Got to drive a HCH today

I might just have to go test drive one. I just got a 2002 lexus and I wanted to get a hybrid, but everyone tells me that they're not meant to last that long - so you either pay now or pay in the end.. I guess driving one of these will help!

 

I can't speak for the current HCH, but I did own an 03 model for four and two-thirds years. I was happy with it until I drove an 07 Prius for a day. (It was a loaner from the Toyota dealer while my 05 Avalon was in for service)

There was no comparison. In less than two weeks I had a new 07 Prius and in another week the HCH had a new owner. I have had the Prius for almost a year and never regretted the switch.

I believe that hypermiling would be more difficult in the HCH because the drive systems are completely different.

 

I've gotta say, I'm a big fan of the handling and feel of the Civic hybrid. I like the feel of the cockpit, the handling and the responsiveness of the steering. Makes my prius feel a little like a boat....

 

I looked at the HCHII when I got the Prius in 06, I really like the styling a lot better and the suspension is much better than the Prius. Unfortunately Honda made a big blunder by not making the HCHII a hatchback like the Prius. I don't need 4 big seats as I use it as commuter primarily and when we are 4 adults in the car it is only for short distances. However the dog would not be happy in a trunk and I really like the utility of a hatchback.

If the HCHII was a hatchback I would most probably have bought that instead of the Prius. I don't think there is much difference in FE and performance, not for my use anyway. But I do like the styling and handling/ride of the HCHII much better.

 

When it came time to part with my 04 HCH I test drove an 08 model. I felt that all the things I loved about my 04 were lost; the spartan workingclass interior, the zippy sportiness and the analog gauges to name a few. It did not help that Honda has chosen to partner exclusively with XM; I'm a lifetime Sirius subscriber.

I was getting a consistent 45 mpg hwy, 41 city with the 04 but she had racked the miles, just shy of 80k.

Anyway, ended of with an 06 Prius with 20k miles. Figured if I had to lose the sports car feel of the Civic, may as well go all the way.

 

So... what MPG are you getting now compare to 04 HCH?

 

Considering you can bolt the suspension from the Civic Si sedan into the HCH with no fabrication, the Civic looks like a better choice than the Prius for a driving enthusiast.

 

Glad I didn't hear that myth when I was considering the Prius. I ended up with an '01 with about 80k, now still driving it with 124k and only just now getting the occasional main battery warning. Love the Prius!

 

I do tend to drive with windows down and watch my speed a bit. I had no idea these behaviors had a name!

 

Quite. More than one person has transplanted the Civic Si sedan suspension or aftermarket Civic suspension pieces into the HCH with excellent results reported on 8thcivic.com.

 

How many mpg does the HCH get?

I currently own a 2007 Prius Pkg. #4 and I am curious to know how many people out here own the HCH? and how do they compare the mileage to the prius mpg. Can someone please let me know what the gas mileage is on the honda hybrid?

Do you guys fill up and stop at the first or 2nd click? How many gallons is the car taking at the pumps?

PLEASE can someone tell me what they're getting with the HONDA HYBRIDS?

 

best way to compare is to go to GreenHybrid - Interactive Hybrid Cars Resource and compare based on real world numbers by real world drivers.

 

There is post on here disproving the myth of a hybrid's short lifespan, noting two different Prii that went over 200K and 300K respectively before needing battery replacement. It's not like the Prius is new technology. 12 years and over 1 million vehicles is pretty well-tested.

Other things come into play too such as the simplicity of our transmission which shouldn't cost $1900 like a Chevy pickup truck I had to fix after 39000 miles.

But again, as someone else pointed out, we needed to put a hockey bag and sticks in the hybrid. Since you can't put the back seats down in an HCH because of its' batteries- the Prius hatchback was a no-brainer. Also since I still expect to see $6 a gallon during the life of the Prius, every mile per gallon made a difference to me.

 

Re: How many mpg does the HCH get?

Depends heavily on how you drive and how much City driving you do. If you do mostly City driving and no driving by the instruments then the mileage will approach the new EPA ratings.

If you drive by the instruments you can get pretty good city mileage. I drive 100% City and my summer mileage orbits around 60+ MPG.

If you do highway then what you'll get depends on how well you leverage the car's features. Most people will get around 50 MPG on the highway. Those who know how to kick the car into the SAHM mode will get 70-90 MPG on the highway (at 60+MPH).

The fuel warning light will come up when the fuel gauge is on its last two pips. At that point, you can fill it up with 9-10 gallons. If you run it down to its last pip you can put in 12-13 gallons at the first pump click.


Cheers;

MSantos

 

I looked at the HCHII when I got the Prius in 06, I really like the styling a lot better and the suspension is much better than the Prius. Unfortunately Honda made a big blunder by not making the HCHII a hatchback like the Prius. I don't need 4 big seats as I use it as commuter primarily and when we are 4 adults in the car it is only for short distances. However the dog would not be happy in a trunk and I really like the utility of a hatchback.