2004 Honda Civic: Tester's Comments
Archived Review
2004 Honda Civic EX Automatic
2004 Honda Civic ▼
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- MSRP: $13,010 -$20,650
- Invoice: $11,898 -$18,867
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2004 Honda Civic. See if the 2004 Honda Civic is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2004 Honda Civic |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Hybrid |
| Arrival Date: | 05/13/2004 |
| Engine: | sohc I4/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 20,650 |
| Price as Tested: | 20,651 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 344 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 12652 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 12308 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 325.044 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 38.31 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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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.
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