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Hi,

New guy here.. Actually an old guy but new to this forum...

My wife and I are about to purchase our first Hybrid and we are in search of any information regarding the 2007 Civic Hybrid.

I called Honda America yesterday and they told me that nothing was going to be released until early to mid October.

Right now - given the features and data - we are teetering between the Ford Escape FWD Hybrid and the Civic (based on 2006 info)..

Can anyone help and push the scale to the Honda side?

BTW - We'll be trading in my 2005 Mustang GT on this car also. My thought is that Ford might give me a better trade-in value. Any experiences there would be good info as well..

Any dealer recommendations?

Thank you.

Regards - Randy

Minneapolis, MN.

First of all, welcome to CleanMPG!

What little help I can provide is since a major change was made last year, I would not expect significant changes in the Civic.

Hi Delta Flyer - Thanks for the Welcome! :)

I used to live in Arlington and Grand Prairie TX... :)

Update to my original post:

I should have been a little more clear in my original post - sorry about that..

We'll actually be buying two hybrids. But not both at the same time...

The Escape will ultimately become one of them - it's just a matter of when as the Escape will be replacing a like-sized and capability vehicle (2001 PT Cruiser).

The Civic Hybrid will be replacing my daily driver. And actually - I just saw the review for the 2007 Camry Hybrid and like it quite a bit as well.

So - If we get the Honda - I will be driving the first of two Hybrids in the household.
If we get the Escape - my wife will be the first.

Another thing to understand is that like many people, we aren't doing this because it makes sense from an economic point of view, but from an ecologic point of view.
We're to the stage in our lives where we have finally grown just a little more responsible and want to do "what's right" and to show the manufacturers that there's enough interest and sales to continue the development and sales of Hybrids.

Thanks for your help!

Regards - Randy

See if this helps:

Ford Escape: 35mpg - plenty of room
Civic - 50mpg - less room but better accelerationI can't answer for Honda dealerships in the MidWest, but the ones in the D/FW area have been great. On my 3rd Honda and all of them have help up well, with this Insight doing the best. Actually had a 4th Honda I got used....

The FEH is the only other hybrid I've driven and it was a good experience, so I think you will win either way.

Welcome! Good questions...

I am very partial to Honda, as they have earned my respect in reliability and efficiency.

With that said...

You are referring to 2 distinctly different vehicles. The Escape Hybrid , a small SUV, and a compact sedan HCH. The Escape Hybrid will be lucky to get what a normal gas Civic gets. So...

The questions you must ask if you want to save fuel / emissions:
* What size of vehicle do I really need, and how small can I get it?
* Am I partial to a brand, or will I branch-out?
* Am I willing to sell my trade outright to get the best amount and/or carry two payments until this is done?
* Do I need a hybrid - meaning, is most of my driving in-town, or am I out on the highway?

From what I know, a lot of used cars go to the auction block -- meaning you'll get daily-updated, auction-evaluated pricing during trade, at any dealer (the Blue book is only a guesstimate).

If I had to choice and resources to buy a new car right now, it would probably be the new Honda Civic Hybrid. I'm waiting for Diesel technology (hopefully) to be offered in the next few years before I buy (unless my current ride blows a gasket), then it would probably be the Honda Fit or a used Civic gasser because of the price.

RH77

Don't if you would consider getting an FEH new - a used Honda Insight since 2001 with a 5-speed. Roughly there is a 15mpg difference on the highway between the FEH, the Civic, the 5-speed Insight. Of course it's a two-seater and that might be a knock-out factor.

I would say if you are replacing your mustang with the civic then you will be putting a lot of money in your pocket from fuel savings and though it isn't a requirement of yours, I'm sure saving a few dollars every month might help you get the FEH faster.

I've a HUGE amount of respect for Hondas..

Having owned an 89 Civic DX that went 280k before I sold it (has over 330k now) and an 81 Accord (purchased new) that cost me a sum total of $65 in repairs over 5 years - I love them! :)

I still have a lot of stars in my eyes from all the glitter from the mfgrs on the web and have only recently started my studies of the Hybrids.
I have always trusted Real-World opinions (aka Forums) for the best information..
I'll be snooping in all of the forums here and elsewhere over the coming weeks.

BTW - the Insight is a car that I would personally really love to have. The only thing that is pushing me away from it now is that Honda (according to a call to Honda America last week) has decided pull the plug on it and not offer it in 07... :(

I'd rule out the CVT Insight as the HCH and Prius can match it in fuel economy. That leaves the 5-speed Insight. I'd rule out the 2000 because it was the first year and had more battery/software problems (unless like mine they were replaced by the dealer).

The Insight changed little in the seven years it was built. If you can get one new - I'd go for it. There are plenty of people happy to help if you want to get one used. I think you could get one in the 8-12K range in good condition - that's what Wayne (the site founder) is planning to do.

On an Insight I'd definitely avoid ones with lifetime milage below 50mpg (hard driving). Some might suggest 55mpg as the cutoff.

Hope this opens up some options....