The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, with its advanced IMA hybrid technology, achieves the highest fuel economy of any 2008 Honda automobile; giving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. The Civic Hybrid pioneered the introduction of gasoline-electric technology in mainstream vehicles. Its integrated motor assist (IMA) system makes the choice of selecting only the electric motor for operation whenever the situation demands. Now in its second generation, it continues to prove that the fun-to-drive, accommodating nature of the regular Civic translates well into an advanced technology vehicle.

The 1.3-liter, i-VTEC, four-cylinder engine together with the 20-horsepower electric motor produce a combined 110 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 123 pound-feet of torque at 1,000-2,500 rpm. The IMA hybrid system uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power, while the electric motor provides both additional power and electricity regeneration capability. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) smoothly optimizes transmission ratios for optimal fuel efficiency. The steering controls are easy to maneuver and make for effortless driving in virtually any condition. Parking is also easy. Combined with its responsive steering and superb mileage, the Honda Civic Hybrid is an ideal city car. For 2008 the tire-pressure monitoring system has been made standard.

A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The quality of the interior is striking and the styling sophisticated. The Hybrid has a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating, and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players, compact discs and more. Also available is the Honda satellite-linked navigation system with voice activation. However, for a car built basically for city driving, the 2008 Civic Hybrid is low on one utilitarian feature - there are no rear seat folding options. The braking is also a cause for some concern, being non-linear. Even the instrument panel, which has been split into what seems like two pieces, can sometimes be confusing to the user.

The wide array of standard safety technologies include the advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure; side curtain air bags; driver and front passenger side air bags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger air bags (SRS). Active front-seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution; and front seatbelts with automatic pretensioners and load limiters.