Well, for a long time I've debated what I wanted to pick up for a DD. I realized that eventually I'm going to need something that's simple, good on gas, sedan, and manual. Currently I have the luxury of only living 1 mile from work, but that may change here in a year or so. It's quite possible that I'll have to make a 60 mile trip each day. I was debating picking up a diesel truck to drive daily, but now the problem with that is that I won't be getting any use out of it. In a year or so I planned to start building a project car in which case a truck would come in handy for pulling a trailer, etc. Even if I do have that truck though I'll still need something good on gas to drive on longer trips where I'd rather not put the stress on the truck. Basically it boils down to not being able to do everything I want with a truck.

So, at that point my plan was to get a 4 door manual car. I say for door because I've been driving a 94 Civic 2 door for the past year, before that being a 94 Accord sedan. I loved having the 4 doors, especially for passengers, groceries, etc. I was thinking of getting a Subaru until I saw what the insurance rates on them are. I've decided that it would probably be best to just stick with the Honda/Acura family of cars since I've had so much luck with them.

Originally I had never been a fan of the 2001-2005 body, but have rethought things after looking at a couple of the done up sedans. All you really need is the usual Honda things - wheels, slight drop, tint, lip, clean paint job for it to look nice. Since I'll be buying this car as a DD I don't need it to be fast, just something I can play with a little and still have fun and enjoy the reliability and gas mileage. I started thinking about the 5 speed Hybrid. I figured there could be some small mods done with it to make it a little more peppy and nicer looking.

For anyone here that's driven or owns a 2001-2005 Hybrid, what are your thoughts?

 

Well, after doing some more research I think I've answered my own question.

From what I can see, basically the repairs on the car for any of the hybrid system components going bad will quickly offset the gas savings. The battery has a life expectancy of 10 years, and when it does, you need a new one. Apparently a Honda one is around 3,000 dollars, used ones being around 1,000. That's a bill I would readily not want to pay for. Also, other components are quite expensive too. Seems like it would not be the best route to go for someone not wanting to pay for expensive things.

 

They suck i hated mine but it was an auto. Trans went out around 100k. 5spd may be better. Batteries will go bad and they are not cheap.

 

The gas mileage on a regular four door isn't too bad either.

 

i've driven one before...i didn't think the fuel economy was that good...

if you really want a car for fuel economy, check out the toyota taxi (prius)...there are tons of prius taxis around here...they must be reasonably reliable if taxi companies are willing to buy the cars...

 

I have an '03 5-speed at 89,000.

It is underpowered and feels like a video game at times.
There is a lot of electronic gauges on the dash and the steering is electrically assisted, so the feedback required some getting use to.
The ride is harsh, often feels like you are riding on 4 hockey pucks.

It does get pretty good mileage - 42 city and 48 hwy, but like I said underpowered.
I bought it mainly to use the carpool lane when I am by myself on commutes in SoCal.
The HOV stickers alone was worth the extra dough.
And I have been lucky, the thing has been very reliable and has yet to give me problems.