Auto News 5

Despite the sudden drop in gas prices, the long-term trend toward green cars appears solidly in place. But if green machines are the new reality, when are they going to look like something other than dull or dorky little nerd-mobiles? The just-introduced redesigned Toyota Prius and the new Honda Insight, for instance, are the twin geeks of hybrid propulsion. And the boxy new Lexus HS250h hybrid has all the visual dynamism of a shrunken Toyota Camry. None of the mid-size hybrid sedans are anything exciting to look at, and neither is Volkswagen's Jetta TDI. Where is the style? Where is the swagger? Where is the sex appeal?

Each time I drive the Civic, I am enamored of the whimsical blue-lit split-level gauges in front of me. That, and the low cowl and wide expanse of glass. They are touches that help explain why owning a Civic - for those who don't care about having a mind-bending driving moment - still feels like a special experience long after the new smell wears off.