Fuel Economy Stinks

[jkfraser]

We purchased our 07 Honda Civic Hybrid in Dec 06. So far, we haven't been able to get much over 38-40 mpg . We were expecting closer to 50 mpg. What can we do to improve efficiency? Were our expectations in error?

Thanks for the help.

[efusco]

Your main issues are probably related to the cold and that the car and tires are not yet broken in.

This Article was written for the Prius but most of the same concepts still apply.

If you supply details about your commute (speed, distance, etc), other driving, driving style (aggressive, anticipatory, slow, etc), tire pressures (you've checked those right?) and anything else about your car and driving we may be able to give other tips and hints.

Don't fret though...you're still getting very good FE and will see things improve after reading the article and with time, experience and better weather.

[GripperDon]

The mileage on all these things stink.

[efusco]

All what things compared to what else?

[dave]

Originally Posted by GripperDon

The mileage on all these things stink.

I don't know what your complaint is but I have a lifetime average of over 42 mpg on a Camry Hybrid. I have had the car for 11 months and have just passed 12,000 miles. Considering the EPA rating is 40/38, I have no complaints.

[tankermate]

Took a road trip in the Camry, and got between 38 and 42 at highway speeds, June in the Berkshires and Green Mountains. Love that car.

First generation prius have gotten 45 in the winter and 55 in the summer for Martha's Vineyard driving, kind of a mix, but since front end got mashed in a collision, can't do better than 48 in the summer.

Daughter's Corolla gets 35 or so on the highway. Not so bad, and probably a good price point for purchase and economy. Don't know the total lifetime energy costs of the three, but the Corolla seems a better return on capital invested for a novice car owner.

[lisalisa]

Well well... lets see. If I drive like we are supposed to, I get great mileage. If you drive like the rest of society, then you get what your lead foot gives you...

IMHO, I like my car... it's a shame that society has to drive like lunatics, and I get stuck in traffic with the likes of them.
I can get 48 in the city. Just find another sensable driver to drive behind, and you'll be fine. Learn to use the MPG guage that Honda designed for you.
If your one of those who just has to be ahead of everybody else, then go ahead... it's your mileage
LL

[familyman]

I purchased a 2003 CHH last week, and have been getting 51-53 mpg traveling freeway/city. When I received the car, it had 1/2 tank of gas - which I was able to achieve 52.9 mpg on. On the second tank I've only traveled 275 miles and have so far achieved 51.4 mpg. I notice that I do watch the gauges a lot, and also have been anticipating traffic ahead so as to not throttle all the way into a stop light or cars ahead instead, I try and coast. Also, on the freeway I am anticipating the traffic ahead and letting off the gas, as opposed to continually applying the break/gas in mild traffic as the "pack" mentality suggests. So far I am very pleased with my purchase.

[Nipper110]

Have a 2007 Civic Hybrid I did not get the milege untill I had 4000 miles on her. My wife and I went fron Schenectady NY to Utica NY which is 88 Miles I traveled at 50 MPH with the cruise on and got 68 MPG. When going to Yorktown Heights wich is 120 miles away On the Taconic Highway in the mountains I got 57 MPG that trip I stayed at the speed limit Windows closed and no A/C City driving I average 47 to 52 no jack rabbit starts coasting down hills and when on flat level surfaces let on the gas and slightly push on the gas and the electric motor runs the car by itself hope this helps I also do not pass cars.

[Kperr2]

I have a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid with over 100,000 miles on it. For a while I was getting 33-34 and I was upset, after doing a couple fix ups I am getting almost 45 city/50 Hwy. I am thrilled and I love my car!