100 Days With A 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid.

[xcel]

I've come to really enjoy the almost "go cart" like handling - down low, close to the road, very responsive, etc.

Scott Loftness - July 30, 2006


2006 HCH-II - Fun to drive!

About 100 days ago, I "rightsized" from a powerful Audi A6 4.2 sedan to a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. The Audi had been a delightful road car - very solid, comfortable, with lots of creature comforts. I logged about 70,000 miles in that A6. Trusty steed, indeed...although my last service appointment was a surprise in terms of the cost of the maintenance required.

But the Audi was much more than I needed for my daily commute and local travels. Much more - and that last round of service costs pushed me over the edge. So, I decided to sell it - which I should have done a year or two earlier based upon how Audi's are viewed in the used car market - and bought a new Honda Civic Hybrid that seemed to almost fall into my lap after I signed up to be put onto the waiting list at a local dealership.

I've now logged almost 3,000 miles on the Hybrid...enough to get to know the car pretty well from a driver's standpoint. I'm still a few months away from my first service appointment - to replace the engine oil - and we'll learn more about the maintenance aspects after that.

So far, I'm really pleased with the change. There are a few annoyances - like the position of the emergency brake lever right up against my right leg - but overall this is a great "little" car. I've come to really enjoy the almost "go cart" like handling - down low, close to the road, very responsive, etc. I opted to avoid the navigation system - so none of that distraction.

In terms of mileage, I've averaged 39 miles/gallon since I bought the car. On the highway, I routinely get into the low 40's. Yet the motor-train on this car is fun to drive. You get the right amount of "electric kick" off the line when you need it. The continuously variable transmission makes you feel like you're flying a turbine - no sense of gear shifts, etc.

Bottom line: this is a car that I'd highly recommend. If you're concerned as I was about the impact of your car on the environment, this is definitely a step in the right direction - along with being "fun" as well.

[tigerhonaker]

Hi all,

I can add a few more comments to all that read the above comments from that owner. I read where he/she was getting in the city in the 30's and 40's on the interstate. I believe those numbers but just have this to add. If you decide to purchase one of these HCH II's I suggest reading this Article that was written by another owner of the HCH II. http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1306
I think if a new or present owner takes the time to read this very well written and documented article on the HCH II that it will add even more overall enjoyment to the ownership of the HCH II.

I would (IMO) also suggest getting the (Excellent) Navigation from Honda. It is a major plus and controls all kinds of functions thought it's "Voice-Commands". Worth every additional Penny.

As was reported by the owner above the car runs very smoothly and the CVT is seamless in it's operation. Climate control with the now electric A/C compressor as well as the electric water pump for those winter months. It will keep you cold in the summer and nice and warm in the winter. Set the climate control temperature and forget it.

I also love Honda's optional X/M Satellite Radio with the Bass Speaker System. It plays tight bass as wells as nice clear highs. Add to this the mentioned Navigation and you simply touch the steering wheel mounted (Talk-Button) to change channels as well as volume. Very-Nice.

HCH II is a very modern, high tech vehicle with "No-Minuses". I highly recommend this New Series II Honda Civic Hybrid to anyone that wants the very best of FE (Fuel Economy) as well as all the very modern comfort that is part of the ownership of this Hybrid.

tiger

[xcel]

Hi Terry:

___Thank you for adding a bit of wisdom. Of course that new owner knows little to nothing about the HCH-II’s capabilities (the FE shows) but with a little work, an HCH-II can become an FE monster as you have shown to us all on more then one occasion.

___Thanks for the follow up as I was tempted not to post this news item given the poor guy has yet to discover what he has in his hands just yet …

___And I agree with you about Honda’s OEM NAVI. As a PDA based NAVI user in the MDX and Ranger and having the Honda’s infamous OEM NAVI in the Accord, it may be expensive but it is an excellent option to include with any Honda automobile!

___Good Luck

___Wayne