Hybrid vehicles -- those that combine gasoline and electric power to get great fuel economy -- are nothing new, thanks to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight that were introduced a couple of years ago. Read More »

The Civic Hybrid is Honda's second hybrid model, following the two-passenger Insight, and the similar Toyota Prius. Hybrids use a small, efficient gasoline (or diesel) engine, just powerful enough to maintain cruising speed, and uses an electric assist motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries, which automatically recharge as the hybrid is driven. The vehicle does not have to be, in fact, can't be "plugged in." Read More »