The Detroit News's view

The automotive “green” movement goes mainstream for the first time with the arrival of the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid.

The best thing about this gas-electric sedan is you don’t have to give up any amenities — well, almost any — to drive an environmentally friendly vehicle.

Priced at $20,099, our test vehicle was nicely equipped with all sorts of power accessories, plus a small and frugal gasoline engine fitted with an integrated electric motor.

She: I remember testing different Earth-friendly vehicles in the past ten years. There was the battery-powered European Ford Escort that had a range of less than 100 miles before you had to plug it in overnight to recharge it. And the natural-gas-powered Chrysler minivan that could only be refilled at a small handful of stations in Metro Detroit. And more recent hybrids like the Honda Insight, which only seats two people, and the Toyota Prius, with its alien-looking instrument panel and incomprehensible gauges. Wow. What a pleasure to have a hybrid like the Honda Civic that seems so familiar and ordinary.

He: And you’d almost never guess this has a gas engine and an electric motor just from the everyday driving experience. The transition from one mode of power to another is virtually seamless, and the battery pack recharges itself automatically while you’re driving, so you never have to plug anything in. The only real difference is when you come to a red light, and the vehicle shuts itself off automatically, then restarts when you press the throttle — sort of like a golf cart. In just about every respect, this looks and feels like your normal, garden-variety Civic sedan. That is, a Civic that’s rated at 51 miles per gallon in highway driving and has a theoretical driving range of more than 650 miles.

She: If you’re freaked out by things like programming a VCR or downloading MP3 files from the Internet, don’t worry. Operating the Civic Hybrid is a no-brainer.

He: Lucky for you. Aren’t you the woman who refers to her old-fashioned address book as the “Polish Palm Pilot”? And yet you sound so eager to embrace this cutting-edge technology. What’s wrong with this picture?

She: What’s right is that Honda’s footing a good part of the bill. The Civic Hybrid has a surprisingly affordable price tag, but that’s because Honda is subsidizing the price to put more vehicles in the hands of consumers. And if the life and replacement cost of the battery pack are concerns, Honda offers an eight-year, 80,000-mile warranty. In this case, there’s almost no risk in becoming a more environmentally conscious driver. You may have to give up some features, such as a sunroof and lighted vanity mirrors. Every item carries a weight penalty or robs power from the engine.

He: What you don’t give up is the ability to carry five people or the sensation of driving a regular Civic. With three or more adults on board, you may notice the Civic Hybrid feels a little sluggish. That’s because the 1.3-liter four-cylinder combined with the electric motor makes only 93 horsepower. The standard five-speed manual transmission helps you squeeze the most out of those precious ponies, although there’s a continuously variable automatic transmission also available for $1,000 more.

She: You’re not giving up anything in the way of safety features either. The Civic Hybrid comes with standard antilock brakes and side air bags. The standard equipment is also pretty lavish for a $20,000 car. Features include a CD player, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control and alloy wheels. In fact, just about the only way to tell this is a special vehicle, outside of popping the hood, is the discreet badge under the right taillight that says Hybrid Gasoline-Electric.

He: I have only minor quibbles with the Civic Hybrid. The digital displays are a little difficult to decipher, especially in direct sunlight. And the 63-pound battery pack, which is located behind the rear seat, encroaches on trunk space. And I’m surprised that Honda hasn’t joined many of its competitors, from Volkswagen to Suzuki, in offering longer, more generous warranties.

She: The big picture — even though it’s only September, and we haven’t been in every new 2003 vehicle, the Honda Civic Hybrid gets my early vote for Car of the Year. We’re well into the dawn of a new automotive era, with radical new technology like fuel cells in the not-too-distant horizon. The Civic Hybrid and cars like it are the transitional vehicles that will take us from here to the future.

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

Anita’s rating: (world class)

Paul’s rating: (world class)

Likes: Seamless integration of gas and electric powerplants. Terrific fuel economy. A painless way to be more environmentally responsible. Priced within reach of most families. Standard safety features include ABS and side air bags. Not much more expensive than the regular Civic sedan. 100,000 miles between tune-ups.

Dislikes: Underpowered. Digital displays a little difficult to read in daylight. Can’t get everyday options like a sunroof because of weight concerns. Not yet mainstream enough to have lighted vanity mirrors (Anita). Battery unit is expensive to replace, but warranty good for eight years or 80,000 miles. Battery pack cuts down a little on trunk space.

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan.

Price: Base, $19,550; as tested, $20,099 (inc. $460 destination charge).

Engine: 1.3-liter I-4 with integrated electric motor; 93-hp (combined); 116 lb-ft torque (combined).

EPA fuel economy: 46 mpg city/51 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,111 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Japan