Honda Civic Hybrid - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

braisler · 07-26-2005, 11:38 AM

While I love the idea of the hybrid technology, I really don't think that it is being used to its fullest potential. In 1997-8, I used to own a 1991 Honda CRX HF. Standard gasoline engine, with a light body style, and just two seats. It was a great car and I still sometimes wish that I had it today. I would routinely average 50-52 mpg with that car. Fast forward 15 years from the manufacture of that car, and the best that they can do with an Insight is 60-62. Are you kidding! And the CRX is not the only car like this. There were plenty of cars from the mid-80s to the mid-90s that were smaller builds that gave better than 35 mpg.

Now they are offering hybrid engines for the increase in horse power more than the increase in fuel economy. What is up with that? I know, I know... the idiot consumers (us) want to have all of the power to accelerate quickly, climb any grade at full speed, etc. Well, not this consumer! I saw that the new year Honda Accord is going to be offering a 4 cyl., a 6 cyl., and a 6 cyl. with hybrid assist. The hybrid has 15 or so more horsepower than the gas 6 cyl. and the fuel economy is 1, one, uno, mpg better than the 4 cyl! One mile per gallon better! WTF.

What I would like to see in the future is a hybrid car with a console switch that allowed the driver to select between performance and economy. That car would have the broader appeal that hybrids need to have to capture a decent market share. And it would allow the driver to select between accelerating quickly and saving fuel. Mine would probably never leave the economy mode. Unless I drove to Colorado and needed to get up some of those mountain passes. Does anyone else see this becoming a reality?

G_Whiz · 07-31-2005, 04:38 PM

Well, I'm not going to get into the choices that the automakers have made. I agree with most of braisler's points, but I don't think that they are relevant to the question that was asked.

Just to update. I have had my Civic Hybrid for over 2 years now. I still love it. I average 38 mpg around town, which is the majority of my driving. When I do get out on the freeways, I get between 42 and 52 mpg depending on how many hills I have to climb. When I drive from my home to my son's home I have several steep climbs. Those definitely bring the mpg down.

My car has plenty of power. I can get up to speed quickly and maintain it easily. I can climb most hills and power by other cars if needed. It does still startle people who aren't used a car that turns off it's engine when you come to a stop. But that's part of the fun.

Cynthetiq · 07-31-2005, 06:12 PM

actually it's not the consumers.. .consumers are now demanding that hybrid models be badged better to reflect it. the Lexus 440H will have a more prominent badge in the future.

But to address your concerns as to why it's not increased more? Blame CAFE standards....it's why SUVs don't have to have better gas mileage, why compact cars don't have to increase so greatly either.

It has very little to do with the consumer and more with the manufacturers and their lobbyists.

07-26-2005, 11:38 AM	#41 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	While I love the idea of the hybrid technology, I really don't think that it is being used to its fullest potential. In 1997-8, I used to own a 1991 Honda CRX HF. Standard gasoline engine, with a light body style, and just two seats. It was a great car and I still sometimes wish that I had it today. I would routinely average 50-52 mpg with that car. Fast forward 15 years from the manufacture of that car, and the best that they can do with an Insight is 60-62. Are you kidding! And the CRX is not the only car like this. There were plenty of cars from the mid-80s to the mid-90s that were smaller builds that gave better than 35 mpg. Now they are offering hybrid engines for the increase in horse power more than the increase in fuel economy. What is up with that? I know, I know... the idiot consumers (us) want to have all of the power to accelerate quickly, climb any grade at full speed, etc. Well, not this consumer! I saw that the new year Honda Accord is going to be offering a 4 cyl., a 6 cyl., and a 6 cyl. with hybrid assist. The hybrid has 15 or so more horsepower than the gas 6 cyl. and the fuel economy is 1, one, uno, mpg better than the 4 cyl! One mile per gallon better! WTF. What I would like to see in the future is a hybrid car with a console switch that allowed the driver to select between performance and economy. That car would have the broader appeal that hybrids need to have to capture a decent market share. And it would allow the driver to select between accelerating quickly and saving fuel. Mine would probably never leave the economy mode. Unless I drove to Colorado and needed to get up some of those mountain passes. Does anyone else see this becoming a reality? __________________ --- You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. - Albert Einstein ---

07-31-2005, 04:38 PM	#42 (permalink)
G_Whiz Junkie Location: Northern California	Well, I'm not going to get into the choices that the automakers have made. I agree with most of braisler's points, but I don't think that they are relevant to the question that was asked. Just to update. I have had my Civic Hybrid for over 2 years now. I still love it. I average 38 mpg around town, which is the majority of my driving. When I do get out on the freeways, I get between 42 and 52 mpg depending on how many hills I have to climb. When I drive from my home to my son's home I have several steep climbs. Those definitely bring the mpg down. My car has plenty of power. I can get up to speed quickly and maintain it easily. I can climb most hills and power by other cars if needed. It does still startle people who aren't used a car that turns off it's engine when you come to a stop. But that's part of the fun. __________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

07-31-2005, 06:12 PM	#43 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	actually it's not the consumers.. .consumers are now demanding that hybrid models be badged better to reflect it. the Lexus 440H will have a more prominent badge in the future. But to address your concerns as to why it's not increased more? Blame CAFE standards....it's why SUVs don't have to have better gas mileage, why compact cars don't have to increase so greatly either. It has very little to do with the consumer and more with the manufacturers and their lobbyists. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!