Besides all the technological extras under the hood, Honda also provides a firmer suspension, larger brakes, clear tail lamps, a small spoiler, 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, automatic climate control air conditioning, air filtration system, cruise control, power steering, tilt steering wheel, power mirrors, windows and door locks, and an AM/FM/CD system. In other words, the Hybrid is a bargain.
Driving the Hybrid is relaxing and makes it easy for you to forget that you are in an economy car. The sound level is reasonable, the performance adequate, and there is enough room to get comfortable. If you are a smooth driver this is a nice ride. If you are into cut and thrust driving, find it difficult to spend more than a few seconds behind any other vehicle, or display your ego with your exhaust tips, this isn't your gas sipper.
College going male's view: I didn't mind the Hybrid one bit. To me, driving an "alternative" powered vehicle says I care and one of these should be in every high school and professional driver training program in the United States. Let people know that driving green machines is not an ordeal and plenty cool. On the down side was the radio reception. You would think that with a high masted antenna stuck in the middle of the roof you would be able to pull in some long distance stations, but it was not to be. The rear seat has a fair amount of room. The seats need a lumbar support badly. You buy this car to spend long hours in and the front seats just aren't all that comfortable.
Family conference: It is easy to decide if you want the Honda Hybrid or its competition, the Toyota Prius, by looking at your annual fuel bill and donation list. If you support environmental organizations these are must have cars. If you would like to save between ten and twenty percent on your gas bill, these cars are naturals. On the other hand, they cost more to service, don't handle as well as sportier models, and have an uncertain resale history to draw from. If you are undecided, Ford promises a hybrid powered Escape shortly and several other manufacturers are coming online with their alternative powered vehicles so you may want to wait a few months. Regardless, you need to test drive this Honda to see what the future is bringing.
