HCH 3rd Gen - Any Good?

[redpoint5]

Is the 3rd gen HCH any good? I've read a lot about Gen I and Gen II Civics having notoriously bad batteries. I'm looking for a hybrid for a friend and Civics are pretty cheap compared to a Prius, but if they aren't reliable I'm not interested (since I end up doing all the repairs).

So far the C-Max hybrid is at the top of my list, but they are still expensive.

Did the Fit come in hybrid form, and if so, is it any good?

She prefers a hatchback, but it isn't a requirement. Low overall cost of ownership and reliability are important. Hoping a hybrid will have a more durable transmission too, since she's rough on 'em.

[samwichse]

The third gen is the worst of the three.

Except if you get the post-liion changeover, those are supposedly much better, reliabiltywise.

[S Keith]

HCH3 = 2012+ with Lithium batteries. I have no specific reliability information, but I would expect them to be better than all previous Civics or the G1 Insight. Probably on par with the G2 Insight and CR-Z.

HCH2 is 06-11, but they changed the battery in 09:
2006-2008 battery failed about 16% after 7-8 years
2009-2011 battery failed about 30% after 3-4 years

[vskid3]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Did the Fit come in hybrid form, and if so, is it any good?

Nope. If the answer to those questions was yes, I would likely have one.

Most of Honda's hybrids with automatic transmissions are conventional belt CVTs (I believe that everything in her price range will be that style). I don't know how they would hold up to your friend's wonky driving. I think an eCVT like in Toyota and Ford's hybrids would hold up best.

[Natalya]

What's her budget? G2 Insights have reliable batteries, and you can usually get one with well under 100k miles for under $7000.