2018 Honda Clarity Plug in Hybrid Customer Reviews

Pros

• Fuel Economy

  Very easy on the wallet. We are able to do most of our local running around on electric power. Can take longer trips without worrying about finding charging stations.

• Reliability

  We have owned several Hondas. They are the most reliable cars we have owned.

Cons

Pros

• Fuel Economy

  40 miles electric only, then 40+ mpg after that on the hybrid ICE.

• Cabin Noise

  Smooth and Quiet Ride

Cons

Pros

• Fuel Economy

• Interior Space

• Braking

Cons

• Technology and Entertainment

Pros

• Cost to Maintain

• Fuel Economy

• Ride and Handling

Cons

• Cabin Noise

  If it is running only on electric, the cabin is very quiet. Once it converts to gas powered, the engine is kind of loud. It took a bit to get used to it, but once I know why the engine is being loud, it is fine.

• Seat Comfort

  No terrible, but does need a little better lumbar support.

Pros

• Fuel Economy

  1.5 hrs to full charge with level 2 charger (41.5 to 50.7 miles depending on weather: mild = better charge). Avg cost for full charge $1:37. Avg gasoline need: 1.5 gallons regular every 3-5 weeks = Costs roughly $3.74 every 3 to 5 weeks. Fuel has legitimately dropped to approximately $50/MONTH. Work let’s me plug in the Honda included 12Volt level 1 charger while I’m there. No cost to me after I showed them the energy consumption cost from home.

• Braking

  Regenerative breaking adds to my electric range. In addition, the “paddle shifters” are really “left paddle slows the car/right releases the slowing”. These paddles work with the electric motors to add charge to the battery. The paddles use the motors, not the brake pads, and when combined with the brakes, the stopping is smooth, solid, and BOTH add energy to the car for increased range. Oh, my goodness! Less wear and tear on the brakes AND “free” charging.

• Cost to Maintain

  Uses VERY LITTLE gasoline. Regular maintenance visits are no more expensive than our Honda Civic. There is a sensor that lets the driver know the “oil life remaining.” This is better than the arbitrary miles determination. The tires are low roll resistance, high energy efficiency tires. Although this means it is an initial expensive purchase, the tires are by default, high quality. They have been lasting their full mileage “life expectancy.”

Cons

• Weather Versatility

  Bad decision in newer cars to eliminate the JACK AND SPARE TIRE! The little compressor and “fix-a-flat” canister goop are worthless and leave the driver/passengers/kids stranded if there is sidewall damage, or a hole too large to stop an “air leak”. Roadside assistance is WORTHLESS if cell service is spotty or you ironically have no charge on your cell phone. And no spare is available for purchase yet (without buying a full sized entire tire) and jack. Unnecessary “extra” extra weight. Otherwise, batteries do vary in charge range with extremes of weather temperature.

Pros

• Fuel Economy

• Technology and Entertainment

• Ride and Handling

Cons

Pros

• Fuel Economy

• Value

• Seat Comfort

Cons

• Cargo Space

Pros

• Ride and Handling

  very soft and plush

• Fuel Economy

  Have filled up $120 in first 6k miles

Cons

• Weather Versatility

  Not available in AWD

Pros

• Fuel Economy

  once you understand on how to toggle between plug in and hybrid, you can get up to 80mpg

• Interior Space

  larger than an accord, leather

• Ride and Handling

  smooth on ev mode, nice acceleration, decently quick and nimble

Cons

• Cabin Noise

  Honda reverse engineering to put electric back to the battery is based upon a big turbine type of engine, it is quite loud

• Technology and Entertainment

  Honda did not update the clarity, so the screen is on the lower resolution side compared with same year cars, technologies are at least a year or two behind the competitors (except Toyota).

• Fuel Economy

  manual toggle between plug in and hybrid, not as smart as Prius

Pros

• Fuel Economy

  great daily driver. gets about 80 MPG in HV mode

• Cabin Noise

  very quiet in ev mode.

• Power

  uses both gas and electric engines when you need that extra power or just feel sporty

Cons

• Styling

  from the side it looks like a grandma car.