Earthy Cars Blog: EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2009 Blue Honda Civic Hybrid

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, Blue, Sedan, 65693 mi, $14,900 http://bit.ly/tq5RSQ Compact, MPG = 40/45

VIRTUAL TOUR:
Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/honda/civic-hybrid/2009/cvt-at-pzev/virtual-tour.html

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Honda-Civic+Hybrid-2009/photos/

SPECS / FEATURES:
AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Honda-Civic+Hybrid-2009/specs/

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2009&make=Honda&model=Civic%20Hybrid&trimid=107952

Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/honda/civic-hybrid/2009/cvt-at-pzev/features.html

EXPERT REVIEWS:
NewCarTestDrive via AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Honda-Civic+Hybrid-2009/expert-review/

“The 2009 Honda Civic gets a freshened look. The Civic continues holds its position at the top of the highly competitive compact class, thanks to innovative styling, refinement, Honda reliability, and a broad model line that ranges from the eco-friendly Civic Hybrid to the racy Civic Si.

All 2009 Civics present a fresh face to the world, with a new bumper and grille up front, and new headlight and taillight color combinations. Uplevel models feature new alloy wheel designs as well. Inside, all 2009 Civic models come with a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.

The Civic comes standard with side-impact airbags and other safety features that are optional on competitive models. Vehicle Stability Assist, which is Honda's name for electronic stability control, is now standard on the Civic EX-L and Civic Hybrid, in addition to the Civic Si.

The Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a permanent magnet electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid features dramatically reduced emissions, and it delivers an EPA-rated 40/45 mpg City/Highway, second only to the 48/45 mpg of the Toyota Prius.”

"We like driving Honda Civics. We found ride quality in the Honda Civic solid but not overly firm, with less road noise and wind whistle than is common for the class. The exceptionally stiff chassis gives the Civic a solid and planted feel. The brake feel is solid as well. Thoroughly modern front and rear suspension designs deliver impressive stability and certain steering response. The long wheelbase smoothes the ride."

"The Honda Civic is the benchmark for compact cars. The Civic LX sedan is a superb choice for someone who wants a practical compact that is smooth, comfortable and quick. The EX models add all the conveniences, including heated leather seats in the EX-L. The GX offers basic transportation with the potential economy and real emissions reduction of natural gas. The Hybrid makes a good commuter car with its fuel-saving electric motor. The Si Coupe and Si Sedan deliver sporty performance for driving enthusiasts."