2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

Remember when home-TV-based video games gained popularity in the early '80s? Well, we're likening our Honda Civic Hybrid to that first Atari--especially with the instant economy gauge. Every staffer who's driven the Hybrid makes it a game to see who can squeeze out the best fuel economy. So far, bragging rights fall to Reilly Brennan, who managed to squeeze 577 miles from a tank. That's 48.5 mpg. At the Honda's 10,000-mile service (oil/filter change and tire rotation), we were told our Hybrid doesn't use standard 5W30 for lubrication, but rather expensive 0W20--double the price of conventional oil. After paying $111.59 for the service visit, we were back on the road. Our only real complaints: The high rolling resistance tires are darty on the highway, and we wish the powertrain were a bit punchier in the mid-range, passing power zone. To date, our Hybrid has been trouble-free and will be returning to Los Angeles from Jeff Bartlett's Florida digs next month.