I purchased my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid in January 2003. I now have just under 56,000 miles on the car driving it primarily between my home and workplace each day in Northern Virginia/DC-area traffic -- the second worst in the nation. The car has been fabulous. It bothered me that the first year the cars were delivered that they only came in three colors (white, gold, and metallic light blue) and all three had the same interior (tan fabric). Honda only offered one radio for the vehicle and the only real option was whether the car had a constant velocity transmission (automatic) or 5-speed manual. I wish Honda had gone the same route as Toyota did with the Prius and offered multiple color interiors and exteriors, sunroofs, and options for things like leather interiors and navigation systems. The car cost a premium above a standard Civic. The sticker on my car was $23,000 -- about $5,000 more than a top-of-the line Civic EX.

The fuel economy has been great. I find that using the cruise control -- even in city traffic -- helps with the fuel economy. My car is equipped with an automatic, and my mileage varies between 41.6 and 42.3 mpg pretty routinely. The car has lots of zip for a three-cylinder engine. Yes, it is NOT a four-cylinder. It has only three, but it has the horsepower of four cylinders because the Integrated Motor Assist (electric drive system) kicks in to boost the power of the vehicle when needed.

The trunk in the Civic Hybrid is slightly smaller than the trunk in the standard Civic because the batteries for the IMA system are behind the rear seat and in front of the back wall of the trunk. It has lots of room inside and has been a joy to commute in. To make it more enjoyable, I invested in a new Kenwood AM/FM/Satellite (Sirius)/CD radio and installed it in the vehicle with upgraded speakers.

The only expense other than routine maintenance and oil changes was to replace a battery (which lasted for 41 months) and put on a new set of tires at approximately 50,000. (Dunlop tires came on the vehicle and they were not meant to last much beyond 50,000 miles.) I was worried a bit when I bought the vehicle that, being a hybrid, it might require more maintenance than a standard vehicle, but the car has been exceptional in comparison to many other vehicles I have owned. (My Mercedes ML-320 was in the shop constantly!)

Honda has continued to add new colors to the Hybrid line (now a silver, gray, and dark blue are also available), but, until 2006, they remained pretty much the same as mine. Unfortunately they do cost more than your standard Civic, and you may not recoup the extra expense in gas savings, but the lower emissions and better mileage are definite bonuses in a comfortable, civilized commuter car.