This asymmetric three-door splits into two personalities: buy the base 2.0L and you get a buzzy economy car that looks quick but drives like it's apologizing, while the Turbo and especially the N deliver genuine hot-hatch thrills that embarrass cars twice the price. The 2013s grenaded engines with rod knock and bearing failures, avoid completely. Later first-gen models (2015+) and the second-gen (2019-2021, now discontinued) are far more solid, but every year suffers from comically persistent horn failures that need replacement after replacement, even under warranty. If you're considering a 2015+ Turbo or any N, commit to 4,000-mile oil changes and accept the horn lottery, you'll get a legitimately fun driver's car for used Civic money. Skip the base model unless you need cheap transport and nothing more.
Toyota's lifted hybrid sedan splits the difference between Camry and Lexus ES, delivering 40+ MPG and a genuinely upscale interior at a discount, dealers are knocking $7,000+ off sticker because nobody knows what to make of it. The powertrain is strong, the ride is smooth, and one owner walked away from a gooseneck truck collision with just a sore shoulder. The persistent flaw is wind noise from the A-pillar that dealers acknowledge but won't fix, calling it a design quirk rather than a defect. If highway hum doesn't bother you and you want Lexus comfort without the Lexus price, this is a smart buy. If you're noise-sensitive, the ES350h costs more but stays quiet.