Civic efficiency question - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

drainoil · 09-30-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vskid3

Are you sure the 30-32MPG ones weren't the EX trim? They have a more powerful engine and shorter gears.

Well For example I've looked at two '98s (both automatics) that were lx's and both sellers said they got 32-33 tops.

I plan on looking at a '95 ex 1.6 litre automatic (with a sunroof haha) and the seller says gets mid to upper 30s and has pulled 44-45 at times on the freeway. From what I've seen the older models are lighter (and maybe taller gears?) thus giving better mpgs?

For being a small car I don't see why most Civics don't all pull at least 38-40 mpg minimum on the freeway.

Gasoline Fumes · 10-03-2012, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestclimb

92 would be the first year of 4th gen, 91 is last year of the "squareish" body style of the 3rd gen. They are good cars too, but they have kind of an odd fuel injection system.

You've got the generations wrong. 1984-1987 is the 3rd gen. 1988-1991 with the odd dual-injector fuel system is the 4th gen.

darcane · 10-03-2012, 02:01 PM

When I was looking for a Civic, I limited my search to a '96-2000 HX manual, as they are the most efficient that is OBDII.

Then I figured I'd also look at DX Coupes and CX Hatches as well, since they are almost as good.

Then I found a great deal on an '01 HX. Turns out, I shouldn't have left them off my list. I am still learning the car, but easily pulling high 40's for mpg without EOC or any of significant mods. I would leave '01-05 HX (and maybe DX/LX as well) on your list.

Certainly no EX or SI though if you want economy.

bestclimb · 10-03-2012, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

You've got the generations wrong. 1984-1987 is the 3rd gen. 1988-1991 with the odd dual-injector fuel system is the 4th gen.

your right, apparently, I can't count

Fixed my previous posts

PaleMelanesian · 10-03-2012, 02:21 PM

Either 5th gen (92-95) or 6th gen (96-00) with a stick shift. Avoid EX / Si. Vx / Hx if you can find one, but the others do just fine. 96+ has OBD-ii for a Scangauge / Ultragauge. These cars have a LOT of potential by simply adjusting the driver, guided by the gauge.

darcane · 10-03-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drainoil

Well For example I've looked at two '98s (both automatics) that were lx's and both sellers said they got 32-33 tops.

I plan on looking at a '95 ex 1.6 litre automatic (with a sunroof haha) and the seller says gets mid to upper 30s and has pulled 44-45 at times on the freeway. From what I've seen the older models are lighter (and maybe taller gears?) thus giving better mpgs?

For being a small car I don't see why most Civics don't all pull at least 38-40 mpg minimum on the freeway.

I would ignore what most sellers say they get for fuel economy and worry more about which model it is. Most (all for many years?) Civics with sunroofs are EXs and you will have a harder time getting high mpgs out of one, so for me a sunroof was a dealbreaker. Having an automatic will also make it more difficult. Compare EPA rated fuel economy to figure out what models you want to look for: Fuel Economy

Also be wary of swapped motors and extensive mods (i.e. replacing exhaust on an HX can prevent you from using Lean Burn). There are a lot of hacked up Civics out there.

drainoil · 10-03-2012, 07:12 PM

I will soon be taking a close look at a '98 lx (no sunroof) auto. Wife can't drive a stick so I have to have an auto.

Yes I'm plugging every car I find into the fuel economy website. If I can get this lx for a good price, I'll use the methods learned here to max out the mpgs. I would think I can get close to 40 on the freeway?

I know its apple to oranges but my old '82 Ford Escort (carb'd and no computer)with automatic was getting mid to upper 30s on the freeway back in college.

PaleMelanesian · 10-04-2012, 09:17 AM

My DX can do low 40's mpg with the cruise set at 65. (at least, it could a few years ago. I get better numbers myself than cruise can)

drainoil · 10-04-2012, 01:43 PM

How much heavier is a '98 lx 4 Door vs a same year 2 Door dx?

darcane · 10-04-2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drainoil

How much heavier is a '98 lx 4 Door vs a same year 2 Door dx?

Just under 100 lbs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_C...xth_generation)

7th Gen ('01-'05) Sedan is only about 40lbs heavier. If you want real light, go for a manual CX hatchback at 2200lbs.