Honda civic hybrid is one of most fuel efficient cars for 2008

For most of us, the high gas prices is definetely something we can’t get used to.  But in an effort to try to fight the cost of gas, you might want to consider investing in a hybrid car.  According to Consumer Report, the Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the top 10 picks.

Although many people do not know much about these cars, their presence is being seen more often, especially with the spike in fuel prices.  Salesman Peter James says this is only the beginning.

“What you’re looking at here is the wave of the future.  This is where cars are going to go at some point so it’ll be less worried about gas and more on other resources.”

This particular car runs on a combination of both gas and electric means.  It has an integrated motor assist (IMA) system that consists of a 1.3 liter gasoline engine partnered with a lightweight, high-output electric motor. 

The combination of the two elements allows the car to run on both sources, causing the gas to last longer.  This also reduces the number of times (and amount of money) that you put into fueling it.

The car is made to used the IMA motor to start.  If the charge is low on the battery pack, then the system has a seperate battery and starter motor to back it up. 

The Facts:

• Priced at about $22,600
• Gets about 44 mpg (miles per gallon) overall
• Has a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor/generator

After review of all the statistics, this is one way to help fight back in the battle of the gas prices, and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

So what do you think?  Do you think this hybrid is as efficient as one might believe?