I would have to agree, the 2005 model is a very standard looking car but delivers excellent fuel economy. I have a friend who has the Prius 2006 model and he hates the freeway driving as it just does not preform, and is very light on the steering. One down side to the Honda is the CVT gearbox, Honda just removed and replaced mine, (2005 Hybrid) under warranty. It seems Honda are still having major problems with the CVT box.

Just some more info for you to digest. :O)

Don Lapre Williams
webmaster@linuxrocks.org
http://www.linuxrocks.org

I disagree with your review and comparison between Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. I test drove boththese vehicles beforei decided to buy Honda Civic Hybrid 2005. Yes, Toyota Prius 2004/2005 was a little more fuel efficient than Honda civic Hybrid 2005, and yes Prius was a little more powerful. But, when i drove Prius it felt as if i was not in a conventional car. And add to that the cost of the Prius was $7,000 more than the Civic not to mention the wait of 3 to 4 months upon order. And when it comes ot dirivng the Prius on a rough road, you can then see where the difference lies between Prius and Civic.

Now that the Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 is much more improved and a lot more elegant, still maintaining its driving feel of a conventional car, i believe its a much better buy than Prius than before, unless Toyota comes out with a improved version. But then again, thats just my opinion!! And yes the thing about Civic being better for longer drives, that holds true for its predecessor too (2005 model). Don’t know if Prius was fit for a long drive say between Melbourne to Sydney or something. I’ve found Civic Hybrid quite comfortable.