Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

Well, I guess it's a moot point now; with the increase in MSRP on the
'06, coupled with the limited supply (and thus the unwillingness of
dealers to move on the price), the IMA Accord is just too pricey for
us now. So, we'll keep the '04 IMA civic and enjoy our newest
purchase...an '06 Audi A3.

So, I guess we have a couple of things in common; although my wife has
the hybrid and I have the German car...

Later!

BH

On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 06:59:49 -0600, CC <cwcjunior@REM.juno.com> wrote:

>I have outfitted my '05 with a spare at mucho $$$$. Currently getting
>the EPA 29 "in town" but that is not a lot of true stop and go.
>Pretty straight shot to work on a limited access at 55, but the humps
>are enough to drop it out of 3-cyl mode. I get over 37 mpg on
>interstates from your neighboring state to the west traveling to the
>neighbor in the east to see the grandkids.
>
>Sunroof would have been nice... I think the calculation method for
>hybrids was or is changing to assure the same charge in the battery at
>the finish as at the start. (Not sure if it was a requirement in the
>past.)
>
>I wish I still had the Civic, also, for around town, but the wife
>would not let go of having a (German) American car and trade hers in.
>
> If I could only have one and it was my trip car - I take the Accord.
>The Hybrids are status not $$$ savings, anyway, for the next 5 years -
>no matter whose it is. Maybe then the cost penalty will lessen and
>the technology will improve.
>
>TTFN
>
>On Wed, 08 Mar 2006 17:30:40 -0500, Spazpop2000
><spaz_pop@bellsouth.com> wrote:
>
>>We're batting around the idea of an IMA Accord as well; mileage isn't
>>as great as it could be (if they offerd it as a 4-cyl vs. the 6-cyl),
>>but it's also nice having the extra power and cabin space.
>>
>>Did you buy an '05 or '06? I'm curious as to the reduction in EPA
>>mileage estimates on the '06 vs. '05- it wouldn't seem that the extra
>>80-90 pounds that a spare and sunroof adds would decrease mileage by
>>that much. There are claims that it is just matter of weight class;
>>the extra poundage kicked it into another class, which reduced mileage
>>figures.
>>
>>I did take an '06 for a test drive on the perimeter around Athens,
>>Ga.- got it up to 65, set the cruise control, and let it run for 15
>>miles. It averaged 38.6 mpg on the gently rolling terrain. Mieage
>>was much worse in the stop/go traffic back to the dealership,
>>though...
>>
>>On Tue, 07 Mar 2006 22:47:59 -0600, CC <cwcjunior@REM.juno.com> wrote:
>>
>>>Thanks, Spaz_pop Great Site. I'll have to register my Accord, which
>>>is my second Honda Hybrid. I had a Civic CVT, but my wife didn't like
>>>the small car ride. Nor, since she was brought up with a 4-speed
>>>could she ever get over/use to the "slipping clutch" feel of the CVT.
>>>
>>>On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 16:27:34 -0500, Spazpop2000
>>><spaz_pop@bellsouth.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>>For the longest time (25,000 miles), we averaged about 43 mpg combined
>>>>(70% hwy, 30% city) with our "04 Civic hybrid. As of late (and
>>>>mainly due to a change in driving techniques, I might add), we are
>>>>averaging around 46 mpg. There is some truth to the "break-in" claim,
>>>>but the best way to save fuel is through modifying your driving
>>>>habits.
>>>>
>>>>Check out this site for info on actual mileage results from other
>>>>owners, as well as driving tips for maximizing fuel economy:
>>>>
>>>>http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/
>>>>
>>>>Good luck!
>>>>
>>>>On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 15:35:44 -0600, muzz <jmuzz@charter.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>Welcome to the club. I have one that's two years old with 7000 miles
>>>>>on it. I got the same BS from the dealer about break in. When I had
>>>>>700 miles they said wait until 5000, when I had 5000 they said " Just
>>>>>what mileage do you expect"? I told them I would be happy in the
>>>>>low 40s. After two years, I have never seen more than 34 in town.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 08:52:54 -0500, "Flyifyoucan"
>>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
>>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
>>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
>>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
>>>>>>fuel economy.
>>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
>>>>>>

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

>>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
>>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
>>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
>>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
>>>>>>fuel economy.
>>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
>>>>>>
>
>

I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.

The break-in argument is a smoke screen.

John

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

>>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
>>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
>>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
>>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
>>>>>>fuel economy.
>>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
>>>>>>
>
>

I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.

The break-in argument is a smoke screen.

John

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6p2Xf.17010$W75.5457@trnddc07...
>
> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the car
> companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>
> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>
> John
>
Very few people have achieved the EPA numbers since they were developed
three decades ago. That's why the disclaimers that the numbers are for
comparison purposes only and that your mileage may vary.

That said, our 2002 Prius is usually within 10% of the estimates in decent
weather; upper 40s to lower 50s around town and roughly the same on the
freeway. Cold weather takes a toll, and today's freeway speeds no longer
match the EPA test conditions.

Mike

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6p2Xf.17010$W75.5457@trnddc07...
>
> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the car
> companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>
> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>
> John
>
Very few people have achieved the EPA numbers since they were developed
three decades ago. That's why the disclaimers that the numbers are for
comparison purposes only and that your mileage may vary.

That said, our 2002 Prius is usually within 10% of the estimates in decent
weather; upper 40s to lower 50s around town and roughly the same on the
freeway. Cold weather takes a toll, and today's freeway speeds no longer
match the EPA test conditions.

Mike

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

My 2003 Civic got an overall 40 to 41 (grand total during ownership)
with High 30's in town and 44 to 45 on the interstates. If I stayed
at 55 mph then I could get 48 on the highway. LIke Mike, within 10%
if you always behaved.


On Fri, 31 Mar 2006 05:58:20 -0700, "Michael Pardee"
<michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

>"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:6p2Xf.17010$W75.5457@trnddc07...
>>
>> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
>> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the car
>> companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>>
>> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>>
>> John
>>
>Very few people have achieved the EPA numbers since they were developed
>three decades ago. That's why the disclaimers that the numbers are for
>comparison purposes only and that your mileage may vary.
>
>That said, our 2002 Prius is usually within 10% of the estimates in decent
>weather; upper 40s to lower 50s around town and roughly the same on the
>freeway. Cold weather takes a toll, and today's freeway speeds no longer
>match the EPA test conditions.
>
>Mike
>

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

My 2003 Civic got an overall 40 to 41 (grand total during ownership)
with High 30's in town and 44 to 45 on the interstates. If I stayed
at 55 mph then I could get 48 on the highway. LIke Mike, within 10%
if you always behaved.


On Fri, 31 Mar 2006 05:58:20 -0700, "Michael Pardee"
<michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

>"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:6p2Xf.17010$W75.5457@trnddc07...
>>
>> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
>> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the car
>> companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>>
>> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>>
>> John
>>
>Very few people have achieved the EPA numbers since they were developed
>three decades ago. That's why the disclaimers that the numbers are for
>comparison purposes only and that your mileage may vary.
>
>That said, our 2002 Prius is usually within 10% of the estimates in decent
>weather; upper 40s to lower 50s around town and roughly the same on the
>freeway. Cold weather takes a toll, and today's freeway speeds no longer
>match the EPA test conditions.
>
>Mike
>

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

John Horner wrote:
> >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> >>>>>>fuel economy.
> >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> >>>>>>
> >
> >
>
> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>
> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>
> John

Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

John Horner wrote:
> >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> >>>>>>fuel economy.
> >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> >>>>>>
> >
> >
>
> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>
> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>
> John

Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

John Horner wrote:
> >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> >>>>>>fuel economy.
> >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> >>>>>>
> >
> >
>
> I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>
> The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>
> John

Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

Hi / I also just recntly purchased a honda civic hybrid 2006. great
car, but I am not yet overly impressed my the mileage i get in town
(note though that the twon is mexico city, and the high altitude
(around 7000 ft) might have an influende.
But perhaps jdsnipes could tell readers a secret or two how to hande
the hybrid. Is it worth paying attention to not using the aircondition
a lot?, does it make sense to try and keep the battery full? is i
better use the breaks or the lower gear when driving downhill? how
"soft: should one best accelerate ?
I am sure that driving patterns matter, but which exactly are best
suited to the hybrid?
By the way, I never ever seem to have had the electric motor only move
the car forward.., even when rolling at low speeds..
is there a trick to make this happen??

regards
gr

rysa4 wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> > >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> > >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> > >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> > >>>>>>fuel economy.
> > >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> > >>>>>>
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> > their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> > car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
> >
> > The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
> >
> > John
>
> Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
> by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
> personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

Hi / I also just recntly purchased a honda civic hybrid 2006. great
car, but I am not yet overly impressed my the mileage i get in town
(note though that the twon is mexico city, and the high altitude
(around 7000 ft) might have an influende.
But perhaps jdsnipes could tell readers a secret or two how to hande
the hybrid. Is it worth paying attention to not using the aircondition
a lot?, does it make sense to try and keep the battery full? is i
better use the breaks or the lower gear when driving downhill? how
"soft: should one best accelerate ?
I am sure that driving patterns matter, but which exactly are best
suited to the hybrid?
By the way, I never ever seem to have had the electric motor only move
the car forward.., even when rolling at low speeds..
is there a trick to make this happen??

regards
gr

rysa4 wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> > >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> > >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> > >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> > >>>>>>fuel economy.
> > >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> > >>>>>>
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> > their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> > car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
> >
> > The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
> >
> > John
>
> Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
> by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
> personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

Hi / I also just recntly purchased a honda civic hybrid 2006. great
car, but I am not yet overly impressed my the mileage i get in town
(note though that the twon is mexico city, and the high altitude
(around 7000 ft) might have an influende.
But perhaps jdsnipes could tell readers a secret or two how to hande
the hybrid. Is it worth paying attention to not using the aircondition
a lot?, does it make sense to try and keep the battery full? is i
better use the breaks or the lower gear when driving downhill? how
"soft: should one best accelerate ?
I am sure that driving patterns matter, but which exactly are best
suited to the hybrid?
By the way, I never ever seem to have had the electric motor only move
the car forward.., even when rolling at low speeds..
is there a trick to make this happen??

regards
gr

rysa4 wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
> > >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
> > >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
> > >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
> > >>>>>>fuel economy.
> > >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
> > >>>>>>
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
> > their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
> > car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
> >
> > The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
> >
> > John
>
> Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
> by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
> personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

I added an old post below, also.

1) The current crop of Honda's never move on electric only. The
engine must always be running.

2) As I explain below, I do get the rated mileage on the Accord but
was between 5 and 10 % under epa on the Civic.

3) As you coast you will see it start charging (called regeneration or
regen mode), then as soon as you touch the brake, you will see it
increase the regen and with significant braking pressure the
regeneration goes to maximum. So, in general, the care and feeding of
the battery will take care of itself. Even when living in a mountain
state where you MUST use the engine on long downhills and PUMP the
brakes, remember BRAKE PADS ARE CHEAPER THAN ENGINES. The brakes are
usually the better primary means for passenger autos.

If you know you are going to climb a long hill, then yes it is better
to have a full battery to start, but there are limited, if any, things
you can do that are worth doing. If you need the electric boost to
have sufficient total horespower, then maybe going out of the way to
charge the battery first has some merit, but very little. Once the
battery is gone, hill climbing capability gets pretty poor in the
Civics with CVT. Not a problem in the Accords.

Other than that here is what I think of the Accord:
>I have had an 03 Civic Hybrid and now have an 05' Accord Hybrid. If I
>had to have one or the other, in today's market and gas prices, I
>still choose the Accord. It is my trip vehicle and the 03 Civic did
>not cut it. Wandered, under powered (Do NOT get the CVT Civic if you
>pull out onto busy 50 mph two lane roads, regularly), and
>uncomfortable, even with the Leather interior (aftermarket) upgrade I
>had on it.
>
>Yes, I like power and my first new car was a V8 back in the day -
>'70s. The Accord Hybrid (as is true of ALL current Hybrids) will NOT
>save you money over the life of ownership, fact - read any study. The
>premium cost is too high to be made up by gas savings. Heaven help
>you should need something unique fixed. (The AC radiator/condensor is
>$750) So, why own it.
>
>It is the fastest production Honda Accord with 15 hp ('05) more than
>the non-hybrid V6. The Hybrid gets 29 mpg in town (and I do get about
>that) and I get 34.5 mpg at 80 mph average highway and the rated 37
>mpg if I average 60 - 65 mph. The non-hybrid 05 V6 comparably
>equipped, actually gets 18-22 city and 27- 32 highway.
>
>So, I ride in luxury (the Accord starts with everything and adds
>hybrid), get the best mileage of any vehicle with comparable
>performance, can comfortably transport 5 and have LOCKOUT-ABLE trunk
>storage (the Prius has no secure storage when you leave it for service
>or leave valuables in the "trunk").
>
>I work around and build military hybrids and chose to own one, just to
>say that I do. Status - which is the only reason to own one - today.
>That will not be the case in 5 to 10 years.
>
>BTW: Yes, I am hunting for some lightning bolt symbol magnets to put
>on the side to flaunt that it is a hybrid,
>
>Honda did just fine, by me. (except for the lack of a spare, which I
>have solved - after market.)
>


On 13 May 2006 15:56:01 -0700, "greg" <gregor.heinrich@gmail.com>
wrote:

>Hi / I also just recntly purchased a honda civic hybrid 2006. great
>car, but I am not yet overly impressed my the mileage i get in town
>(note though that the twon is mexico city, and the high altitude
>(around 7000 ft) might have an influende.
>But perhaps jdsnipes could tell readers a secret or two how to hande
>the hybrid. Is it worth paying attention to not using the aircondition
>a lot?, does it make sense to try and keep the battery full? is i
>better use the breaks or the lower gear when driving downhill? how
>"soft: should one best accelerate ?
>I am sure that driving patterns matter, but which exactly are best
>suited to the hybrid?
>By the way, I never ever seem to have had the electric motor only move
>the car forward.., even when rolling at low speeds..
>is there a trick to make this happen??
>
>regards
>gr
>
>rysa4 wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>> > >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
>> > >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
>> > >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
>> > >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
>> > >>>>>>fuel economy.
>> > >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> > I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
>> > their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
>> > car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>> >
>> > The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>> >
>> > John
>>
>> Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
>> by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
>> personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.

Re: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
 

I added an old post below, also.

1) The current crop of Honda's never move on electric only. The
engine must always be running.

2) As I explain below, I do get the rated mileage on the Accord but
was between 5 and 10 % under epa on the Civic.

3) As you coast you will see it start charging (called regeneration or
regen mode), then as soon as you touch the brake, you will see it
increase the regen and with significant braking pressure the
regeneration goes to maximum. So, in general, the care and feeding of
the battery will take care of itself. Even when living in a mountain
state where you MUST use the engine on long downhills and PUMP the
brakes, remember BRAKE PADS ARE CHEAPER THAN ENGINES. The brakes are
usually the better primary means for passenger autos.

If you know you are going to climb a long hill, then yes it is better
to have a full battery to start, but there are limited, if any, things
you can do that are worth doing. If you need the electric boost to
have sufficient total horespower, then maybe going out of the way to
charge the battery first has some merit, but very little. Once the
battery is gone, hill climbing capability gets pretty poor in the
Civics with CVT. Not a problem in the Accords.

Other than that here is what I think of the Accord:
>I have had an 03 Civic Hybrid and now have an 05' Accord Hybrid. If I
>had to have one or the other, in today's market and gas prices, I
>still choose the Accord. It is my trip vehicle and the 03 Civic did
>not cut it. Wandered, under powered (Do NOT get the CVT Civic if you
>pull out onto busy 50 mph two lane roads, regularly), and
>uncomfortable, even with the Leather interior (aftermarket) upgrade I
>had on it.
>
>Yes, I like power and my first new car was a V8 back in the day -
>'70s. The Accord Hybrid (as is true of ALL current Hybrids) will NOT
>save you money over the life of ownership, fact - read any study. The
>premium cost is too high to be made up by gas savings. Heaven help
>you should need something unique fixed. (The AC radiator/condensor is
>$750) So, why own it.
>
>It is the fastest production Honda Accord with 15 hp ('05) more than
>the non-hybrid V6. The Hybrid gets 29 mpg in town (and I do get about
>that) and I get 34.5 mpg at 80 mph average highway and the rated 37
>mpg if I average 60 - 65 mph. The non-hybrid 05 V6 comparably
>equipped, actually gets 18-22 city and 27- 32 highway.
>
>So, I ride in luxury (the Accord starts with everything and adds
>hybrid), get the best mileage of any vehicle with comparable
>performance, can comfortably transport 5 and have LOCKOUT-ABLE trunk
>storage (the Prius has no secure storage when you leave it for service
>or leave valuables in the "trunk").
>
>I work around and build military hybrids and chose to own one, just to
>say that I do. Status - which is the only reason to own one - today.
>That will not be the case in 5 to 10 years.
>
>BTW: Yes, I am hunting for some lightning bolt symbol magnets to put
>on the side to flaunt that it is a hybrid,
>
>Honda did just fine, by me. (except for the lack of a spare, which I
>have solved - after market.)
>


On 13 May 2006 15:56:01 -0700, "greg" <gregor.heinrich@gmail.com>
wrote:

>Hi / I also just recntly purchased a honda civic hybrid 2006. great
>car, but I am not yet overly impressed my the mileage i get in town
>(note though that the twon is mexico city, and the high altitude
>(around 7000 ft) might have an influende.
>But perhaps jdsnipes could tell readers a secret or two how to hande
>the hybrid. Is it worth paying attention to not using the aircondition
>a lot?, does it make sense to try and keep the battery full? is i
>better use the breaks or the lower gear when driving downhill? how
>"soft: should one best accelerate ?
>I am sure that driving patterns matter, but which exactly are best
>suited to the hybrid?
>By the way, I never ever seem to have had the electric motor only move
>the car forward.., even when rolling at low speeds..
>is there a trick to make this happen??
>
>regards
>gr
>
>rysa4 wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>> > >>>>><jdsnipes@coastalnow.net> wrote:
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>>>I recently purchased a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and am very dissapointed in
>> > >>>>>>the fuel economy. I am only getting an average of 40~42 MPG vs the
>> > >>>>>>advertised 49~50. I was told by the dealer to let it break in and then the
>> > >>>>>>milage will get better. I have over 900 miles on the car now with the same
>> > >>>>>>fuel economy.
>> > >>>>>>jdsnipes@aol.com
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> > I have yet to find anyone who actually achieves the fuel economy with
>> > their hybrids that the "EPA" numbers suggest. Somehow or another the
>> > car companies, Honda included, are gaming the process.
>> >
>> > The break-in argument is a smoke screen.
>> >
>> > John
>>
>> Not really John. The database at greenhybrid.com, tank by tank, and car
>> by car, show folks getting considerably above the EPA estimates. I
>> personally get 47.5 city and 51 highway, about spot on.