2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda has always been at the forefront of hybrid vehicle technology in the United States, first offering the two-seat Insight in 1999 and followed by the Civic in 2002.

In fact, the Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the country, coming before even the popular Toyota Prius. Honda has been perfecting the system ever since and the latest advancements can be found in today's Civic Hybrid.

As many know, a gasoline-electric hybrid's big advantage is its fuel economy. The Civic doesn't disappoint with an EPA estimated 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 on the highway.

It's rated as an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV), which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the United States.

The gas motor is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 110 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, aided by Honda's i-VTEC variable-valve technology. The electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower. An idle-stop feature allows the car to shut off when stationary and seamlessly start up again when required, saving fuel.

These motors are hooked up to a continuously variable transmission.

Smooth-surface lightweight alloy wheels and a subtle trunk-lip spoiler enhance aerodynamics to further increase fuel efficiency.

Fuel mileage indicators are standard, so the driver knows just how much fuel is being consumed. And just how much fuel is being saved.

The Civic Hybrid benefits from the suspension set-up that underpins all Civics, which is MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement in the back. The ride is smooth and compliant.

Inside are many standard comfort and convenience amenities including automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a 160-watt CD stereo with six speakers, two-tier instrument panel and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Civic Hybrid has just one option: a voice-activated navigation system.

Of course, in a vehicle with all this high technology, safety features should be well represented and they are. They include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, brake assist and more.