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Summary
The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid does not make a lot of sense, based purely on economics. It has less power than the regular Civic, a slightly smaller trunk and it costs about $2,500 more. Apart from a slightly more luxurious interior it's only advantage is an EPA City fuel-economy rating of 48 mpg compared to about 35 to 40 mpg for an equivalent Civic EX sedan with a CVT. Sadly, this translates to only about $100 in savings per year, based on 12,000 miles and gasoline prices of $1.50 a gallon. Put another way, the higher initial cost is not recovered until the car reaches over 250,000 miles! Having said that, anyone who wants to help advance a new technology that can improve the environment in the long run should consider the Civic Hybrid. It happens to be a nice, almost luxurious small car that has a different feel to it without giving up any creature comforts. It's a car for people who don't want to follow the crowd and, instead, prefer to lead it.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Civic Hybrid ($20,010) (ES9563EW); Civic Hybrid CVT ($21,010) (ES9663EW) |
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Engines:
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85-hp 1.3-liter inline-4 with 13-hp electric motor |
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Transmissions:
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CVT |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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ABS with electronic brake distribution, dual front airbags, side airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Suzuka, Japan |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Civic Hybrid CVT ($21,010) (ES9663EW) |
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Standard Equipment:
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automatic climate control with air filtration, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, mirror and locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, intermittent wipers, alloy wheels, dual illuminated visor mirrors |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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none |
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Destination Charge:
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460 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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21010 |
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Layout:
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front engine, front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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93 @ 5700 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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105 @ 3000 |
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Transmission:
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CVT |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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48/47 |
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Wheelbase:
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103.1 |
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Length/width/height:
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174.8/67.5/56.3 |
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Track, f/r:
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57.9/57.9 |
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Turning circle:
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34.8 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.8/51.2/42.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.2/49.8/36.0 |
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Cargo volume:
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10.1 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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|
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Suspension, f:
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independent |
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Suspension, r:
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independent |
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Ground clearance:
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5.5 |
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Curb weight:
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2732 |
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Tires:
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P185/70R14 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/drum with ABS, EBD |
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Fuel capacity:
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13.2 |
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