Driving a Civic Hybrid
 

So Im driving a 2006 Civic Hybrid now.


The people that I got it from, replaced it with a new V8 Camaro that gets 16mpg.
*golf clap*


The Honda dealership checked it out and everythings a go.
However they gave a "recommendation" to change
ALL the filters and fluids at the tune of $500+
(LOL WUT!)


The original sticker says 49/51
However the revised numbers are 40/45
I still live on the same Evil hill, so Im shooting for at least 35mpg


It doesnt coast very well on flats as it likes a steady foot.
Good thing for cruise control.

It seems to be afraid of hills.
But once it overcomes its fears and goes over the top, it just wont slow down!

Im not loving the excessive tire noise
(Tires do have around 10k life though)


Not really gonna mod it, but if I do it'll be lower grill block and wheel skirts.

On a cool note, the Civic Hybrid comes stock with underbody panels
(which incidently fit other Civic Sedans. Cost is around $150. Just fyi)


So in no particular order Ive driven a 01 Civic, CRX, Yaris, and an Echo.
Theyve all pulled over 30mpg with the Yaris taking the lead with 35mpg.
Lets see what a Hybrid can do!




Update 11/18
Logged 38.74 mpg
(Instrumentation said 37.9)

Told you my hill was a killer!

Example:

To and from: +.3 there, -.5 driving back home (all loss is up the hill).

I gassed up and in 3 miles on flat ground racked over 55 mpg

Then went up the hill and it dropped to mid 30s.


Not the actual car but Ill get one up soon:
http://images.cars.com/phototab/DMI/84238/52.jpg

Hey - congrats on the new ride!

Hope you don't mind I moved the thread from Intro's to here. We already know who you are :)

no problem at all

:thumbup:

Congrats on the new car. Keep us update with how it goes with the Civic.

thanks! i didnt know you got an aveo. guess i have some reading to do. ;)

Less than 35 MPG in a CRX? Must have been a real zoomy one, or perhaps you weren't trying. Or both... ;)

(My tanks just dropped below 45 MPG for my 1990 Si, the "sporty" model for the US.)

-soD

Great to hear you purchased a HCH II. I also drive a 2006 civic hybrid and love it!

Be sure to ask the dealer if it has had the latest IMA reprogramming. There was a recall about 6 months ago. The programming update helped alot in the driveability and improved FE a bit. I usually get between 44 and 48. It is slow on the hills, seems like power kicks in at 5000 to 5500 RPMs. Don't be afraid to drive the revs up that high. I noticed the MPG actually improves if you get up to speed fast and then back off on the hills.

Also increasing the tire pressure helped with the FE.

Only mod I have done so far is moving the license plate down over the lower grill opening. And adding a K&N air filter.

I will be in Hawaii next month to run the marathon!!

Keep us up to date on your new wheels!

I had the Si. Very fun and zoomy. But I try for the most part. Got almost 35mpg but the tanks were hard to track. I tried to time the pumps but it was never the same on that car.

Post your car and gas logs Dave!

Got the update. Tires at max pressure 44psi. Thought about moving the LP lower but we'll see if that actually happens. (I know you notch the holder but I dont have a dremel) And I wont be using a KN filter but the air filter IS dirty so Ill probably be replacing it along with the oil. Stupid expensive 0w-20!

And Ive tried different ways of going up the hill. (Speed/RPM wise)
Sadly though the speed is only 25mph but most people go 40-ish.
(its not worth the $100+ ticket however)

Cool youre running the marathon. Not the first time I take it?

Nice:)
Any way to reduce weight? That's probably what would help you the most on the Evil Hill. Keep trying with technique, I'm sure you'll find a sweet spot.