2003 Honda Civic Hybrid Price, Review, Pictures & Road Tests

Purpose-built hybrid vehicles first went on sale in the United States in 1999, with the Honda Insight leading the post-electric vehicle charge. As with the Toyota Prius that followed, the Insight's distinct styling announced the driver's environmental concerns and tech geekdom far better than any pollutant-spewing VW Microbus held together with Save-the-Whales stickers ever could. Both cars were critical in proving the virtues of hybrid drivetrains and paved the way for mainstream machines to join this revolution.

The perennial best-selling compact car, the Honda Civic became the first mass-production vehicle to offer a hybrid system as a powertrain choice, joining a model line that already boasted ultra-low-emissions and fuel-efficient engines. This special Civic model features a newer, more compact, and more powerful version of the Integrated Motor Assist system pioneered on the Insight to create a near-transparent alternative to the traditional engines found in more than 16 million new vehicles each year. Wearing an exterior nearly identical to the more familiar Civic LX and EX sedans, the Hybrid is the technology of the future cloaked in anonymity.

We ordered a Civic Hybrid with a five-speed manual for a year-long evaluation to see what it would be like to live with. The ordering process was simple; we didn't change a thing, not even a dealer add-on trinket. The $19,550 base price increased to $20,010 with destination charges. For that amount, we received a well-equipped Civic that boasted front-seat side airbags, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate-control, a unique electronic instrument panel, and four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Basic power features also were standard, including door locks, mirrors, and windows. Although priced $2500 more than a comparable gas-engine EX sedan with side airbags, the bite on the Civic Hybrid is soothed somewhat due to the car's eligibility for a $2000 federal tax credit.

Our long-termer started its duty in Los Angeles, where its Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle status could make a difference and set a responsible example. Right from the start, our editors found the Civic Hybrid surprisingly satisfying, with a few minor performance concessions offset by a number of benefits.

The car's unique feature content drew praise, having borrowed trim and content upgrades from other Civic models. Subtle exterior distinctions, such as a unique front fascia, trunk spoiler, aluminum wheels, and badging, may be missed by all but Green Car Journal subscribers. Some editors saw the stealth appearance as a sign of hybrid acceptance, slipping the car into the mainstream without causing a ripple. Others felt that the owners may want to make a bolder styling statement to declare their social responsibility. A witty bumper sticker can fix that.