The Honda Civic Hybrid is a compact car that uses the same basic model as the Civic, and they started production in 2002 as entered as a 2003 hybrid model.

The vehicle has a CVT (continuously variable transmission) along with IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) as the hybrid system, which is similar to other Honda hybrids. The current, and second, generation (updated from the 2002-2005 line) has an updated IMA, (Integrated Motor Assist) a better camshaft profile, increased the mpg rating to 40mpg city and 45mpg highway, along with many other improvements – although they did remove the manual transmission option to the chagrin of many manual enthusiasts.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is in the same market range as the Toyota Prius, although it has less horsepower than the Prius and is a tad bit smaller; along with a much less powerful motor assist. However Honda Civic Hybrid it still performs well as its 12 gallon gas tank can still theoretically go around 530 miles before running out.  Under the recent Cash for Clunkers (Car Allowance Rebate System) program in the United States many of the Honda Civic hybrids were sold, and qualified for state and federal government tax rebates. 

However there are no more tax credits available from the federal government in the United States for the Honda Civic or any other Honda models, as they have reached their quotas.

The Honda Civic, as a whole (with the non-hybrid) was the second most popular vehicle bought during the government rebates program, losing only to the Toyota Corolla.