Looking at an '04 Civic Hybrid

[Formula413]

Is regen simply an on/off thing, or can it induce more drag as the brake pedal is depressed harder before applying the regular brakes?

[RobertSmalls]

You get moderate regen during DFCO, and strong regen when you touch the brake pedal. It comes on smoothly.

Did you respond to any ads? Buy any Honda hybrids?

[Formula413]

I test drove one on Saturday. It's an '03 with a stick. I found it pretty easy to get the hang of using regen. I might end up buying it, but it has some body damage and the owner is asking for too much IMO. As far as the driving experience, to me the car feels very underpowered, even with plenty of charge in the battery. I also noticed the gearing is very steep, I wasn't shifting out of 4th gear until about 40-45 mph, and I tend to short shift. RPM was only about 2200 at 60 mph. But I have to admit the MPG is a big turn on. I drove it pretty hard on the test drive, and when I finished the factory trip computer said 42.5 mpg. My Escort would have been lucky to break 30 on the same trip. I may try out a Prius as well while I'm waiting to see if my offer sticks. But I like the idea of a stick. We'll see.

[RobertSmalls]

The gearing is amazingly tall, but it's okay to rev these things to 3500-4500RPM. At first it feels stupid to shift into 2nd at 45mph, or into 3rd on the interstate, but when you look at the resultant RPM and BSFC, you realize that's how to drive it.

If you just upshift as soon as you can without lugging, the car is laughably slow, on par with a fully loaded tractor trailer. I've discovered elevation changes on my commute that I honestly hadn't noticed before.

[Formula413]

Got one!

Took the plunge