Honda hybrid problems?

Your IMA light won't shut off?

Recently, Hybridcarblog has a received a number of complaints regarding the Honda Civic hybrid.

Now, overall, most that have provided a Civic hybrid testimonial have been happy with their Honda hybrid. Nonetheless, IMA issues continue to be a problem for some Civic hybrid owners.

Finish: Honda hybrid problems?

Hybrids: Can Honda catch Toyota?

The 2009 Toyota Prius?

In 2009 Honda is going to launch a new hybrid vehicle, one that Honda hopes will sell 200,000 units. That's a huge improvement compared to Honda's top selling hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid. Additionally, it would make the new Honda hybrid as popular as the Toyota Prius.

So, how might Honda accomplish such a monumental task? Read more....

Buy your Honda hybrid before 2008

Full tax credit available only through 2007

If you've been shopping hybrid cars, one of your main criterion might be available tax credits. Already tax credits for Toyota hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius and the Camry hybrid, are fully expired.

Starting in 2008, the hybrid tax credit for Honda hybrids will be cut in half. After July 1 the tax credit will again be cut in half. So, if you've been considering a Honda Civic hybrid, it might be time to pull the trigger.

Prius, Civic - Best hybrid deals

Worth the money

Saving money isn't always the reason people purchase hybrid cars. Of course, saving money is always nice.

According to Kiplinger Magazine - and many other resources - the Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid continue to be the best hybrid vehicle bargains.

The Toyota Camry hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid and Saturn Vue hybrid make up the next level of hybrids, while hybrid SUVs, according to Kiplinger, provide the least savings.

My American-made hybrid

Chevy's foreign oil dependency fighter?

Many SUV fans believe that hybrid SUVs are more important than hybrid cars. These SUV advocates argue that converting the most inefficient vehicles into hybrids results in the greatest fuel savings.

While I see the logic in this belief, I don't agree. Yes, hybrid SUVs are extremely important, but they are not more important than smaller hybrid cars.

For instance, if I'm single, and I want to have the greatest impact on foreign oil dependency, it is far better to buy a Toyota Prius or a Civic hybrid, rather than a Tahoe hybrid.

--> Finish: My American-made hybrid?

Good time to buy a Civic hybrid?

Good selection, good deals?

Let's be honest. The first generation Civic hybrid wasn't the best looking vehicle. The second generation Civic hybrid, however, is a fine looking vehicle.

While many in the auto world are discussing the end of hybrid cars because of the death of the Accord hybrid, what they should be talking about are the deals available for the Civic hybrid.

Not only is Honda offering good leases, nice rates on financing, but they are ready to bargain - at least in Southern California. While the sticker price is around $23,000 for a standard hybrid Civic or $25,000 for a Civic hybrid with a navigation system, I've been told Honda dealers are ready to make deals below sticker price.

So, maybe now is the time to make a deal if you've been considering the Civic hybrid.

BW: The diesel problem for hybrid vehicles?

Death of the hybrid Accord a setback to hybrids?

"Of course, the setbacks don't suggest it's the end of the road for hybrids—it certainly isn't for hybrid pioneers like Toyota and Honda. But it's clear that the difficulties that automakers face in marketing their hybrid engines are still vast, despite the growing awareness of environmental issues."

Wow. I doubt very much Honda ever thought it would sell more than several thousand Accord hybrid vehicles per year. In fact, when the Accord hybrid was developed, Honda didn't believe that such vehicles would EVER replace conventional vehicles. While Honda stepped up their hybrid game with the new Civic hybrid, Honda still isn't nearly as committed to hybrids as Toyota.

In addition to setbacks, such as the Accord, the BW article also claims that clean diesel is set to challenge the future of hybrids.

Honda's next hybrids

What Honda's next hybrid won't look like?

By mid-2009 Honda plans to begin selling its new economy hybrid, which will cost less than the Civic hybrid. Earlier reports indicated the vehicle might be a hybrid version of the Honda Fit, but now it appears the vehicle might be more like Honda's Remix concept.

Finish Honda's next hybrids

Fuel economy dominates Intellichoice vehicle picks

Fuel efficiency scores

Intellichoice.com announced its Best Deals of the Month yesterday, and hybrid cars were very strong performers.

"A look at the list and it's not hard to see that fuel economy is a major factor for May's winners," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are perennial winners, and the Lexus RX 400h displaces the RX 350 on this month's list on the basis of fuel cost.

In addition, the Honda Civic hybrid also made the list.

Forbes - Only 3 hybrids are 'pump-busters'

The Honda Civic Natural Gas Vehicle is the top 'pump-buster'

Only 3 hybrid vehicles qualified as top 'pump-busters' by vehicle category according to Forbes Magazine - a point that Forbes appears to relish. Of course, there simply aren't any hybrids that fit into most of the vehicle categories chosen by Forbes, but who cares about those kinds of details?

Still, the Honda Civic hybrid, the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid each qualified as the top 'pump-busters' in their respective categories.