High Mileage Hybrids: 2002 Toyota Prius vs. 2003 Honda Civic

In the automotive realm, manufacturers are working toward an eco-friendly performance vehicle that sips fuel like a teetotaler in a speakeasy, yet lays tracks like a Viper. Governmental pressure has forced carmakers to build and sell vehicles that effectively increase fuel mileage across their entire product line.

Nontraditional powertrains are but one of many technologies currently being developed to address future mileage requirements. Toyota and Honda have tackled the challenges, and both carmakers have introduced a car they hope fits the needs of the current and future market. Just how real-world-friendly is each company's offering?

Toyota was the first one in the hybrid pool with the release of its Prius sedan. Introduced first for the Japanese market in '97 with just 58 hp underhood, the Prius was revised for U.S. consumption in '01, powered by a 1.5L/70-hp gasoline engine augmented by a 44-hp electric motor. A separate motor/generator charges the batteries, starts the gas engine, and controls the continuously variable function of the transmission via the sun gear of the Prius' planetary gearset.