So after spending last weekend in our Mini E and jumping into our 2007 Honda Civic GX last night, I think I'm able to develop a quasi-educated opinion about our two green cars. As you already know the Honda is our natural gas long-termer, the Mini E our electric car.
Honda Civic GX
Pros:
- Even though it has a small trunk at least you can carry three passengers.
- Awesome fuel range.
- Can fill at home with Phill
- Ours has a single occupant car-pool lane sticker. Woo!
Cons:
- The limited availability of natural gas fueling stations makes it tricky for planning long road trips.
- Not fun to drive but at all.
Mini E
Pros:
- Still retains some of its gokartness.
- I find it easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic once I got used to taking my foot of the accelerator to slow down, etc.
- No gas required.
- Can charge it at home even without a specially installed wall charger.
Cons:
- With only two seats and a tiny trunk, you can't haul much around.
- Takes a lonnnng time to recharge.
- Very limited driving range means you have to carefully plan your trips or take none at all.
- Would have to be your second car.
Which one do I prefer?
Um. Hmmm. If I HAD to choose one, eeesh.....I guessssss, huh, I'd say the Mini. But remember, I'm a single city dweller who likes fun cars (the Mini for me is more fun to drive than the Civic) and who likes the idea of no gasoline. And for long road trips, I have the Edmunds/Inside Line fleet to choose from. Suffice it to say, not everyone will share my opinion. But then again, after two years in our fleet the Honda Civic GX has inspired only 55 posts. The Mini E after only four months? 70. Just sayin'.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 35,301 miles (2007 Honda Civic GX)
altimadude00 says:
11:48 AM, 11/ 5/09
I would take the Civic just because it's more practical. (i.e. four seats and a trunk)
slickersdrip says:
11:54 AM, 11/ 5/09
Civic GX because then I could actually keep it.
caroscuro says:
11:58 AM, 11/ 5/09
altimadude00,
It's trunk is actually almost as small as the Mini's.
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2008/05/2007-honda-civic-gx-a-different-kind-of-fill-up.html
slickersdrip,
Good point.
kingkhalas says:
12:12 PM, 11/ 5/09
If you could still get Phill, the Civic GX wins due to carpool sticker in los angeles.
louiswei says:
12:25 PM, 11/ 5/09
The Mini S, Civic Si and Prius.
louiswei says:
12:28 PM, 11/ 5/09
The Mini S, Civic Si and Prius.
jaguar36 says:
01:12 PM, 11/ 5/09
Mini E, hands down. Its fun to drive. I don't need more cargo room in my commuter car, nor do I care about range with my 25 mile (one way) commute.
The real question is which one is cheaper to run. (The Mini's high lease price is irrelevant since its just a test)
hybris says:
01:54 PM, 11/ 5/09
If I could convert the GX to run off of propane then I could possibly go with it other wise I'll take something else please.
sherief says:
02:12 PM, 11/ 5/09
Hmmm I think I'll walk.
soareyes says:
03:21 PM, 11/ 5/09
You can get the car pool lane (white) sticker for the Mini E too, just an $8 application fee to the DMV.
hondacura4 says:
03:26 PM, 11/ 5/09
The Civic GX and purchase a Civic HFP kit from the dealer. Fun to drive issue solved.
super_ongoy says:
05:43 PM, 11/ 5/09
Neither. I hate Hummers but if I had to choose between these type of cars and a hummer, I will have to go with the Hummer.
If I have to between the two, I would go get myself a burger.
firstwagon says:
06:43 PM, 11/ 5/09
The MiniE easily.
It would be fun to own one of the few electric cars on the road and it would always be interesting enough to compensate for the short comings.
There is nothing interesting about the GX.
thejohnp says:
08:46 PM, 11/ 5/09
Then again Caroline you have a 2004 Prius listed in your current line up that's only had 24 posts written. How does that factor in?
kingkhalas says:
08:54 AM, 11/ 6/09
GX is cheaper and you could install some aftermarket stuff to make it better.
efinils2 says:
06:39 PM, 11/ 8/09
VW Golf TDI! Destroys the mileage/range of the GX/E and doesn't require exotic planning for medium/long trips.