The Honda Civic hybrid, in its runner-up status to the Toyota Prius among eco-popular cars, has no reason to feel inferior. Its gas mileage averages are lower than the Prius and it doesn’t have, for whatever reason, the same “green appeal” as its rival.
But the 2009 Civic hybrid has a refreshed exterior design, more interior space and is more attractive than its biggest competitor.
Still, the new and improved Civic hybrid isn’t an overt bargain. Among four available trims, the Civic hybrid with leather trim seats and a navigation system is now a $27,000 car. That’s pricey for a Honda Civic — until considering that the average new price of a car in the United States is now nearly $30,000. Then the Civic hybrid makes a lot more sense.
The Weekly Driver’s Ratings
Acceleration (4)
With its continuously variable transmission, the Civic has a near-limitless number of gear ratios. It’s a nice feature, but none of the gears help the hybrid’s acceleration. But once up to speed, all is well.
Braking/Steering/Handling (5)
Solid in strong wind and on tight corners. Hybrids have low-rolling resistance tires for fuel economy, but the hybrid didn’t feel any different than the high standard set by other Hondas.
Cargo Room (5)
As a hybrid, the battery pack takes up a lot of would-be trunk space, and it prevents a folding back seat. Nonetheless, the trunk has a wide opening and good space, but the lid hinges get in the way. The Civic’s interior storage areas are plentiful and well-designed.
Controls (6)
Like other Hondas, the Civic has a two-tiered instrument panel, with the tachometer and digital speedometer positioned separately above and recessed into the front of the dash. It’s annoying to some, embraced by others. I like it. Radio and temperatures are efficiently positioned and intuitive. The navigation system has a moderately steep learning curve and the screen is hard to see in certain light conditions. It works well, though.
Details (5)
Like all Hondas, the Civic hybrid is keen on functionality and efficiency. Quality materials and workmanship mean a lot more than over-the-top technology.
Front Seats (5)
A friend who is 6-foot-2 drove the car and said his knees often hit the handbrake. I’m 6-0 and didn’t have the same issue. Leg and head room are satisfactory and doors open wide for easy entry/exit.
Fuel Economy (10)
With its rating of 40 mpg (city) and 45 mpg (hwy), the Civic hybrid has the second-best gas mileage average of any vehicle in the United States. Some owners report better gas mileage than the estimates, and the Civic hybrid uses regular-grade gas. What’s not to like?
Quietness (6)
There’s little wind noise at any speed, but the CVT promotes some engine noise.
Rear Seats (6)
Head and leg space satisfactory. The flat floor makes the area seem more spacious.
Ride Quality (6)
The suspension is surprisingly good. Takes bumps smoothly and the car maneuvers along the highway with a stable gait.
Total (58 out of 100)
Class — hybrid sedan.
Primary hybrid competition — Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry.
For standard and optional equipment and safety features, visit: www.honda.com.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price — $26,850.
Price As Driven — $27,560.
Mileage Estimates — 40 mpg (city), 45 mpg (hwy).
Warranty — Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/ unlimited miles.
What Others Say:
“The Honda Civic Hybrid is comfortable, despite being only as big inside as it absolutely needs to be. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative without sacrificing functionality. Further, it delivers on the promise of increased fuel economy over its already frugal conventional siblings.”
—- Consumer Guide.com
“The 2009 Honda Civic’s suspension and steering work together seamlessly, giving the car a well-balanced, confident feel on city streets, back roads and highways alike. Even the mainstream models can be described as being somewhat sporty to drive. The Civic Hybrid and natural-gas GX are unfortunately quite slow, but neither model is meant for supreme acceleration anyway.”
—- Edmunds.com
The Weekly Driver’s Final Words
“The Toyota Prius is the industry standard and it has its upside. But the Civic hybrid is more attractive and just as many standard features and functionality. It’s not going to win any drag races, but that’s not its purpose. It’s a well-designed hybrid that’s also classy with its leather trim and style upgrades for 2009. Is there a better eco-friendly car for the price?”
Article Last Updated: August 27, 2021.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.