Used 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan Review & Ratings

Since the late 90's, Honda has been manufacturing its own hybrid models. In the past, the Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan has been one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids on the market. Unfortunately, other manufacturers surpassed their performance in the past couple of years. However, that might change with the release of the new Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan in 2012.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan 2012 has been completely redesigned from past years models. One of the highlights is the improvement in fuel economy ratings. The 2011 model is 40 MPG city and 43 MPG highway while the 2012 hybrid model can reach 44 MPG at both city and highway making the combined efficiency an impressive 44 MPG. The base model costs around $24,000 and has a bigger engine than last year's mode, a 1.5 liter i-VTEC in comparison to the older 1.3-liter. Despite the change in engine size, the power output is still 110 horsepower. However, maximum performance of the Hybrid sedan can be achieved at 5500 RPM instead of 6000 RPM. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan now produces 127 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 4 lb-ft over the 2011 model. The lithium-ion battery pack is a drastic improvement, and is now smaller and lighter than the previous Nickel Metal Hydride units. The Li-On battery pack also produces 7 horsepower more than the old model. The 2012 hybrid sedan may not be fast, but it makes up for the lack of speed with the amazing fuel efficiency. The advanced variable speed transmission adjusts automatically providing the perfect balance of torque and fuel economy. The Honda hybrid model utilizes the Integrated Motor Assist technology that provides additional electric power during acceleration, making up for the low horsepower engine. Because of the lighter engine and battery improvements, you can achieve the same mileage on the city and highway, and impressive 44 MPG. Consumers will also be pleased to know the legroom of the new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan has been increased by almost 2 inches.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan 2012 is available in two trims, the base model and the leather trim level. Honda has received many bad reviews about the Civic'spoorly designed interior, and the Hybrid model is no different. The interior space of the latest hybrid was actually increased despite the decrease in the overall wheelbase of the car. However, even with the increase in legroom and trunk space, reviewers still feel that these were just minor improvements, and not much real change has been made over last years model. The most rewarding aspect of the Hybrid Sedan in terms of interior design would be the customizable Intelligent Multi-information Display (i-MID).