I bought my Civic new for my commute. I labeled this a "friendly car" for a few reasons: It gives good mileage - about 33 mpg. (This is a confirmed number because I kept track of it the first year.) Second, it's low maintenance. Any shop can fix it, don't need to go the Honda shops. Haven't had any major problems yet (58k miles). The only "big" problem I've had so far is that the driver side door wiring is gone (the door light doesn't turn on when it's open and the ignition key noise doesn't come on when the key is in and the door is open). Third, this is a "friendly" car because I didn't know how to drive an automatic until I got it. As a friend put it, it was very forgiving of me when I was learning. Fourth, price is reasonable. I got a very good price. (Use the internet for comparison shopping - get lots of quotes and bargain.)

When I was deciding on my purchase, I had the option to buy the hybrid version. The hybrid technology was still pretty new then and I read that there was some special oil and maintenance for it. So I decided against the hybrid, but wish I had gotten it now. If nothing else, for the carpool lane access (in CA). Since I drive mainly highway, the gas savings wouldn't have been awesome.

In terms of downside, I'd say the biggest is what is common to compact cars - they're light. When there's really high wind and/or heavy rain, you can feel it. That's when I'd rather been in a gas-devouring SUV. Luckily, this doesn't happen a lot where I live. The handling is OK - again it's a light car.
Amount Paid (US$): 15,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: LX auto