HCH vs. Prius?
Created November 7, 2007, at 5:40 pm by Operator
New here, but been reading the threads and ended up with a few questions.
I've been looking at the Civic Hybrid versus the Prius, and am looking for opinions from people who have driven both. In terms of reliability and maintenance, which one is going to last longer?
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4 years ago
I think they will both last a long time. Try them out and buy the one you like. I think the prius gives slightly better FE in town and the HCH2 may be better in the country. I have had my HCH2 for a year with no problems. I am allways better that 50mpg. In Cacada the HCH2 was $5000.00 less to purchase. Same options. They are both very good autos. :D Good luck, H
4 years ago
The Prius is currently rated as the most reliable vehicle (hybrid or not). This honor is not by mistake since its design typifies the promise of the technology behind a well designed hybrid.
The Civic hybrid has been the most reliable Civic as well... and the Civic has alway been a role model in this department.
This is not to say that the neither the Prius nor the Civic Hybrid have no problems. They sure do, but those have been few and in the form of non-critical recalls (the Prius has had a few more than the HCH, but then it has sold in greater numbers for a lot longer as well).
I own two HCH's (private use) and 3 Prius (for company use) and they have been as predictable as they have been fuel efficient. I highly recommend either of the cars so whichever you buy, you will not regret it.
In any case, test drive them both and pick the one that suits you best. Each car has it own attributes and what works for one person is not likely to work for another.
Given the design attributes of the Prius and the model's maturity (it was released two years before the current gen HCH), I would say the Prius would have a slight reliability edge.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
The Honda Civic Hybrid is tagged with the Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle rating. This means that it is definitely an eco-friendly car that everyone can benefit from. The integrated battery pack in the car is designed to take you to the distance. With an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty, you will truly enjoy the Civic Hybrid for years. I think civic will last longer....:D
4 years ago
The Prius II is also an AT-PZEV rated vehicle and has a comparatively longer warranty than the Civic Hybrid II. ;)
MSantos
4 years ago
Take it from a Honda Civic Hybrid Owner who wishes he bought the Prius.
Don't buy the Honda Civic Hybrid P.O.S.!
3 years ago
I purchased a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid about one year ago and now have 32K miles on it. This is a great car that I confidently recommend to others. I am sure the Prius is also a great car as Toyota and Honda both have top reputations for reliability. I really chose the HCH because the styling seemed a little more conventional. Besides, I never have to wonder how to pronounce Civic!
3 years ago
I also now own both. For a longer trip I will take the HCH while for a shorter trip its Prius time. A few more bells and whistles in the Prius and it has the cool look.
If you have 20 mile commutes with some highway the HCH will give equally as good or maybe a bit better mileage. If you want a car for delivering kids to school... go prius.
Bottom line is if the extra 3-4k that the prius costs is not a concern to you then get the Prius.
I promise you that either way you are making the correct decision.
3 years ago
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT GO HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. Honda technicians are no where prepared to service these cars. The Gas Mileage SUCKS, even with 65 degree Spring climate, I am averaging 25 -28 MPGs highway driving, flat terrain, 55MPH. This really sucks, and so does HONDA. I invested extra money in this car, and would do better in a TRANSPORT TRUCK!!!
3 years ago
Reggie, something is seriously F'ed up on your car. it only has a 1.3 liter engine so the only way that gets 25 MPG at 55 MPH is if the IMA is turning the wrong freaking way. that really sucks, I hope Honda fixes the problem.
3 years ago
The 2009 HCH does not offer Vehicle Stability Control while it is available on the Prius. I live in the north and slippery roads are an issue here. Any comments from HCH owners regarding road stability of the car during slick conditions, or Prius owners regarding the real world functionality of the VSC would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
3 years ago
Either the Prius or the HCH will behave poorly without the proper winter tires. These two cars come with LRR tires and they are hardly appropriate for adverse conditions. Snow tires are absolutely mandatory for people living with either car in winters with snow and Ice.
With that said, many people find that the HCH-II will handle snow and ice far better than the Prius even if the first does not have stability control. The HCH-II has however EBD (electronic brake distribution) and a superior suspension geometry which does wonders to make it feel better planted on the road. it is also less susceptible to crosswinds (a common Prius problem at highway speeds)
One other thing that has plagued the Prius in extreme & slippery conditions is the traction control (TRAC). The problem is less acute in the later models but it can still be quite serious depending on the circumstances - basically in an incline with Ice or gravel the car can get stuck and simply refuse to move as it barely allows any wheel spin. My 2007 Prius is still affected by this at odd times.
So far, in terms of fuel economy the HCH-II appears to have a slight edge for extreme winter conditions as well, since the Prius will be denied the use of EV and that means its gas engine will run all the time.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
I used to own a Prius from March 2005 - February 2007 and put 41,000 miles on her. I loved my Prius. But liiving in western Pa with harsh winters and a long incline driveway, my Prius was not up to the challange. The traction control was a nightmare! After walking up my driveway everyday after returning home for an entire week, I had to let her go. I still do miss her. But I ofter wonder if HCH would fare better during winter conditions. Does it have the dreaded Traction Control?
3 years ago
Honda does not offer traction control on the Honda Civic Hybrid that it sells in North America.
With a good set of winter tires it will almost never get stuck. I should know as well since I live with snow and ice for 6 months a year.
3 years ago
I am considering my first hybrid and am looking seriously at the Prius Touring 2008, which I have driven and have a potential deal for at a Toyota Dealer in town. I like the HCH but it doesn't quite work for my needs design wise right now--with the small trunk and seats that do not fold down. However, since the third generation Prius is expected to be released in 2009--along with several other new hybrids--and perhaps even the Saturn hypbrid plugin--I am struggling with whether to buy the 2008 now or wait untiil late fall or next spring to see what else evolves.
Any advice from anyone about this? What would you do if you were buying your first hybrid?
Thanks for your help!
GJacobs
3 years ago
Thanks for the comments folks. My wife decided on the Prius tonight and actually went out and bought one. It looks like I will be buying some snow tires for it before winter. :-O I was leaning towards the Honda....but it was her money and car. If you don't hear from me again by February 09, you will know I am stuck on a slippery incline here in Minneapolis. LOL
Cheers!
Seriously, I'll report back on the traction issue. Thanks again!
3 years ago
Joe, she make a great choice. Congratulations !!!
Please do let us know how she's faring.
I also suggest you visit us at www.CleanMPG.com as we have the absolute best Prius pilots in the community and well as the best Prius specific information anywhere.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
Gerhardt,
My wife has had her 2008 Prius for a few days now. I keep bugging her for more chances to drive it! Both my wife and I think it is a great car. When we picked up the car, the salesman told me they are going like hotcakes. Everytime the price of gas jumps they get a slug of calls from people looking for the Prius. Oil is knocking on $120 in Asia tonight......good for Prius sales. I was a skeptic and am now a believer.
Whether you get the 2008 or 2009, I think you'll like the car.
Joe
3 years ago
My 06 HCH is getting close to needing new rubber. What impact will the LRR type as opposed to simple H on mileage if anyone knows? Also any suggestions as to brand model? The factory Dunlops are kind of noisy Thanks BTW MY HCH is 47-47 in cold weather 51 - 52 summer. First car I ever bought that gets better millage than they quoted.
3 years ago
I'm also researching both vehicles and was on a Toyota Lovers forum last night. They were very frank about how Toyota as a corporation really sucks now and they are having warrenty issues. Dealers say it's Toyota's issues and vice versa so repairs are not being done after one try. They also posted many comments about rattles and noises in the dashes of their vehicles that can't be resolved. It sure is swaying me towards Honda but I've always believed the Toyota reputation for longevity.
I live in Northern Alberta so I appreciate the comments about highway and traction issues.
Thanks Folks
3 years ago
WClark:
Honda is not better off either when it comes to servicing their respective hybrids. This is a problem that has been with us for the better part of the last 9 years.
The probability of customer discontent increases with some dealers (Honda or Toyota) particularly those that skimp of technical education for their technicians. In the end, the key to customer satisfaction lies with whatever research you can make on which dealer is the most competent.
Fortunately, Hybrids are selling in large enough volumes that dealers are taking the plunge and training their staff better, but it will be a while until all dealers are at the same competency level. If you have access to several dealers in an urban setting then the chances are VERY good that you'll be happy with at least one of them. Check their car lots and see if they have hybrids on their lots (new, owned in for service, or used) and even ask them point blank about how many they service weekly.
Either the Prius (2007 or later) or HCH-2 will serve you well provided that you use winter rubber in the cold season. Other than that I would not hesitate picking either car. Test drive each and pick the one that works best for you.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
Thank you
I also want to address the rumour that when the battery fails after the warrenty is over it could cost up to $10,000 to replace it which is almost as valuable as the car itself. Any truth to that?
3 years ago
$10,000 ??? Those rumors are the kind of mis-information we have not managed to completely stamp out yet. We're still working on that ... one person at a time. :)
Honda and Toyota have been paying for half of the costs for odd battery packs that fail after the warranty coverage period. The owner is often expected to pay up to $2500 (sometimes less) which agrees with what Honda and Toyota have maintained for many years, in that it roughly equals the cost of a transmission replacement.
Also battery replacements are more common on first generation hybrids (Insight, CivicHybrid-1 and Prius-1). The second gen hybrids (CivicHybrid-2 and Prius-2) have better battery management and are hence more dependable which allows both manufacturers to claim their battery packs will last the life of the vehicle.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
Thank you so very much. That settles the debate for me. I will be testing both next week.
You Rock
Wendy
3 years ago
Hey MSantos I have been reading alot of the things talked about on this page and I have come to the conclusion that you know alot about Hybrids ie the HCH and Prius. Now here is my problem Im a student at UCSD and i live about 25 miles away from campus and I drive all Freeway to get to School. So a 50 mile round trip. My current car is 2001 Honda Accord but I think its time to go Hybrid so my brother can get my car and my DAD wants to get me a Hybrid. Now i love Honda SO I really like The HCH and im waiting on Corporate Honda to approve my DAD's credit and the Car is Arriving June 17 2008. DO you think I should wait Or get the car I test drove it already and I love it Drives really great. Do you think I will have some of the similar problems other people are having like low mpgs after some time period of anything like that. What im asking you is do you think im making a good investment.,
Thanks
Tony Trammel
3 years ago
Hi Tony:
I posted a reply to your post here:
http://www.hybridcars.com/forums/hch-should-i-get-one.html
Cheers;
MSantos
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