By Christopher Todd
Updated:
8/7/2008
I bought my Honda
Civic Hybrid in July 2002. It was one of the first 2003 Civic Hybrids sold in
The early nay-sayers
described the car technology as “unsafe” and “unreliable”. Personally, I’ve never seen a hybrid on the side of the
road in a broken-down condition. People don’t get electrocuted from hybrids
either. In truth, my Civic Hybrid has been the best car I’ve ever owned. They don’t cost more to insure, and only cost
marginally more to maintain (chiefly due to the obscure grade of motor oil it
uses: 0-w-20.)
Type: 1st generation
IMA mated with a 1.3L i4 gasoline engine.
Fuel Economy when New: 48 MPG
Fuel Economy at 70,000 miles: 45
MPG
Fuel Economy at 90,000 miles:
44.5 MPG
Fuel Economy at 125,000: 42.0 MPG
Ending Mileage: 137,700 Miles
Age: 6 years
Cost: $19,900
Total Emergency Repairs Required:
1
Total Recalls: 2
Total Warranty Repairs: 4
Total Paid-for Repairs: 3
Total cost of non-ordinary
repairs 1: $769
IMA Battery capacity @ 70,000
miles: 96%
IMA Battery capacity @ 90,000
miles: 92%
Highest Fuel Economy Ever
Observed: 69 MPG*
Lowest Fuel Economy Ever
Observed: 36 MPG**
I can say with
certainty that this has been the most trouble-free vehicle I’ve ever owned. To
date, it’s only needed one emergency repair, and four other non-emergency
fixes.
50,000 miles: The catalytic converter bit the dust. This was covered under warranty.
It didn’t keep the car from being operational. I was alerted to the problem by
the “check engine” indicator.
65,000 miles: A software glitch caused the IMA to shut down, leaving the vehicle
propelled solely by the gasoline engine. The car was still somewhat drivable under this condition – it just wasn’t very fast.
The repair only required a new software installation, and my car was running
again in under an hour.
70,000 miles: A recall was issued to HCH owners by Honda. This wasn’t actually a repair, however. Honda developed a more
efficient software program to run the IMA, and the company wanted existing HCH
owners to have it. Just for kicks, I had the shop do a load test on the IMA. The
batteries were still delivering charge at 96% of original capacity.
81,000 miles: The locking assembly on the driver’s side door became defective. It’s
still possible to open the car with the push-button door opener. This, too, was
covered under warranty.
90,000 miles: No repairs at this mileage, but I did do the 90k service and got the
IMA batteries tested. They still retained 92% of original capacity.
95,000 miles: The catalytic converter failed again. Honda paid to replace this unit.
My car was in the shop only a few hours. During diagnostics, the technicians
discovered that the 12v starter battery was dead. This is the little battery, not the huge IMA hybrid
battery. I paid the $80 to replace it. I suppose it lasted only 3.5 years
because it never actually gets used. Later that day, I bought new tires for the
car and got a front-end alignment. This procedure boosted my mileage back up to
45 MPG. I don’t consider the tires/alignment a “repair” since tires do wear out
no matter what car you drive.
108,000 miles: I did a lot of standard maintenance. I
replaced two tires, replaced the brake pads (for the first time ever), changed
the oil and transmission fluid, and got the wheels, rebalanced. The car seems
to be riding a lot more smoothly now.
109,000 Miles: A sensor failure has made the check engine
light turn on. I had the car diagnosed and there is nothing mechanically wrong
with the car. The car alarm seems to not turn on when it is very cold outside.
I purchased a new stereo. It does MP3 and iPod! The batteries are probably
beginning to degrade. The IMA did a full recalibration.
115,000 Miles: The IMA batteries are definitely on their way
down. Of course, they have a service life of about 150K, so this is no shock.
The IMA rarely shows a charge above 70% anymore and the charge drains much more
quickly when the motor is assisting the engine. Also, the auto-stop feature
rarely engages anymore. This is not the end of the world, however since a Civic
Hybrid will basically function like a regular 4-Cylinder Civic if the IMA
battery is weak.
116,000 Miles: The defogger doesn’t work anymore and the remote keyless entry stopped
working. Some of the instrument panel lights have burned out.
120,000 Miles: Just standard maintenance required. It must have done the car a lot of
good, since I got 47.3 MPG on a tank of gas for the first time in over a year.
A few more instrument lights are starting to function intermittently (the
thermostat and fan knobs don’t light up all the time any more). On the bright
side, the batters gauge showed 90% for the first time in a really long time.
122,000 Miles: There was a recall on the ECM, the computer
that runs the car’s diagnostics and hybrid functions. After the computer was
reflashed, it stopped believing that the catalytic converter was dead. I did,
however, have to also replace the fuel oxygenator sensor. That part cost $270.
After these items were replaced, I got 53 MPG on a 3 hour drive home. It is the
city mileage that has decreased as the car aged.
126,000 Miles: The heater control module failed. You’d think that a bad heater
controller would mean that the heater wouldn’t work, but you’d be wrong! The
heat got stuck on full blast. Lovely. The car was about 90 degrees inside after
5.10 minutes. I was very happy to get the module replaced. As a side bonus, the
part also fixed the rear-window defroster. This repair cost $419. Oh, and I got
the car alarm fixed too. A $5 buttery was all it needed.
137,000 Miles: The catalytic
converter and air conditioner pretty much failed at the same time. The IMA
warning light began to illuminate intermittently. Since AC, CAT and an IMA
would have been a very expensive set of repairs, I traded in the car.
Summary: I loved the car, and I would have no
reservations about buying another hybrid in the future.
Trade-in value:
$2,000. Now, before the hybrid-haters can say “Seeeeee! He got nothing for his
trade!” It should be noted that I’ve had quite a few fender-benders in this car
over a six-year period, and a negative CarFAX report can really slice down the
value of a trade. I also totally pigged out the interior of the car since I am
a totally shameless slob. Between the myriad dents and scratches, and they fact
that the interior is coffee-stained just about everywhere, the $2,000 trade is understandable.
What the heck. I don’t feel that the car owed me a dime. I’m not complaining
one bit. I replaced the hybrid with a Scion xD, since my drive to work in my
new job is so short that some days I just ride a bicycle.
Contrary to popular
myth, the IMA batteries are designed to outlast the car. The battery array on a
HCH costs about $1,700 to replace, but it’s unlikely that any Civic Hybrid
owner would ever have to replace them. A set of hybrid batteries should last at
least 150,000 miles (possibly as much as 210,000 miles). Other things went wrong with my car before the battery failed.
The brake pads last a
really long time because they aren’t actually engaged that often for stopping the
car. The regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy for conversion
into electricity. The brake/rotor/disc system is engaged primarily for
emergency stopping when full brake pressure is exerted. For ordinary stops, the
brake pads are used only sparingly. My first set lasted over 100,000 miles.
The 30-60-90k
maintenance programs take longer to execute because the hybrid design is more
complicated. However, I’ve never found a Honda dealer that couldn’t service my
Civic Hybrid. Until hybrids become more commonplace, I’d stick to the dealers
for routine maintenance.
Hybrids cost a little more to maintain. This is mostly
due to the cost of the odd oil it uses. However, I’m pretty sure that not
having to get new brakes for 100,000 miles has mostly offset the increased cost
of ordinary maintenance.
Hybrids are outfitted
with stiffer tires than standard vehicles, and the tires are inflated at a
higher pressure. The side effect is that the tires actually last longer. Higher
tire pressure also reduces pavement friction, which equates to a slightly
higher fuel economy. I’ve replaced the front tires twice in 108,000 miles.
Current-era hybrids
don’t have to be plugged in to charge. Instead, the IMA draws electricity from
captured kinetic energy from braking, decelerating, and from excess capacity
from the car’s generator. Future hybrids (like the Chevy Volt Concept) may have
the option to be plugged in, however.
The batteries do not
need to be replaced. Generally, the IMA battery pack should outlast the vehicle.
In any event, the IMA batteries have an eight year warranty. They cost about
$1,700 to replace – not the $10,000 that nay-sayers have claimed. However, it’s
unlikely that the units will ever have to be replaced during the vehicle’s
service life. For example, the IMA batteries in my car were still functioning
at 92% capacity after 90,000 miles and my car did not begin to lose significant
fuel economy until 110,000 miles.
I didn’t exactly buy
this car for speed. I was, however, pleasantly surprised that it was reasonably
powerful (for it’s class of vehicle, at least.) It has more pep than the car it
replaced (a Toyota Echo). It’s got enough power that it doesn’t impact driving
performance if I run the AC (the Toyota Echo lost about a third of its power
when running the air conditioning.)
The car is extremely
quiet. At normal highway speed (55-65 MPH), you can barely hear any engine
noise at all. Because the engine shuts off at traffic lights and stop signs,
the car is absolutely silent in standby mode. It’s eerily quiet.
Because the car’s body
is basically a standard 4-door Civic body, it’s roomy enough for anyone 5’10”
or shorter (I’m 5’10”; if I was much taller, the car would be a little too
small for me.) I’m told that the Toyota
Prius II is roomier. When I bought my car, however, the Toyota Prius I was
basically a hybridized Toyota Echo.
The suspension is
reasonably stiff. I can take the i83 “concrete roller coaster” at about 75 MPH
without losing control of the vehicle. The car also can stop on a dime and give
9 cents change.
When I bought my HCH,
there was only one configuration. But the configuration came with everything:
AC, power windows, power door locks, power steering, power mirrors, remote
trunk release, arrestor alarm system, antilock brakes, CD player, map lights,
and cloth interior. So… it was at least a pretty darned good configuration!
Newer hybrids (such as the Prius-Il) have many
options.
I’ve come close to
depleting the battery while driving. You have to drive in some pretty
mountainous areas in
This car is not a
“plug-in” hybrid. The battery charge for the IMA comes from three sources –
regenerative braking, deceleration, and the engine’s generator. When I hit the
brakes, the car creates electrical charge by converting kinetic energy into
electrical energy. Likewise, the transmission captures kinetic energy when
decelerating and turns that energy into electricity. The car also pulls excess
charge from the generator to recharge the IMA. Thus, HCH owners don’t have to
plug their cars in at night. It drives just like a regular gasoline-only car
except it gets about 30-40% better fuel economy! What would be better?
There are a few things
that will screw up its fuel economy, however. Running the AC at maximum power
for long periods of time will drop the fuel economy to the 40-42 MPG range. But
then, running the air conditioner affects the fuel economy on all cars. Driving
at
It’s important to understand
that the EPA fuel economy ratings are for “best case” conditions: 55 MPH, no
AC, temperate climate, low humidity, flat terrain and gentle acceleration. If
all of these conditions are met, my car will get 48 MPH. But it’s rare that I
get perfect driving conditions. Hybrid foes often criticize the hybrid cars’
general inability to attain the EPA mileage while not mentioning the fact that most conventional cars also get 10%-20% less than the EPA
estimate.
My review wouldn’t be
complete without citing the fact that hybrids aren’t for everybody. While they
are probably great cars for 60-70% of the population, there are reasons not to
buy one:
Overall, I’d give my
car a satisfaction rating of 9 out of 10. The 2003 Civic Hybrid is a 1st
generation hybrid (also called a “mild” hybrid.) Within that definition, it
performs its job superbly. I’ve driven enough miles on the car that I’ve broken
even on the price difference between the standard and hybrid Civic. The
trade-in values on hybrids are unbelievably high since these cars are in such
high demand. My 1st generation hybrid performs well enough that I’ll
never own another non-hybrid car. I’m already sold on the 2nd
generation hybrids (currently: Prius II, HCH’06, and Ford Escape Hybrid.) I
like smaller cars, so I doubt I’d get a hybrid SUV.
So… what’s a 2nd
generation hybrid? These are cars that can operate solely on battery at low speeds,
and then switch to gasoline for highway speeds. Even at 45+ MPH, the battery
array still helps accelerate the car. After all, a conventional gasoline engine
uses the most fuel when accelerating from a stop and when performing an
emergency acceleration. It also wastes fuel when idling or in stop-and-go
traffic. The 2nd generation hybrids effectively address both
situations admirably. A 2nd generation hybrid is also called a
“full” hybrid.
What I’m really
looking forward to is the 3rd generation of hybrids. Also called
“plug-in” hybrids, these vehicles will have very large battery arrays (most
likely using lithium ion cells, not nickel metal-hydride.) A plug-in hybrid can be plugged in overnight to be
recharged – but it doesn’t have to be.
If plugged in overnight, the 3rd generation hybrids could get as
high as 250 MPG over short distances (40-60 miles) before switching back to 2nd
generation hybrid mode (typically 45-60 MPG). Thus, if some driver has a
relatively short drive to work (say, 10-30 miles one-way), that person would
probably have to fill up only once three months!
There have been a few
documented cases where independent engineers have modified a Prius II with
additional battery reserves in order to turn it into a rudimentary 3rd
generation hybrid. Some of these cars have gotten 100-150 MPG (see www.greenhybrid.com) using NiMH cells.
There is also a documented case of a Prius II being augmented with solar cells.
That configuration yielded 75 MPG.
I really look forward
to the day when the
Sources:
IMA: Integrated Motor Assist. This
system is used by Honda on the Civic hybrid. It was previously deployed in the
Honda Insight, a small 2-passenger car that got over 65 MPG and the V6 Accord.
IMA is a “Mild” hybrid system because the engine cannot disconnect from the
transmission in order to allow the electric motor to push the car by itself. It
is, however, the best mild hybrid
system around.
HSD:
FAS: Flywheel Alternator Starter.
This is something of a “special purpose” hybrid. Instead of using electrical
energy to push the vehicle, FAS essentially turns the vehicle into a 14 Kw
mobile power plant. It supports four standard 110v outlets. This system is
implemented in the Chevy Silverado pickup truck. FAS is a mild hybrid system.
BAS: Belt Alternator Starter. This
is GM’s “budget” hybrid system. A 32v battery pack gives the vehicle idle-stop
and rudimentary motor-assist. BAS gives a 15-20% increase in fuel economy. This
system is used in the Saturn Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. This is a mild
hybrid system.
2-Mode: This is GM’s heavy-duty hybrid system. Like HSD, 2-Mode is a “full”
hybrid system, but also adds towing capability. 2-Mod2 can operate in a number
of ways: motor only (EV), 4 cylinders only, 4+ motor, 8 cylinders only, and
8+motor. The first 2-mode trucks (Chevy Tahoe Hybrid) should be available in
2008.
E-Flex: This is the prototype propulsion system for the Chevy Volt concept car.
The E-Flex system is an advanced “full” hybrid. The vehicle is initially
propelled solely by batteries and uses a small gasoline engine to keep the
batteries charged. The E-Flex is also a “plug-in” hybrid, meaning that the
batteries can be charged with household current. When used as a “plug-in”
hybrid, an E-Flex vehicle could theoretically travel 40 miles without using any
gasoline. The first E-Flex vehicle (Chevy Volt concept) could be available
sometime between 2010 and 2012. The limiting factor for release would be the
mass availability of low-cost, high-quality lithium ion batteries. The Volt
could be given the exoskeleton from the
Hydrogen Hybrids: These vehicles use a fuel cell stack and a
set of batteries to provide propulsion. Current prototypes include the GM
Sequel and the limited-lease Honda Clarity FCX . The chief advantage of a
hydrogen hybrid is that the exhaust is only water vapor. But many technological
hurdles must be overcome before hydrogen hybrids can become commercially
viable. Some of these factors include: lack of a hydrogen refueling
infrastructure; lack of non-leaking hydrogen containment tanks; high
fabrication costs (currently, close to $1 million per vehicle); short life span
(30,000 miles). This technology may not at be ready for quite some time.
Other Mystery Hybrids: Nissan is developing its own hybrid
technology so that it will not have to pay licensing fees to
Mileage Highs and Lows:
* 69 MPG was observed once while driving a 4 hour day
trip to Luray Caverns. I had the cruise control set to 62 MPH and the terrain
was mostly flat. I made no stops, and I didn’t run the air conditioning. The
temperature was about 75, and there was low humidity. Basically, the driving
conditions matched the “perfect” EPA test conditions.
** 36 MPG was observed
once while driving in an incredibly hilly terrain in