Honda Hybrid: Honda Civic Hybrid

Sedan: Honda Civic Hybrid

As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world. It’s true that the Civic Hybrid is not quite as fuel-efficient, not quite as comfortable and roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But the gas-electric Civic, like Rodney Dangerfield, deserves more respect than it receives.

In fact, it’s the Civic Hybrid’s un-hybrid-like looks and sticker price that makes it such a compelling proposition. Prius buyers usually spend at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota’s celebrity hybrid than those who drive off with a Civic. And yet the Civic’s 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway, places it right next to the Prius as the only two vehicles with average fuel economy in the 40s.

Perhaps more importantly, the Civic Hybrid looks like a cool car, not a cutesy electronic device. Auto critics have heaped praise on the Civic's design, calling it "gorgeous" and "head-turning."

The Civic matches a sporty design with all of Honda’s engineering prowess put to action. Honda is on the fourth generation of its integrated engine/motor hybrid design. The system combines a 1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 20-hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110 hp. The Civic can save gas by de-activating all of its cylinders when they are not needed, and uses eight spark plugs to allow greater flexibility with the firing order for more complete combustion of fuel in the cylinder. Add improved battery packs and regenerative braking from the previous generation to produce a hybrid with Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions status. The feather in its cap is top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS.

So if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a little respect and consideration.