Honda civic or Toyota Prius
 

I have the opportunity to buy either a 2003 civic hybrid or prius both for about the same price and both have about the same mileage, mid 60,000. Which would be a good backup car when I have to take the family somewhere and why would it be better.

I guess this depends on what engine/trans the Civic has, but if it's a manual I'd get it. This would allow you more control if you're really into hypermiling. The Civic's weight and frontal area are slightly smaller, giving you an advantage if you plan to heavily aeromod it (reducing Cd is easier than reducing FA).

If you plan on using it mostly for city driving, then go with the Prius, as it has regenerative braking.

But maybe owners or either should have a say.

the honda is 1.3 L hybrid with the auto trans.

Get the Prius without question. The Civic is a slightly better highway car, but IMO not by much. The Prius has more cargo area and will obliterate the Civic in city driving. If you were going to get the manual version (which has lean burn) it would be a closer toss up, but I would not go with the CVT on the Civic. I take my Prius on the highway all the time, set the cruise @ 60 mph and get 55-60 mpg. The Civic will do maybe 5 mpg better than that.