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What are the major difference between a Honda Civic and a Honda Civic Hybrid (2008)?

Please answer if you have owned both! I am looking to buy a Honda Civic and cant decide if I want a hybrid or not. I really wanted leather but I rather have higher gas milage. What are the pros and cons of both?

Public Comments

1. The only Civic I have ever owned is a 2008 hybrid. The major difference between the two is that the hybrid has a smaller gas engine but also has an electric engine and a large bank of batteries to run the electric engine when additional power is needed, such as when you are accelerating or going up hills. The batteries are normally charged when there is extra power, such as when decelerating or going down hills. This increases gasoline mileage significantly. The higher milage is the biggest pro for the hybrid. Another pro is that in some locations a single person in a hybrid is allowed to drive in the "car pool" lanes. The cons are: -A higher price -You cannot fold down the rear seatbacks to put larger items in the back. -Fewer mechanics qualified to work on the hybrid electrical system if anything goes wrong with it, which is unlikely. -Fewer trim levels, so you cannot order one with some particular options such as leather seats or a moonroof.
2. Reducing the need for new cars is a huge savings in energy and pollution, and keeping an old car on the road for as long as possible saves a ton of energy. Sure, they might need a waterpump or something, but who cares? Most people could do this themselves over a weekend, and spend another few years driving the car without any issues. This country needs to realize it doesn't 'need' new cars at it's current rate of consumption.