The Honda Civic Lights the Way to a Hybrid For Everyone

Honda has been making the Civic, a small, affordable car with a lot of appeal, since the early 1970s.  However, Civics have come along way from the first, spartan two-door coupes.  Early Honda Civics offered only the basics – an AM radio, rudimentary heater, and plastic trim.  What they did have was a lot of space for such a small vehicle, good gas mileage, and a low price tag.  Now, the Honda Civic has much more in the way of features, featuring creature comforts like air conditioning, satellite navigation, power locks and power windows.

In 2003, Honda introduced their Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, and a continuously variable transmission, making the Civic Honda's first hybrid sedan.  Previously Honda had produced the tiny Insight, which was only appropriate for those needing to carry small amounts of cargo, and two people at a time.  Since its introduction, it's been appropriate to say that the Honda Civic lights the way for hybrids that look like conventional cars and are affordable for everyone. 

One of the criticisms that's been leveled against the Civic's competitors, such as the Toyota Prius, is that they don't look enough like regular cars.  Many people aren't comfortable driving cars with a space age look – they want what they're familiar with, even if the car's a hybrid.  This is where the Civic Hybrid steps up, since its interior and exterior are almost exactly like the conventional Civic.  The hybrid Civic even keeps pace with design changes that happen in the main Civic line.  This puts consumers at ease.  They don't have to stick out just because they want to drive an environmentally friendly car with good gas mileage.

The Honda Civic hybrid also has all the safety and comfort features you'd expect from a regular Civic, plus a little more.  This means that buyers can enjoy Honda's Satellite Linked Navigation System, with voice recognition, a CD audio system that can play MP3 and WMA formats, and see how their fuel consumption is doing.  Safety features include the Honda Civic's lights, which operate during the day to increase visibility, as well front side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and side impact beams to prevent the car from crumpling into the passenger space in the event of an accident.

The Honda Civic Hybrid comes with a three year, 36,000 mile limited warranty, plus a 5-year/60,000 mile limited warranty.  These warranties apply to all models of Honda.  The IMA battery pack that's part of the hybrid system is warrantied for 8 years or 80,000 miles, or, if you live in a few states, 10 years or a 150,000 miles.  A Civic Hybrid, just like any other Honda, has a 100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups feature.  This means that other than changing fluids and filters, there's no need to take your car in for a tune-up.

The hybrid Honda Civic's price is well within the affordable range.  The basic model starts around twenty-two thousand dollars, with the version featuring satellite navigation starting at around twenty-four thousand.  Civic owners can also qualify for tax credits from buying a hybrid.  This means that most people can afford upgrading to a more environmentally friendly vehicle.  Hybrids are growing steadily more popular as gas prices rise and concern about the environment grows.  The hybrid Civic has the distinction of being one of the first practical hybrids to appeal to the general public.

If you're considering buying a new, greener car, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a great place to start looking.  It's not only environmentally friendly, it's been designed to suit your lifestyle and blend in like a regular car.  With a whole array of comforts and options, the Honda Civic has come a long way from its spartan beginnings, without going out of the price range of the average consumer.  For people who want to join the green revolution without standing out or giving up the great cars they're used to, the hybrid Honda Civic lights the way.  Look into your options for a new Honda Civic today.  You'll be pleasantly surprised.

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