2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

[The Civic Hybrid] has a weakling 20-hp electric motor, whereas the Prius's makes a robust 67 horses, so it's better able to move almost 3000 pounds off a dime.

Honda?s hybrid system is more simple and compact and is more easily adaptable than the Toyota system to different vehicles.

Auto-stop works fine, but it can catch you off guard sometimes; the engine occasionally needs to be started even when you're not moving, which can make the car creep forward if your foot isn't firmly on the brake pedal.

The Civic Hybrid has a taut suspension, and body roll is well-controlled, but the ride can get a bit jittery at times on uneven concrete highways.

While driving the Civic Hybrid, the battery meter and charge/assist gauge provided instant rewards in exchange for efficient driving.

It strikes just the right note between classic and cutting-edge. It's not quite as racy and out there as the new European Civics but much fresher than many of its competitors in North America.

[The Civic Hybrids are] dandy to drive, nice to view, better than its predecessor and welcome in a time of $3-a-gallon gasoline.