In late 2002, Honda introduced the Civic Hybrid as its latest entry in this market. The Civic had several strong points: It was based on the familiar and popular Civic body style and could carry five people, and a hybrid Civic had fuel efficiency reaching 650 miles per tank of gas. Many desirable features, such as air conditioning, cruise control, antilock brakes, and a top-quality stereo system, were standard in the Civic Hybrid. It carried a slightly higher sticker price than the gas-powered Civic and offered 20 percent less horsepower. At the time of the launch, Thad Melesh of J.D. Power spoke highly of the Civic Hybrid’s market potential: ‘’[Hybrid sales] growth . . . comes from buyers who want hybrid versions of regular vehicles, and not a ‘quirky-type greenish vehicle.’