Teresa’s View

My dad would no more buy a hybrid vehicle than wear a pair of Birkenstocks. Let’s just say his views on what he perceives as hippie-dippy philosophies and foot apparel are similar. However, he was visiting me and I was driving, so for two days I squired him about in the 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Here’s the best part — he loved it.

“I can’t believe this is a hybrid!,” he said over and over again.

The car is virtually indistinguishable from the regular, gas-powered Civic. If it weren’t for the hybrid badging, no one would ever know.

Dad imagined a hybrid would be a serious compromise as an everyday driver. He knows that a hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline-powered engine with an electric motor to provide increased gas mileage and lower emissions. What he didn’t know was how smoothly this modern technology could be integrated into a “regular” car.

He raved about the quiet, comfortable ride and how the Civic was equipped with all the features found in the gas-powered Civic, including air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, an AM/FM/CD audio system and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, front side airbags and an Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System — all standard.

Most of all, the Civic Hybrid has something gas-powered vehicles can only dream of — according to Honda, it can travel up to 650 miles on a single tank of gas.

My dad isn’t the only one getting the hybrid message. According to R.L. Polk data, national hybrid vehicle registrations rose 25.8 percent in 2003 vs. 2002. Of the available hybrids, Honda led all other automakers in sales for 2003. The Civic Hybrid alone accounted for half of all hybrid vehicles registrations last year.

Dad may have a new, favorable perspective on hybrids, but getting him into a pair of Birkenstocks is still a no-go.

What Is It?: The Civic is Honda’s entry-level vehicle, with prices starting well under $20K. The hybrid version also stays under the $20K mark — barely.

Bonus: Civic Hybrid buyers may qualify for a one-time clean-fuel vehicle federal tax deduction of up to $1,500.

Back Seat: The bad news is that the windows in the back seat area don’t roll down. Bummer, I know. Two passengers fit fairly comfortably, although taller adults will find their heads tucked under the rear window.

Grocery Sack Test: Paper or Plastic? The cargo space is slightly smaller than the gas-powered Civic due to the battery, but plenty roomy for a week’s worth of groceries.

Car Geek Word of the Week: Integrated Motor Assist. Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology uses a 1.3-liter VTEC engine for primary power, then — like an electric supercharger — utilizes an ultra-thin electric motor to provide added power. The battery recharges itself.