Likely My Final Choice

I've looked at a bunch of cars. Sedans, wagons, coupes.

For my money, for my desire, for my driving habits, I think I've narrowed things down to, essentially, the Honda Civic.

Yes, the full-sized 2006 Honda Civic. There are three model types, the DX, LX and EX. I'm thinking I'm liking the EX because, after all, that's the one I drove.

A friend of mine at work recently purchased a 2006 Civic and allowed me a brief drive. I enjoyed every moment and then some.

First, I have to admit: I really like the styling of the new Civics. My fiance doesn't care for the styling at all. I suppose it's a love/hate relationship. But then again she wants a new Toyota Tundra pickup truck. She's into fantasy; I'm into reality. In my opinion, gas ain't goin' down in price boys and girls. Those who think so are sorely deranged.

So, momentarily, let's attack that MPG factor.

MPG of any given Tundra sucks. Period.

My 2003 Subaru Outback Sport gets around 22 to 23 mpg. That's on a forgiving day.

With only two weeks on the odometer, my friend drove his new Civic to the Bay Area and back, and acquired 48 mpg. Last weekend he drove from Placerville to the East Bay and back. He acquired 43 mpg. And folks: that's with a brand new engine. Mileage only gets better with a few more miles.

Quite frankly, those figures are better than the ones quoted by hybrid vehicles.

Here's my take on Hybrids:

• Slow
• Ugly
• Minimal engine
• Huge battery box replacement costs
• Complicated electronic system susceptible to failure

The 2006 Honda Civic acquired an overall superior mileage figure to that of any Toyota or Honda Hybrid. Hybrid figures, people are discovering, are laced with falsehoods. The Honda Civic automatic gets better gas mileage than the standard transmission -- due to its algorithmic shifting points. I am told it does not hunt for gears whilst traveling uphill.

I'm going to investigate having a Civic in my future.

BZ