Need a quick answer on which Hybrid Car to get... Prius or Civic Hybrid?

[Tim]

My dad drives about 90 miles a day and he can get back trouble. Furthermore, he needs cruise control and I heard that cruise control is only an option for the prius.please tell me....*please only hybrid CARSbut thanks for the info

[skyer]

I have some back problems too, and much prefer a taller vehicle than either the Prius or the Civic, because a taller vehicle is easier for me to get in and out of...Ford offers an Escape hybrid model that may work out better for your Dad... And I'm pretty sure cruise control is available on the Escape.

[Chigga]

Ford Escape gets the best MPG of any CUV. I highly recommend the Ford Escape hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, or the Mazda Tribute Hybrid.

[gortonfisherman]

NONE!!! Hybrids are nothing but a patch to try and get mileage up. If you want mileage, look at the newer turbo diesels. The mileage claims on hybrids are totally BOGUS! AND, wait untill you have to replace those battery packs on a hybrid, you'd better get pre-approval for a major loan from your bank, try 4 figures.

[nekaguy]

The Prius has awful seats. I can tell you that. I wouldn't want to drive 90 miles a day with back problems in a Prius.I get the idea that because your dad drives 90 miles a day, you think that it would be economical to get a hybrid. It wouldn't be. The premium over a normal Civic or Corolla combined with extra hybrid maintenance means that you won't be saving any money. So don't limit your choices by what comes in a hybrid model. I know someone with very severe back problems who bought a Mazda 3 because she said the driver's seat made her back feel good. The Mazda 3's are fuel effecient and inexpensive to buy. I would say only to buy a hybrid model if the main concern is the environment.EDITHa, you didn't post the second part until after I wrote this...my advice still stands.

[Mommy]

Prius. for sure. Love them. Everyone I know that has one has fallen madly in love with their Prius. If you live in Northern CA go to Downtown Toyota in Oakland. My friends and I have had great car buying experiences there.

[skyer]

it will cost you an extra $50.00 per month if you finance for 5 years to get a hybrid. get a small car with comfortable adjustable seat. a lot of them get great mileage. check Emunds .com.

[kayef57]

I would highly recommend buying a Toyota Prius. Toyotas are a lot more stylish than Hondas. The Prius even gets better gas milegae than the Civic.

[Rona]

I'd look at a diesel also, but a cool one would be one of those leftover Accord Hybrids. Performance + Hybrid = WIN

[Rider]

Cruise control is standard on the Prius. I own a 2007 base model Prius with zero extra features, and it has cruise control. It doesn't have an mp3 jack or a backup camera, but it has most of the other features of the other Prius models.I would suggest having your dad test drive the two cars. They get pretty similar mileage, with the Prius being better in city driving and both cars being roughly equal on the freeway. Personally I think the Prius seats are quite comfortable, but I've never driven a Civic hybrid, so I can't compare.Bear in mind that the Prius sells about 5 times as many models as the Civic hybrid. The main reason people choose the Civic is because they want a hybrid, but think the Prius looks looks ugly. That's why Honda was recently running TV ads comparing the Prius to a wedge of cheese. However, the Prius looks that way because it's the most aerodynamic car on the road, which is part of the reason it gets slightly better mileage than the Civic hybrid.