Hybrids make IntelliChoice "Best Deal" list
The Honda Civic Hybrid, Prius, Escape Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid all made the IntelliChoice "Best Deal of the Month" for September. IntelliChoice officials say hybrid technology is proving its value over the life of a vehicle.
The Civic Hybrid was tops in the Compact Over $16,000 segment while Prius was first in the Midsize Under $21,000 class. Leading the Compact Utility Over $21,000 was Escape Hybrid 2WD and Highlander Hybrid 2WD was crowned in Intermediate Utility Over $29,000.
Officials say that even with higher up-front cost and insurance premiums, the total cost of ownership over five years is lower than each of the hybrid's closest competitors.
[Source: BusinessWire]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Z. 8:54AM (9/11/2006)
Where do you get a Civic Hybrid for under $16k???!!!
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Jimmy 9:04AM (9/11/2006)
The article lists:
Compact over $16,000: Honda Civic Hybrid (Auto)
Compact under $16,000: Honda Civic DX (Auto)
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Ryan 10:49AM (9/11/2006)
The Prius gets all the hype, but its tenure on our Best Deals list speaks volumes about hybrid technology.
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Tim 12:55PM (9/11/2006)
According to the manufacturers' respective websites:
Honda Civic Hybrid base price = $22,150 + destination fee of $595 = $22,745 minimum price.
Toyota Prius base price = $21,725 + delivery/handling fee of $580 = $22,305 minimum price.
Neither the Civic nor the Prius are under $21,000, let alone $16,000.
I don't understand how any of these hybrids could win a best deal award when we are talking purely dollars. For example, if (using the IntelliChoice site) you compare the Civic to the Hyundai Elantra (Manual), you'll see that the Elantra costs about $9000 less to purchase and over five years costs only $2800 more to own. Not only that, but the Civic's warranty will have run out, but the Elantra's will still be good for another 5 years. The Elantra is the clear winner.
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Mike Magda 1:35AM (9/12/2006)
MikeZ & Jimmy, mistake now corrected. Thanks for spotting it.
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