-test automatic-transmission EX sedans averaged 30.5 mpg combined over 15,453 total mi. Test EX sedans averaged 32.5 with manual transmission, 30.6 with automatic. In tests that included gas-eating performance runs, manual-transmission EX coupes averaged 26.5-30.4 mpg, automatic-transmission LX sedan 26.8, and CVT HX 28.9. Extended-use-test Hybrid with CVT averaging 41.5 mpg over its first 2607 mi. With fewer highway miles, other test CVT Hybrids averaged 31.8-39.3 mpg. Manual-transmission version averaged 47.6. Honda recommends regular fuel for all Civics.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6.6 |
Two extended-use-test automatic-transmission EX sedans averaged 30.5 mpg combined over 15,453 total mi. Test EX sedans averaged 32.5 with manual transmission, 30.6 with automatic. In tests that included gas-eating performance runs, manual-transmission EX coupes averaged 26.5-30.4 mpg, automatic-transmission LX sedan 26.8, and CVT HX 28.9. Extended-use-test Hybrid with CVT averaging 41.5 mpg over its first 2607 mi. With fewer highway miles, other test CVT Hybrids averaged 31.8-39.3 mpg. Manual-transmission version averaged 47.6. Honda recommends regular fuel for all Civics.
Ride Quality
All Civics ride better than the subcompact norm. Still, some bumps register through suspension and steering, and Si fidgets on rough freeways, though not uncomfortably so. Float over large humps and dips at higher speeds absent in Si, evident in Hybrids, EXs, fairly pronounced in other models.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
All Civics ride better than the subcompact norm. Still, some bumps register through suspension and steering, and Si fidgets on rough freeways, though not uncomfortably so. Float over large humps and dips at higher speeds absent in Si, evident in Hybrids, EXs, fairly pronounced in other models.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Si the most agile, but all Civics are sure-footed. Still, cornering lean sets in fairly early, steering is slightly numb and overlight, and most models wander a bit on road grooves and in gusty crosswinds. Routine braking quite good, but test LX sedan without ABS showed mediocre control and longer-than-average distances in simulated panic stops. ABS provides surer stops, but Honda shouldn't limit it to top-end models.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Si the most agile, but all Civics are sure-footed. Still, cornering lean sets in fairly early, steering is slightly numb and overlight, and most models wander a bit on road grooves and in gusty crosswinds. Routine braking quite good, but test LX sedan without ABS showed mediocre control and longer-than-average distances in simulated panic stops. ABS provides surer stops, but Honda shouldn't limit it to top-end models.
Quietness
Refined for small cars, but a step behind Volkswagen Jetta. Main problems are road noise and engine boom at higher rpm, both somewhat more evident in Si.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Refined for small cars, but a step behind Volkswagen Jetta. Main problems are road noise and engine boom at higher rpm, both somewhat more evident in Si.
Controls
Simple, well-arranged dashboards. Large, clear instrumentation. Si shift lever sprouts from dashboard instead of console, but is still easy to work. Hybrid includes readouts for battery charge, electric-motor operation, and fuel consumption. All have laudable ergonomics--though driver must stretch slightly to reach climate-system controls. Interiors exhibit solid workmanship, though cabin materials not up to Jetta's class-leading quality. Windows on test LX sedan made a mild scraping sound when operated, and one EX coupe had annoying rattle in driver-side door.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Simple, well-arranged dashboards. Large, clear instrumentation. Si shift lever sprouts from dashboard instead of console, but is still easy to work. Hybrid includes readouts for battery charge, electric-motor operation, and fuel consumption. All have laudable ergonomics--though driver must stretch slightly to reach climate-system controls. Interiors exhibit solid workmanship, though cabin materials not up to Jetta's class-leading quality. Windows on test LX sedan made a mild scraping sound when operated, and one EX coupe had annoying rattle in driver-side door.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Sedans offer decent 6-footer room and easy entry/exit. Coupes and Si have a bit less head clearance and longer, more-awkward doors. Seats nothing special, nor is over-the-shoulder visibility. Si's sport buckets are comfortable and supportive, but model's seat/steering-wheel relationship not ideal for tall drivers.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Sedans offer decent 6-footer room and easy entry/exit. Coupes and Si have a bit less head clearance and longer, more-awkward doors. Seats nothing special, nor is over-the-shoulder visibility. Si's sport buckets are comfortable and supportive, but model's seat/steering-wheel relationship not ideal for tall drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adults have adequate head room in Civic sedans. Flat rear floor helps, but leg space still tight with a front seat set well back. Coupes and Si are more confining and require crouch-and-crawl entry/exit.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Adults have adequate head room in Civic sedans. Flat rear floor helps, but leg space still tight with a front seat set well back. Coupes and Si are more confining and require crouch-and-crawl entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Coupes, sedans have spacious trunks for exterior size, but trunklid hinges steal space and apertures won't swallow really bulky cargo. Hybrid's battery pack mounts ahead of trunk, reduces volume by 2.8 cu ft, and eliminates split folding seatback. Si offers hatchback versatility with easy-folding 60/40 split rear seat, plus ample interior storage.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Coupes, sedans have spacious trunks for exterior size, but trunklid hinges steal space and apertures won't swallow really bulky cargo. Hybrid's battery pack mounts ahead of trunk, reduces volume by 2.8 cu ft, and eliminates split folding seatback. Si offers hatchback versatility with easy-folding 60/40 split rear seat, plus ample interior storage.
Value within Class
Despite test-car glitches and worrisome non-ABS braking, Civic is a clear Best Buy. It's an unmatched blend of small-car comfort, refinement, and fuel thrift, plus great resale and reliability records. The Si adds extra sportiness and utility to the mix. The Hybrid delivers great fuel economy with minimal effect on performance, all in a conventional Civic package. Still, it's likely to take a couple of years to pay back in fuel savings the higher initial list price of the Civic Hybrid--even with the federal tax deduction allowed for hybrid-vehicle purchases.
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 7 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5.6 |
Despite test-car glitches and worrisome non-ABS braking, Civic is a clear Best Buy. It's an unmatched blend of small-car comfort, refinement, and fuel thrift, plus great resale and reliability records. The Si adds extra sportiness and utility to the mix. The Hybrid delivers great fuel economy with minimal effect on performance, all in a conventional Civic package. Still, it's likely to take a couple of years to pay back in fuel savings the higher initial list price of the Civic Hybrid--even with the federal tax deduction allowed for hybrid-vehicle purchases.
Total Score
| HX cpe, CVT | LX sdn, auto | EX sdn, auto. | Hybrid, CVT | Class Average |
| 51 | 56 | 56 | 54 | 48.4 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2004 Honda Civic Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/09/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-door sedan, manual | $13,010 | $11,898 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-door sedan w/side airbags, manual | $13,260 | $12,126 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| HX 2-door coupe, manual | $13,710 | $12,536 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| HX 2-door coupe, CVT | $14,710 | $13,448 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| HX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, manual | $13,960 | $12,764 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| HX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, CVT | $14,960 | $13,677 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 2-door coupe, manual | $13,410 | $12,263 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 2-door coupe, automatic | $14,210 | $12,992 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 2-door coupe w/side airbags, manual | $13,660 | $12,491 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 2-door coupe w/side airbags, automatic | $14,460 | $13,220 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,410 | $13,175 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| VP 4-door sedan w/side airbags, automatic | $14,660 | $13,403 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 2-door coupe, manual | $15,160 | $13,859 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 2-door coupe, automatic | $15,960 | $14,589 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, manual | $15,410 | $14,087 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, automatics | $16,210 | $14,817 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $15,360 | $14,041 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,160 | $14,771 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door sedan w/side airbags, manual | $15,610 | $14,269 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door sedan w/side impact airbags, automatic | $16,410 | $14,999 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 2-door coupe, manual | $16,860 | $15,410 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 2-door coupe, automatic | $17,660 | $16,139 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, manual | $17,110 | $15,638 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 2-door coupe w/side airbags, automatic | $17,910 | $16,368 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door sedan, manual | $17,260 | $15,775 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $18,060 | $16,504 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door sedan w/side impact airbags, manual | $17,510 | $16,003 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-door sedan w/side impact airbags, automatic | $18,310 | $16,732 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| Si 2-door hatchback, manual | $19,070 | $17,426 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| Si 2-door hatchback w/side airbags, manual | $19,320 | $17,654 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| Hybrid 4-door sedan, manual | $19,650 | $17,955 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT | $20,650 | $18,867 | $490 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
DX
Powertrain
1.7-liter 4-cylinder 115-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio, digital clock, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid releases, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 185/70SR14 tires, wheel covers.
HX adds to DX:
Powertrain
1.7-liter 4-cylinder 117-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power mirrors, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, alloy wheels.
VP adds to DX:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, center console, AM/FM/CD player.
LX adds to VP:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, map lights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60HR15 tires.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
1.7-liter 4-cylinder 127-horsepower engine.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
Si adds to EX:
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo cover, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: height-adjustable driver seat.
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 195/55VR16 tires.
Hybrid adds to LX:
Powertrain
1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat.
Rear spoiler, 185/70SR14 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2004 Honda Civic Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Civic 2-door hatchback | Honda Civic 2-door coupe | Honda Civic 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.2 | 103.1 | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 165.7 | 175.4 | 175.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.7 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 | 55.1 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2782 | 2449 | 2449 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 35.7 | 12.9 | 12.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 39.0 | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.5 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 35.4 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 32.8 | 36.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4/electric | sohc I4 | sohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.3 /80 | 1.7 /102 | 1.7 /102 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 93 @ 5700 | 115 @ 6100 | 127 @ 6300 | 160 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 116 @ 1500 | 110 @ 4500 | 114 @ 4800 | 132 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed manual | 46/51 | 32/38 | 32/37 | 26/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 29/38 | 31/38 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | 48/47 | 35/40 | --/-- | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Civic 2-door hatchback | Honda Civic 2-door coupe | Honda Civic 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 5 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 8/80,000 on Civic Hybrid battery pack and IMA. In CA and green states the warranty is extended to 10/150,000. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA, Canada, Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
|
Tester's Comments
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: None Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 38.31 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat John Biel For the extremely dedicated "green" driver willing to put his or her money where his or her mouth is, this is a worthy vehicle, especially for in-town use. Others may find 20 grand a bit much to swallow for Civic sedan, especially when the less-expensive conventionally powered models offer more highway-friendly power and still deliver very good gas mileage and "clean" emissions. Mark Bilek I'm far from sold on the hybrid technology. At this pace, it would take about 5 years to pay for itself in gas savings alone. Add to that, the additional risk of this complex drivetrain and I'd say the Ciciv Hybrid becomes a "statement" more than a wise investment. Civic, on its own merits, continues to impress. Rick Cotta At $2-plus a gallon, it might not take "years" to pay back Hybrid's extra cost any more as we state in Value section. The Hybrid is a $2300 premium over an EX. Deduct the tax deduction, and you're left with about $800. That buys 350-400 gallons of gas today. I averaged 48.2 mpg; our long-term Civic with AT averaged 30.5 mpg. That means it would take about 30,000 miles to break even. So if gas prices stay at current levels, it would take 2-2.5 years of average driving. Okay, that's still "years," but barely. Tom Appel Let's review Cotta's math. This Hybrid is returning mileage 10 mpg better than a recent test EX with automatic. Based on as 12,000 mile year, you (Mr. or Ms. Civic Hybrid buyer) save $190 on fuel costs (annual fuels costs: EX, $775; Hybrid $585.) That's a 12 year recovery on your Hybrid investment folks. BUT, factor in the federal tax incentive and you're looking at something like 4-6 years. So Rick's calculator works, and you (Mr. Hybrid shopper) really have to want to be green to make fiscal sense of this purchase. |
|||
|
|
Also in the 2004 Honda Civic Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
