A Vote for Civic Hybrid
Katherine Zachary Ward's AutoWorld, Jan 1, 2003 12:00 PM

The first time I drove the Civic Hybrid I was blown away. What a leap Honda had made from its first hybrid, the science project-like Insight!

I wasn't betting everyone would be won over by Honda's second-generation Integrated Motor Assist powerplant — I remember the polarizing effect the Toyota Prius had on our little editorial family. But at least the Prius made the Best Engines list when it bowed.

So I was shocked to find myself the lone defender of Honda's peppy little gas-sipper at the Best Engines judging smackdown.

Some arguments against the Civic Hybrid have merit: Tom Murphy is such an enviro-geek that he hopes his refusal to support the entry will encourage Honda to try harder next time (exactly my logic for keeping Ford's Power Stroke diesel off the list, but let's not digress).

And then there's Eric “throw a supercharger on it and then we'll talk” Mayne. And Editor Drew Winter: “I drove it back to back with the Corvette Z06, and I definitely noticed a difference between the two. The Z06 is bigger, louder and faster — like the Mustang Cobra! Now, that's a car…”

They can't help being middle-aged guys. But they also shouldn't deny the facts: The technology is groundbreaking; the Civic Hybrid drives like a “real” car; with targeted sales of 24,000 units annually, the Civic Hybrid will take this segment beyond niche status; Honda's on its second hybrid while most auto makers have none; and other car makers now officially are terrified. The Civic Hybrid's powertrain should not be denied its rightful place among the best.

Yes, Tom, there's room for improvement. But all new technology is evolutionary, and these days evolutions happen quickly.

Remember the Insight? If Honda's third-generation hybrid is half as big a leap, everyone will be driving one in no time.